Experts from the fields of chemistry, nuclear energy, cryptography, and clinical medicine gathered at New Tsinghua Xuetang on April 13th for the second forum of the “On the University” series on the topic of “Innovation”.

Professor Huang Yidong, Vice Chairman of the Academic Committee of Tsinghua University and Professor of the Department of Electronic Engineering, moderated the forum.

The speakers of the forum were Li Yadong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of Chemistry, and Vice Chairman of the Academic Committee of Tsinghua University; Zhang Zuoyi, Cheung Kong Scholar, Professor, Director and Chief Scientist of the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology; Wang Xiaoyun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, C. N. Yang Professor of Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University; and Dong Jiahong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Professor and Dean of School of Clinical Medicine, and President of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University.

Professor Li talked about five chemistry inventions that have enhanced the modern world, namely ammonia synthesis catalyst, penicillin, liquid colored crystal display (used in computers and mobile phones), contraceptive pills, and polythene. He discussed all the inventions and emphasized their importance in shaping today’s world.

Sharing his effort in industrializing Single Atoms Site Catalysis (SASC), Li believed that only innovation could promote human well-being. " Chemical synthesis drives the future, and the ability to synthesize will provide the keys to the world," he said.

Professor Zhang Zuoyi illustrated how his nuclear projects generated domestic electricity, achieving zero emissions on a large scale. " The Chinese 200MW demonstration plant of High-Temperature gas-cooled Reactor with Pebble-bed Module (HTR-PM) is awaiting final approval to start loading nuclear fuel and begin start-up operations,” he said.  

He shared how Tsinghua could serve as a power for revolutionary and interdisciplinary innovation, boosting the development of nuclear technology.

Professor Wang Xiaoyun, a cryptography expert, shared her research and breakthroughs in her field of study. She stressed the importance of cryptographic industrial applications in a digital society.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Professor Dong Jiahong’s team developed the Tsinghua Covid-19 Intelligent Prevention and Control System and Tsinghua Healthcare Intelligent System. The systems greatly helped public medical institutions to improve COVID-19 infection tracking and contain the outbreak better.

“Intelligent technology supports our lives,” Professor Dong said.

Professor Huang Yidong moderated the second part of the forum that saw discussion among the speakers about their efforts and how Tsinghua was playing a leading role in the development of China’s catalytic, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, cryptography-based digital economy, and healthcare.

The forum was broadcast live on various social media platforms in Chinese and English.

Writer: Rida

Editors: Sangeet, John Olbrich