Peiyang Forum for Young Scholars Opens at Tianjin University

The 18th Peiyang Forum for Young Scholars opened at Tianjin University, bringing together emerging researchers from around the world at Peiyangyuan campus during the year of university’s 130th anniversary. Under the theme “Peiyang Talents: Converge for Momentum, Sail for the Future”, the forum provided a platform for young scholars to discuss academic frontiers, explore opportunities for cooperation and envision future innovation, adding fresh vitality to the development of a high-level talent community. The opening ceremony was held at the Zhengdong Library with more than 100 participants including scholars, invited guests from China and abroad, and outstanding postdoctoral representatives.

The hybrid onsite and online format broadened participation, with recorded sessions attracting nearly fifty thousand views across platforms such as Haitang Live, WeChat Channels, Weibo, TikTok and bilibili, reaching audiences in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Party Secretary Yang Xianjin attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. He welcomed young scholars from around the world, noting that higher education is entering a period of accelerated development and that young academics are encouraged to align their aspirations with major national needs. Tianjin University is advancing toward its goal of becoming a top-tier world-class university, and the coming decade will be critical for its development. He emphasized that the university’s tradition of seeking truth from facts nurtures an environment where young scholars can grow with confidence. He expressed the hope that more outstanding talents will join Tianjin University and contribute to the country’s progress in education, science and technology, and to the advancement of Chinese-style modernization.

On behalf of the Tianjin Talent Development Center, Cheng Weijie extended greetings to the attendees and introduced Tianjin’s strengths in culture, geography, industry, education and healthcare. He highlighted the city’s role as a national base for advanced manufacturing and a key hub in Belt and Road cooperation. He explained the “Haihe Talents” Action Plan, which provides multi-level support for top talents, leading talents, young talents and overseas talents. The plan offers a comprehensive package of services including living subsidies, school enrollment for children, medical support and research funding, enabling scholars to focus on their work and build fulfilling lives in Tianjin. He encouraged young scientists worldwide to respond to national needs, seize opportunities in Tianjin and pursue their aspirations in a city full of promise.

Hu Wenping, then Executive Vice President of Tianjin University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced the university’s recent progress in talent cultivation, faculty development, discipline planning, research platforms, national strategic service, international cooperation and campus culture. He reflected on his own experience at Tianjin University and described it as a university for students, scholars, academics and humanity. He noted that Tianjin offers a supportive environment where talent is respected and academic work is valued. He welcomed outstanding scholars from around the world to join Tianjin University in contributing to its development as a world-class institution with Chinese characteristics.

Two representatives of national-level young and leading talents shared their experiences. Xu Sheng of the School of Earth System Science delivered a speech titled “Precipitating the Light of Science in the Warmth of Passion”. He reviewed his academic path overseas and his experience joining Tianjin University, noting the university’s supportive academic atmosphere, research platforms and talent policies. With strong institutional support, he has secured initial research funding, built an active research team, undertaken national research projects and achieved significant progress. He encouraged more young scholars abroad to seize current opportunities and contribute to China’s scientific development from a global perspective. 

Deng Chuhan of the School of Civil Engineering shared his academic journey and his decision to return to his alma mater. He presented his research progress and raised two questions for scholars seeking academic careers: the source of long-term research support and the potential application of their work. He highlighted Tianjin University’s comprehensive support system that includes competitive benefits, student admission quotas, research funding and office and laboratory space. He emphasized the university’s flexible talent policies and invited global talents to join Tianjin University for shared growth and mutual achievement.

Ma Degang introduced Tianjin University’s talent introduction policies and explained the guiding philosophy of the “Ten Talent Initiatives” and the development pathway featuring diversified channels, classified advancement and dynamic promotion. He introduced the Peiyang Scholar Talent Program, the structure of young talent positions, support for postdoctoral researchers and the university’s recruitment information. He reaffirmed that Tianjin University integrates talent introduction with long-term development and provides sustained support through comprehensive services and policy incentives. He invited outstanding scholars from around the world to join Tianjin University in building a vibrant future of innovation and development.

Concluding the opening ceremony, Han You welcomed young scholars to develop their careers at Tianjin University and in Tianjin. He stated that the university will continue to provide first-class platforms, rich resources and broad space for young researchers to pursue their academic ambitions and contribute to Chinese-style modernization.

As a signature event in talent recruitment, the Peiyang Forum for Young Scholars has been held annually since 2016. Tianjin University continues to advance the Peiyang Scholar Talent Program and build a global recruitment network. The university works actively to attract outstanding talents worldwide and contributes to the wider academic community by supporting universities, research institutions and enterprises across Tianjin in bringing together top-tier talent.

By: Qian Yuchen

Editor: Qin Mian