On the afternoon of April 27, “Dialogue with Scientists” was organized by Shishan Academy at Students Services Building. The renowned botanist, Professor Xu Zhihong (member of Chinese Academy of Sciences and The World Academy of Sciences) was invited to exchange ideas with students from “Top-notch Plan 2.0” in Biological Science Training Base, proposing suggestions on students’ confusions and thoughts during their academic life. President Li Zhaohu attended this event, and accompanied Academician Xu Zhihong in his campus tour.
In the discussion, students asked “What were the necessary qualities to be an scientist?” Looking back on his growing experience, Academician Xu Zhihong noted that interest and persistence are indispensable qualities on the scientific research road. As nature delighted his younger days, it impelled him to develop a strong interest in plants. Driven by such immense passion, he applied for Plant Science Department of Peking University without hesitation. In the period of later learning, concentrating on exploring scientific pleasures in study and daily life also became his principle. The paths to find interest varied from individual to individual, among which nature education and social education were two effective ways. Moreover, Xu encouraged students to have up-close experiences of Mother Nature, admire the charming natural scenery, learn local conditions and customs, and hopefully discover their interests on the journey.
Students ask questions(Photo/Gao Wenbo)
When talking about how to stay committed to conducting scientific research after finding interests in it, Academician Xu stated that college students in all eras encountered different confusions but simultaneously embraced precious opportunities. Then he shared his story of spending two tough years in Tianjin farm, where he got enjoyment from hardship and did everything possible to carry out research. In the context of information age, various fields undergo numerous changes, bringing distraction and temptation to our college students. Given this perspective, Prof.Xu advocated students to facilitate the full use of resources that information age has offered us, think independently as well as brave obstacles and failures. Besides, finding and sticking to your interest in the vast scientific world is also of great importance. As youth, students with unique life value should devote themselves to making contributions to society and country rather than limit themselves to success in the conventional sense.
Recently, ChatGPT went viral around the globe. In terms of its impact on scientific research, Academician Xu Zhihong expressed his views about it. He believed that artificial intelligence was a product of the era, at the same time, an inevitable stage in the process of human development. The global popularity of ChatGPT called for attention and reflection. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology invariably needs human intervention, given that humans continue to be in charge, hence, needs to formulate related ethical norms. In doing so, we could avoid the risks caused by over-development of technology. Meanwhile, the ever-changing AI technology and its application are reminders of technological innovation at a faster pace, achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. In his view, students from HZAU could apply the latest progress of AI technology to their studies, utilize fine information resources in the modern time, stay calm to do scientific research and hone academic skills, thus contributing to the country’s efforts to become a major world center for science and innovation.
Academician Xu Zhihong talks with students(Photo/Jiang Zhaochang)
How to balance academic studies and life? How to deal with challenges in scientific research? And how to select vectors of Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins? Questions came in succession, and Prof. Xu continued to exchange ideas with the students. The whole room livened up as the students gave the warm applause from time to time.
President Li Zhaohu expressed sincere thanks to Academician Xu Zhihong’s lecture to HZAUers, hoping that students and lecturers from “Top-notch Plan 2.0” Training Base could carry forward Prof.Xu’s spirit of craftsmanship: staying resolved, never forgetting original aspiration, working hard, coming down to earth, pursuing excellence and integrating youthful dreams into the advance of science and technology. Finally, he encouraged HZAUers to strive to be pioneers in, pacesetters for and contributors to the country’s development, writing a vivid chapter in tireless endeavors.
Expectations from President Li Zhaohu (Photo/Gao Wenbo)
Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2023/0430/66375.shtml
Translated by Liu Bangyan
Proofread by Wang Xiaoyan
