On September 5, 2023, the opening ceremony of the School of Materials Science and Engineering(MSE), Peking University (PKU), took place in the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center. Zou Ruqiang, Dean of MSE, Li Ming, Secretary of the CPC MSE Committee, all faculties, new students, and dependents attended. Guo Shaojun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC MSE Committee, host the ceremony.

After a melodious violin performance, the event officially commenced with the solemn national anthem of the People’s Republic of China”.

The Opening Ceremony

Li Ming delivered a welcome speech to the new students, expressing his wishes that every MSE student can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich connotations of PKU’s spirit, “always new”. He encouraged the new students to strive to embody the positive and ever-evolving essence of an “always new” PKUer. Li Ming emphasized that the “new” of PKU involves bravely standing at the forefront of history, walking together with the nation, and contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through pioneering efforts and unwavering commitment. He highlighted the desire and pursuit of new knowledge by generations of ambitious young people, the courage and strength to venture into uncharted areas, and the determination to open the door to new discoveries and breakthroughs. Li Ming also expressed his hope that all students would remember President Xi Jinping’s requirements for the youth of PKU, emphasizing the values of being “diligent, moral, discerning, and down-to-earth”, as well as “patriotic, inspirational, seeking truth, and striving”. He encouraged students to seize the golden age of learning and growth at PKU and bravely pursue their dreams.

Speech by Li Ming

Lin Ken, a 2022 undergraduate student majoring in materials at the College of Engineering, along with Zhu Zhenyu and Fan Ben, both 2023 doctoral students, delivered speeches as representatives of the new students. Lin Ken discussed the pivotal role of materials in advanced technology, offering insights from the perspective of materials in daily life and sharing his personal stories related to materials. As the new semester began, he expressed his anticipation for the unknowns awaiting exploration and emphasized the pursuit of excellence with his classmates. Zhu Zhenyu used racing as an illustrative example to share his journey in materials science. The racing car, incorporating numerous cutting-edge materials, provided him with a glimpse into the shining brilliance of materials science. Standing at a new starting point, he realized that independent thinking and innovation are foundational to his studies and the “ultimate driving force” for creating knowledge. Fan Ben shared his feelings about returning to PKU to study after 20 years. In the years of striving to transform technology into products, the knowledge gained at PKU has nourished and guided him. Faced with a new round of technological revolution and rapid industrial transformation, he believed that more cutting-edge knowledge and technology urgently needed exploration. He expressed the hope of working with his classmates to shape the future of the materials industry in China.

Speeches by Student Representatives

In the commendation section, Professors Bai Shulin and Yang Huai from MSE presented awards to students who received the 2023 Peking University President Scholarship. Three of the award-winning students were 2023 new students. This honor serves as recognition for the recipients’ efforts and is expected to motivate new students to study diligently, develop comprehensively, and emerge as empowered and responsible individuals in the new era.

Commendation for the 2023 “Peking University President Scholarship”

Researcher Shen Jie, as a teacher representative, humorously conveyed blessings and messages to the students. He remarked that the new students are now clad in the battle attire of materials researchers and poised to undertake the most challenging mission. He hoped each student would dedicate their efforts to achieving perfection. Shen Jie emphasized the mutual learning between teachers and students, encouraging mentors to contemplate how to better train graduate students. He also encouraged graduate students to push themselves beyond the achievements of their mentors and predecessors. Looking ahead, he expressed his aspiration to learn and generate knowledge, understand materials, and create materials collaboratively with all students.

Shen Jie is delivering his speech.

Li Ming, Secretary of the CPC MSE Committee, awarded appointment letters to Shen Jie and Lv Shixian, who are the representatives of teachers in charge of the 2023 classes.

Shen Jie and Lv Shixian accept the appointment letter.

Jiang Yiting, a representative of senior students and a 2019 doctoral student, encouraged new students to explore the unknown within the known, make the most of their time at PKU, and strive to leave their unique mark. He also reminded them to appreciate the beauty of Yanyuan and life during their study days.

Jiang Yiting is delivering his speech.

Subsequently, the freshmen of 2023 collectively donned the MSE emblem. By wearing this emblem, the students officially adopted a new identity—“PKU ‘M’ers” (“M”ers: men conducting studies relating to Materials Science), inheriting the spirit of PKU and embracing the responsibility that comes with being a PKUer.

2023 freshmen collectively wear the MSE emblem.

Finally, Zou Ruqiang warmly welcomed the 2023 new students of MSE. He highlighted the unique advantages and characteristics that MSE has continuously developed since its establishment, encapsulated in four “new” aspects: the formation of new scientific research models, the gathering of new driving forces for disciplinary development, the shaping of new paradigms for industry, academia, research, and application, and the construction of new talent training teams. Zou Ruqiang expressed his hope that the students would have aspirations and a broad worldview, cultivating a strong sense of patriotism. He also encouraged the students to persevere, shining like torches, cultivating an enterprising character, being down-to-earth, being steadfast in action, and adhering to the unity of knowledge and action. Finally, he encouraged the new students to pursue excellence in climbing the peak of knowledge, shouldering the responsibilities of the times, and living up to the challenges and opportunities of the times and their youth.

Zou Ruqiang is delivering his speech.

Guo Shaojun is presiding over the ceremony.

Accompanied by the music “Yanyuan Qing”, the 2023 opening ceremony of MSE, PKU, came to a successful end. The new students are now dedicated to scientific research, embarking on a new journey to chase their dreams.

Group photo of the 2023 opening ceremony of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University.