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SCNU President Wang Enke presented a first moral education seminar at the University Town campus of SCNU on September 29. The theme of the seminar was carrying forward the spirit of Chinese scientists and striving for dreams in the new era.
President Wang Enke of SCNU delivers a seminar to students.
According to the document on carrying forward the spirit of Chinese scientists and enhancing academic integrity issued in June 2019, the spirit of Chinese scientists in the new era has been defined by patriotism, innovation, truth-seeking, dedication, teamwork, and promoting young successors. To thoroughly elaborate on this spirit, Wang Enke cited stories of Chinese scientists who worked since the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as evidence that without their unremitting explorations, science and technology in China would not have developed from weakness to strength with emerging high technologies.
Among them, examples of the founding fathers of the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" like Qian Sanqiang, Deng Jiaxian, Yu Min, Qian Xuesen and Sun Jiadong, the founder of FAST project, Nan Rendong were exemplified. Among them is also Doctor Zhong Nanshan, one of the recipients of Medal of the Republic which is the highest honour in China. They all comprehensively embody the spirit of Chinese scientists.
Wang Enke tells the story of Qian Sanqiang and Deng Jiaxian, founders of Chinese nuclear arms industry.
On the school level, the past 89-years history of SCNU has also witnessed many industrious and innovative exploits of excellent staff and students. In guiding students to review the history of school running and the development of science and technology at SCNU, Wang provided students with vivid pictures of some famous SCNU figures showing the spirit of Chinese scientists.
Mr. Lin Liru, a famous educator, who founded the Guangdong Provincial Xiangqin Normal College, a precursor of SCNU, served as the dean for many years. He not only attached importance to cultivation of morality and perfection of personality, but also focused on the comprehensive intellectual structure and training of professional skills. His contribution laid the foundation of school’s motto of pursuing studies with utmost rigor and seeking truth from facts with innovation.
In times of trials and tribulation, Wang highlighted “the spirit of straw huts”. During such dire times staff and students lived in straw huts and struggled to teach and study. But they never forgot their original mission: to keep researching and exploring. After the reform and opening-up in the 1980s, the cultivation of Ceiba speciosa by Professor Pan Jionghua, and the important research into forage by Professor Mo Ximu, who broke the ground for innovation and started lots of pioneer work, were put forward as examples of excellent scientists.
In the new era, stories of Professor Mo Lei, the current academic leader of the School of Psychology, Li Sheng, an entomology professor who leads his team to research American cockroaches, and Hao Tianyong, who contributed to establishing an ISO Standard were also mentioned. Thanks to their pursuit of excellence in science and research, they have made contributions to promoting the long-term development of the scientific research of our university, Wang said.
Wang Enke introduces the history of SCNU.
During the seminar, various topics were discussed. Wang encouraged students to think what they can learn form the spirit of Chinese scientists. After listening to students’ views, he gave his opinion that students should stay hungry and curious as they learn professional knowledge, tightly follow the national strategy and actively focus on the frontiers of science and technology, so as to contribute to achieving self-reliance of high-level technology in China.
Students listen carefully during the seminar.
As to how to carry forward the spirit of Chinese scientists, Wang hoped that students should dare to think, to venture and to try, strengthening fundamental research and make efforts toward original innovation. They also need to overcome core technical problems and strive to achieve more breakthroughs from scratch.
"Be your best self at the every stage of life", Wang shared his motto with students, encouraging them to grasp opportunities in the new era. Students should improve professional learning, carry forward the spirit of Chinese scientists, and be brave to shoulder responsibilities of our times. They should work tirelessly towards the great goal of national rejuvenation.
A group photo of participants of the seminar.
Source: SCNU News Center
Translated by Li Yusang, Liang Wenting, Long Yuchen
Proofread by Edwin Baak
Edited by Li Jianru
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