In the past five years, confronting the forefront of world science and technology, the main battlefield of the economy, and the major national challenge, Tianjin University has taken quality improvement as its major focus, developing large and important projects as its point of action, and achieving great advancements as its goal. On this basis, Tianjin University has established effective sci-tech organization management systems, evaluation incentive mechanisms and promoted whole-of-chain integrated innovation. As a result, the overall sci-tech level of Tianjin University ranks among the top research universities in China, and its international influence has grown significantly. The University has given full play to the supporting role of high-level scientific research in talent training, team building, disciplinary development and social service, serving China’s innovation-driven development strategy.

Strengthening the Overall Layout and Improving Innovation Capability

Innovation is the major force for the development of the nation as well as a significant force in promoting the progress of human society. Research universities are the main basis for China’s sci-tech development and the cradle for innovative sci-tech talent. Over the past five years, Tianjin University has made strategic plans for marine science, life science and other disciplines. Furthermore, connecting with key national guidelines, the university has promoted interdisciplinary research in ten fields including chemical energy, new materials, management and economics, chemistry and life sciences, sustainable architecture and the environment, construction engineering safety, intelligent manufacturing, photoelectric information, data science, and the environment and ecology.

Tianjin University proposed the sci-tech work direction of “exploring aerospace, earth and oceans” and established the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Marine Science and Technology, and School of Life Sciences successively. Moreover, the University made adjustments in disciplinary structures and formulated an ambitious plan for the integrated development of “aerospace, earth and oceans”.

In the field of aerospace, the sub-center of a national major and special fuel technology was established at Tianjin University. The technical indicators of the products developed by the TJU sub-center are comparable to those made in America and entirely satisfy engineering standards. Tianjin University scientific research teams successfully developed the environmental control system for COMAC C919, which filled gaps in domestic technology.

“Sensing” the ocean requires “eyes” and “arms”. In 2013, a new interdisciplinary sci-tech entity, the Center of Remote Sensing, was established in Tianjin University. Relying on the University’s preponderant disciplines and State Key Laboratories as well as key laboratories of the Ministry of Education, the Center conducted cutting-edge technology research and industry demonstration applications aimed at disciplines involved with remote sensing.

Tianjin University also established the Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, which addressed major national demands in specific aspects of aquatic environment research and the exploitation and protection of water resources and the aquatic environment around Bohai Sea.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that we should stay committed to implementing the strategy of revitalizing China through science, education and innovation-driven development strategy, progressing the path to a scientifically and technologically powerful nation. Accordingly, Tianjin University has entered a powerful productive period over the past few years. Tianjin University concentrated on the construction of a national innovation program and focused on projects driven by sci-tech innovation. In addition, the University is fully committed to following the essence of President Xi’s stated important strategic goals. Since the 18th CPC Central Committee, Tianjin University has taken on a number of major projects and important tasks in many fields. The number of its major projects ranks it top among colleges and universities in China, with over 100 projects worth more than 10 million yuan and one project worth more than 100 million yuan.

Tianjin University is guided by innovation and has spared no efforts to strive for greater achievements. The Underwater Glider “Petrel”, the world’s first brain-computer interface experiment and new combustion technology for internal combustion engines represent the results of Tianjin University innovation. Since the 18th CPC Central Committee, Tianjin University has won a total of 16 National Science and Technology Awards with 9 awards as first contributor, pioneered among colleges and universities in China. Furthermore, TJU ranks third in terms of the number of National Patent Awards.

Photo Designer: Yang Ying

 Editors: Yin Shiyu and Ross Colquhoun