On the afternoon of November 11, ShanghaiTech welcomed Professor Pierre Agostini, the 2023 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics, as the distinguished speaker for the fourth edition of this year’s “ShanghaiTech Lecture.” In his talk, Professor Agostini shared insights into the frontiers of attosecond physics and his pioneering research journey. His passion for and commitment to scientific discovery left the audience deeply inspired.

Party Secretary Li Ruixin presented Pierre Agostini with a “ShanghaiTech Lecture” certificate.

Professor Agostini’s visit marked the arrival at the university of the third Nobel laureate and the sixth internationally renowned scholar within three weeks. Earlier, on October 22 and 28, ShanghaiTech hosted Giorgio Parisi and Gérard Albert Mourou, the Nobel Prize Winners in Physics for the years 2021 and 2018, respectively. During his visit, Professor Parisi delivered the third edition of “ShanghaiTech Lecture,” exploring the intricate connections between complex systems and artificial intelligence while envisioning the future of AI. 

Executive Vice President and Provost Yin Jie presented Giorgio Parisi with a “ShanghaiTech Lecture” certificate.

Students discussed with Giorgio Parisi after the lecture.

During Professor Mourou’s visit, he toured the SHINE (Shanghai HIgh repetitioN rate XFEL and Extreme light facility) construction sites and engaged with students and faculty in discussions on petawatt laser technology.

Group photo of Gérard Albert Mourou and ShanghaiTech faculty.

On October 26, Jürgen Mlynek, Chairman of the Board of the Falling Walls Foundation, visited ShanghaiTech University and met with Vice President Jiang Ge. Mlynek served as Vice President of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and later as President of the Humboldt University in Berlin. From 2005 until 2015, he was President of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres. He expressed his willingness to foster deeper collaboration between ShanghaiTech and German universities and research institutions, emphasizing opportunities including joint symposiums and reciprocal visits.

Group photo of Vice President Jiang Ge (second to the left) and Jürgen Mlynek (second to the right).

October 31 saw a visit from Professor Yuen-Ron Shen, member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, who presented a lecture on cutting-edge advancements in nonlinear optics. His thought-provoking exploration of fundamental scientific questions energized and encouraged ShanghaiTech’s academic community.

Group photo of Party Secretary Li Ruxin (left), Yuen-Ron Shen (middle), and President Feng Donglai (right).

From November 6 to 7, Professor Rosario Rizzuto, Former Rector of the University of Padua and Chair of Italy’s National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, was invited to ShanghaiTech. He toured the School of Life Science and Technology, the iHuman Institute, the School of Biomedical Engineering, and the under-construction Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center. He also shared the latest developments in RNA therapies and engaged in academic discussions aimed at advancing research collaboration in the biomedical field, and facilitating academic exchanges.

President Feng Donglai met with Rosario Rizzuto.

Inspiring the new generation with scientific exploration

In less than 20 days, these visits transformed ShanghaiTech into a hub of cutting-edge scientific exchange. These globally recognized scholars not only shared their latest research but also kindled a passion for discovery within the ShanghaiTech community. As pioneers and foundational figures in their fields, these top scientists exemplified a deep understanding of the essence of science, a relentless curiosity, and critical thinking—all qualities that inspire the university community’s new generation. Scientific research, often described as a marathon, needs consistent dedication across generations to see significant progress. Through their personal experiences, these luminaries passed the torch of the scientific spirit to the next generation, encouraging persistence and innovation.

Strengthening global collaborations for innovation

ShanghaiTech’s openness to diverse collaborations offers fertile ground for innovation. Each academic exchange sparks new ideas to tackle major scientific challenges and opens new pathways for exploration. By fostering strong partnerships with world-leading institutions and scientists, ShanghaiTech is enhancing its research capacity and international reputation while cultivating researchers with global perspectives and competitive skills. These efforts ensure the university remains at the forefront of global scientific advancements.