After a decade-long absence, Dan Shechtman, the 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry and professor at the Israel Institute of Technology, recently visited Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (referred to as Guangyi hereafter), and received a warm welcome from the faculty and students.
As one of the key leaders in the early stages of Guangyi's establishment, Dan Shechtman's return to the vibrant campus of Guangyi marks both a reunion and a rediscovery of familiar grounds. In May 2014, he visited Shantou and engaged in academic exchanges when Guangyi was still in its planning phase. He actively contributed to its development by planning and garnering support, playing a pivotal role in the founding and construction of the institution. Now, ten years later, Guangyi has expanded to two campuses, bid farewell to three cohorts of undergraduate graduates, and achieved remarkable progress in teaching and research.
"I believe Guangyi has a promising future..." Shechtman expressed during the "2024 City-School Cooperation Tour: Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Future" in Shantou on April 11th, emphasizing the top-notch faculty at Guangyi, offering programs closely aligned with the development of Guangdong, China, and the world at large. He hopes Guangyi will nurture more talents to scale greater heights in the future.
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President Gong Xinggao (left) presents a souvenir to Dan Shechtman. Provided by Guangyi University.
During the discussion with the leadership of Guangyi University, Dan Shechtman gained further insights into the school's progress in teaching, research, and other areas. He inquired carefully about the current size of the faculty and students, as well as the campus infrastructure. Shechtman praised Guangyi's beautiful campus environment and comfortable learning atmosphere. "I am delighted to see Guangyi developing so well, with lively students, dedicated professors, and researchers full of enthusiasm. I hope Guangyi can cultivate more talents and strive for excellence in the future!" Shechtman expressed his heartfelt sentiments.
On the evening of April 11th, Dan Shechtman also delivered a "Hall of Fame Lecture" at Guangyi, further sharing his experiences with innovative education and looking forward to the path of the Nobel Prize. "To achieve greatness, one must choose a field they love, make the choice now, set lifelong goals, and strive to be the best in that field," Shechtman remarked.
During his visit, Dan Shechtman enthusiastically toured Guangyi's laboratories, including the Dielectric and Electrochemical Laboratory, Extreme Conditions Materials Science Laboratory, Flexible Wearable Electronics Laboratory, Sustainable Food Microbiology Laboratory, and Electron Microscopy Center. He gained a detailed understanding of the school's cutting-edge experimental equipment and engaged in lively discussions with faculty and laboratory members regarding their research projects.
