Yu Wenbin, from Mathematics with Computer Science (MCS) Program of Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), Cohort 2023, has been selected for the 2025 PKU Algebraic Combinatorics Experience (PACE). This event is held by Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research and is conducted in English. It recruits 20-25 outstanding undergraduates from universities worldwide each year.

The program aimed at sparking research interest and cultivating top talents in algebraic combinatorics among undergraduates. It offers an immersive short–term research experience and a long–term learning and communication platform. The project adopts a collaborative discussion research model, with topics provided by domestic and international experts. Students are free to choose projects of interest for collaborative discussion. At the end of the project, each research group is required to present their findings publicly. Groups with significant results may submit their work to academic journals. For these reasons, the selection process for the project is highly rigorous. Applicants are required to complete an online math test and submit a personal statement, an academic transcript, and a recommendation letter.

When talking about how he got involved in the project, Yu Wenbin said it was thanks to the comprehensive curriculum of GTIIT and the selfless help from the faculty. Associate Professor Evgeny Smirnov’s Introduction to group theory and Associate Professor Nikita Kalinin’s Number Theory provided a board vision and abundant experience in solving related math problems, which enabled him to better compete the selection test for the summer camp. Dr. Chen Fen offered guidance on writing of personal statement and provided practical templates and tips. “Prof. Smirnov also wrote me a letter of recommendation; his strong academic ability and international reputation played an important role in my application. ”

Wenbin's solid mathematical foundation also proved instrumental in his successful application. “I didn’t expect I would be selected. I just prepared all the materials carefully. The moment I knew the result, I was really excited.”

This summer camp admitted 20 students from world-renowned universities like Harvard, UCL, Sorbonne, Peking University, Tsinghua University, University of Science and Technology of China and Fudan University. Through interactions with these outstanding peers, Wenbin is continuously improving himself. “They are incredibly talented with extensive mathematical knowledge. I’m more skilled in coding, attributed to GTIIT's MCS program that systematically integrates computer science into its core curriculum.”

The summer camp curriculum is full and rewarding, consisting of three weeks of offline classes and five weeks of online courses. In the first week, instructors presented cutting–edge and engaging topics in algebraic combinatorics. The second week requires them to report on the topics and papers recommended by the instructors and then choose the interested research group.  Wenbin also mentioned his experience in Peking University, “Walking by the Weiming Lake, I took very beautiful photos and made many friends.”

This year's camp has ten instructors offering a variety of topics, covering algebraic combinatorial issues in graph theory, algebraic geometry, algebraic topology, and geometric representation theory. The offline courses have been completed. Wenbin plans to keep exploring the geometric representation theory in the upcoming online courses, acquiring more problem-solving skills.