“From the history of the world’s great powers, we know that universities are the major motivation for science and technological revolution and the main source for our country’s comprehensive strength. Then, what is our duty and responsibility? Where does the problem lie? What goals and measures should we set?” On November 26, Zhong Denghua, president of Tianjin University, stood in front of nearly 1600 experts and front-line scientific researchers, declaring the Third Conference on Science and Technology of Tianjin University open. 

During the next month, Tianjin University will select 10 major scientific issues and after thorough discussion, establish the main direction for cracking "bottlenecks", and outlining the road map for scientific and technological work in the next ten years, to build our country as a scientifically advanced nation. 

Nearly 1600 experts and front-line scientific researchers attend the conference 

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the National Education Congress have proposed new requirements for accelerating the construction of first-class universities. Taking Xi Jinping's socialist thought with Chinese characteristics as a guide, the theme of this conference is to focus on future requirements, wisdom, innovation of ideas, and to take the lead, changing scientific and technological innovation from tracking to leading, as well as improving scientific research and innovation abilities. 

Lei Chaozi, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Education, warmly congratulated the convening of the conference. He pointed out that new changes for scientific and technological work have been required in colleges and universities. As a pioneer, Tianjin University ventured to set up the frontier science center of synthetic biology, carried out earthquake engineering simulation research and major scientific and technological infrastructure construction. On the basis of comprehensive development, a series of important breakthroughs and progress have been made within Tianjin University. 

In the coming month, scientific researchers of Tianjin University will seek to reach consensus and draw a blueprint for new development of science and technology, including: 

Challenging the technical problems, selecting the "top ten scientific issues" in the frontier fields of molecular, terahertz science, tissue and nerve engineering, stem cell synthetic biology and other frontiers to produce major leading edge achievements aiming for the National Natural Science Award; Focusing on common and leading technologies in key fields to cultivate strategic scientists in the fields of artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, brain science and other advanced technologies by 2023; Building up a national team capable of carrying major national science and technological innovation.  

To further promote innovation capabilities in the next five years, Tianjin University has come up with "three layouts", namely, laying out important research directions, major research platforms and key innovation teams; implements "three plans", namely, plan for thoroughly strengthening the basic research for serving the country's major needs, for reforming the management of scientific research; and "three upgrades" to achieve, namely, upgrading major original innovation capabilities, the ability to serve the country, and improving support systems. 

Under these new conditions, Tianjin University seeks to improve its research level in the next five years, build major scientific and technological infrastructure, frontier centers and research platforms, bring together leading talents, produce symbolic achievements in the frontier fields. To better respond to the national strategy, we will serve as an innovation-driven force, double the annual research funds and make breakthroughs in the construction of national high-end think tanks. In terms of the support system, we should accelerate the reform of the system and mechanism, explore a scientific and technological evaluation mechanism with representative achievements and original contributions, constantly improve the comprehensive scientific and technological support system, fully stimulate the innovative vitality of scientific and technological personnel, and create a first-class academic atmosphere. 

"By 2030, we have faith that our university’s overall scientific and technological strength will reach the first-class level worldwide. Tianjin University has always shouldered the task of promoting education development. In the new era, we should understand the mission and responsibility of scientific and technological work from the perspective of national prosperity, rejuvenation, and make tremendous contributions to building a country strong in science and technology.”  

By: Xu Lanzhi

Editor: Qin Mian and Keith Harrington