Academicians Xu Kuangdi and Mao Xinping of the Chinese Academy of Engineering discuss the “Dream of a Strong Steel Nation.”

People’s Daily Online, Beijing, April 23 (Reporter Hao Mengjia) — Recently, the “Academicians Return to Their Alma Mater” event, jointly launched by the Ministry of Education’s Committee for Caring for the Next Generation and the Science Ethics Construction Committee of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was held at Beijing University of Science and Technology. Academician Xu Kuangdi of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, an alumnus of the Class of 1954 in Metallurgical Engineering, and Academician Mao Xinping, also of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a doctoral alumnus of the Class of 2002 in Metallurgical Engineering, returned to their alma mater to share their life journeys—dedicated to building a strong steel industry and serving the country through science and technology.

At the conference, Xu Kuangdi delivered a keynote address titled “Upholding Science, Loving Our Country and Devoting Ourselves to Service—Striving for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.” In his speech, he drew on numerous stories of renowned scientists, academicians, and role models from both China and abroad, offering clear and insightful explanations of three key points to the faculty and students of his alma mater: First, scientific and technological innovation is the primary driving force behind China’s sustained economic and social development, and scientists must embody a spirit of science; second, scientific work is an endless journey of exploration, requiring researchers to demonstrate a spirit of dedication; and third, adherence to scientific ethics and academic norms is an essential safeguard for the success of research. Xu Kuangdi emphasized that, with regard to the Two Centenary Goals, the first century is the responsibility of our generation, while the realization of the second century depends on today’s young students. He urged them to carry forward the spirit and values of University of Science and Technology Beijing and to strive tirelessly for the “Chinese Dream” of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Li Weihong, Director of the Concern Committee for the Elderly under the Ministry of Education, pointed out that the growth of young people is closely linked to the future of the nation and the ethnic community. She expressed hope that the “Academicians Return to Their Alma Mater” initiative will strengthen university students’ ideals and convictions to serve the country and dedicate themselves to society, carry forward the spirit of science and technology, help students map out their scientific and technological careers, and cultivate clear professional aspirations. Moreover, it aims to inspire them to align their studies and personal development with the cause of the Party and the state, as well as with the needs of society and the people, encouraging them to embrace innovation, work hard, and write a brilliant new chapter in their lives.

Zhang Xinxin, President of University of Science and Technology Beijing, stated that the university was founded “for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and has weathered 64 years of trials and tribulations alongside the development of New China. Its 160,000 alumni are actively engaged across all sectors and frontlines of the country, contributing countless achievements to national rejuvenation and prosperity and making distinctive contributions in their respective fields. The stone plaque inscribed with “For the Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation,” proudly displayed on the main building, has become a spiritual symbol and a steadfast value for the entire USTB community.

Zhang Xinxin stated that Beijing University of Science and Technology has, over the years, produced 38 academicians of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, serving as a microcosm of China’s higher education development and talent cultivation. Upholding the call to “go to the grassroots, go where our motherland needs us,” they have dedicated themselves to scientific research and committed themselves to serving the country through science and technology. Their ideal of serving the nation and the people, their relentless spirit of innovation, and their modest, selfless character will undoubtedly become a precious legacy for the next generation of BUST students as they grow and excel, and for the university as it continues to inherit and advance its mission.

Zhang Xinxin hopes that all faculty and students across the university will carry forward the spirit of the academicians and draw inspiration from their scientific reports, thereby writing a new chapter for Beijing University of Science and Technology in the new era—advancing the innovation-driven development strategy and contributing to the realization of the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Following the lecture, the student moderator engaged in a dialogue with the two academicians. Academician Xu Kuangdi fondly recalled his unforgettable years of study and work at his alma mater, expounding on his life philosophy of patriotic dedication and rigorous pragmatism. He encouraged current faculty and students to carry forward and uphold the spirit of truth‑seeking and innovation that defines Beihang University, aspiring to serve the nation through science and technology and contributing Beihang’s strength to the realization of the “Chinese Dream.” Academician Mao Xinping shared his nearly thirty‑year research journey in thin‑slab continuous casting and rolling, urging the young faculty and students of Beihang University to embrace a spirit of self‑reliance. He emphasized that once one chooses the path of scientific research, they must be mentally prepared for arduous efforts and dedicate their youth to the development of the nation’s undertakings.