Empowering the Future | Broadening International View, Reaching the Frontier of Discipline | QMES’ Summer School Program of Learning and Designing New Materials at University of Cambridge was Held Successfully

From July 29th to August 11th, 2023, a group of 48 students and teachers from QMES travelled to University of Cambridge, UK for an overseas practical study program named Machine Learning and Design for New Materials. This activity included discovering new materials and visiting world-renowned companies and universities, such as Rolls & Royce Aviation Engine Research Center, University of Cambridge, and Oxford University, which covered the forefront of disciplines, strengthened students’ professional knowledge and awareness, broadened their international view, nurtured their patriotism and global competency skills and enhanced their overall quality.

From July 11th to 12th, in order to ensure the smooth implementation of the program, QMES organized two pre-departure training sessions for all teachers and students attending the project. The meetings covered comprehensive and detailed training on project content, teacher introduction, travel preparations, activity arrangements, travel safety and discipline, emergency response plans, etc. The pre-departure training effectively deepened students’ understanding of the overseas practical study, and established their awareness of safety and responsibility.

University of Cambridge is a world-renowned public university that adopts the traditional college system. As a member of the Russell Group, it is known as one of the “Golden Triangle” schools and one of the G5. In 2023, it ranked second in the QS World University Rankings and first in the Times World University Rankings. It ranks among the top ten in the field of materials science according to QS rankings.

The program invited Professor David Cardwell, Vice President, Professor of Engineering of University of Cambridge and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, to give lectures for students about cutting-edge research results and trends in material fields. In addition, A lecture themed “University of Cambridge Application Sharing” was held, including key points for applying to graduate programs, precautions and admission trends, suggestions on planning the learning paths and application preparation. The course was personally taught by the director of Department of Engineering and the director of Engineering and Material Design Laboratory with a scientific academic orientation to guide students to complete project reports. All 46 students involved were awarded an official project certificate issued by University of Cambridge.

To fully help students immerse themselves in the atmosphere of world-famous universities, students were arranged to live at the dormitory of Wolfson College, which promoted communication and integration among students and faculty members of University of Cambridge. During their free time, various activities were arranged to enrich their life.

On July 31st, all students participated in a Cambridge specialty activity - Punting. While cruising down the river, they listened to stories of various colleges in Cambridge, passing by famous locations such as King’s College, St. John’s College, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Mathematical Bridge. They explored the beautiful scenery along the River Cam and felt the historical power of world-renowned schools.

On August 2nd, the research team visited Rolls & Royce Aerospace Engine Research Center and Derby Museum of Making successively. When visiting Rolls & Royce Aerospace Engine Research Center, the employees led students on a tour of their exhibition hall to explain their development process and technological innovation through teaching games that let them understand how jet engines work firsthand. Thanks to the activity, they could sense how huge changes have been brought about by technological innovation for the world. During their visit to Derby Museum of Making, students followed the development process of industrial manufacturing industry and experienced a unique atmosphere where Derby City originated from its industrial origins and developed into a light industry hub.

From August 5th to 6th, the study group visited London and Oxford to deeply learn the charm of London as the capital of UK and Oxford University as the oldest university in British history. On August 9th, the team was invited to attend a formal dinner at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge. Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES; Chen Jun, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Office of NPU; and other attendees praised the students for their outstanding performance during the study tour. They expressed high expectations for these young students to contribute more to their country and even the world in the future. The students wore formal attire and shared their gains and feelings from this study trip with each other.

Through this study activity, students gradually understood, perceived and adapted to the local learning and living style. As one of the first teams in our school to restart overseas study projects, the students deeply know that this opportunity is particularly precious. During the study process, students bravely challenged themselves, and constantly improved their comprehensive qualities and abilities through various tasks. They communicated and integrated with professors and locals while learning about local culture and history, expanded their international horizons, enhanced their global competency in learning, and promoted cultural exchange and knowledge advancement more effectively. It is hoped that the students could seriously summarize what they have learned from this study activity, turning their gains into a driving force for continuous progress. It is expected that young students will have more opportunities to go to world-class universities for further studies and make outstanding contributions to our country and the world.

Text: Zhao Chunyi

Photo: Zhao Chunyi, Wang Yujie, Lin Fangyue

Translator: Liu Yang

Review: Fan Xiaoli