Peking University, May 14, 2013: "Universities are places for scholarly pursuits and advanced learning. The mission of college students lies upon academic studies," President Wang Enge quoted Cai Yuanpei at the first "May 4th Science Forum," encouraging the youth at Peking University (PKU/Beida) to seek for scientific truth and inherit the academic tradition of the university.
President Wang Enge gives the opening speech
Aiming at reporting the latest global scientific achievements and cultivating a favorable academic atmosphere on campus, this forum was launched on May 5 as one of the most significant events to celebrate the 115th anniversary of PKU. In accordance with the spirit of the May 4th Movement, the forum was dedicated to build a broad and long-term platform for academic cooperation and innovations.
Divided into four sessions – biomedicine, physics, humanities and social sciences, the forum brought together talented and accomplished scholars from various fields.
Professor Cheng Heping with the PKU Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) dilated upon the discovery of superoxide flashes in mitochondria and their anti-aging effects in the Biomedicine Panel. Zheng Ming, research fellow with the School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Wang Xianhua, an IMM associate researcher, discussed the metabolic responses caused by superoxide flashes.
Professor Cheng Heping gives a lecture
The Humanities Panel focused on the studies about conceptions and institutions of the ancient times. "From a humanistic perspective, knowledge systems of the east and the west are fundamentally interlinked," Professor Yan Buke with the Department of History commented when speaking of his viewpoint about academic research.
In the Physics Panel, Professor Gong Qihuang and Research Fellow Xiao Yunfeng with the School of Physics, and Professor Huang Yanyi with the College of Engineering provided a comprehensive analysis about the innovative applications of optical sciences in life-science researches. "Every single leap in optional sciences will elevate people’s understanding about life to a new level," said Gong.
The transformation of China's economy was the central topic in the Social Sciences Panel. "In consideration of China’s especially large population, those economic theories proposed for countries with fewer people may not be suitable for China," pointed out Huang Guitian, professor with the School of Economics.
The forum highlights two features — the interdisciplinary communication and the participation of young scholars. "Lecturers will elaborate on the same topic from different angles based upon their diverse academic backgrounds. Outstanding young scholars from chosen departments will share their research progress with the audience, focusing on academic thoughts and research methods," said President Wang in his opening speech.
The May 4th Science Forum is hosted by the PKU Academic Committee and will be held annually. Over 200 faculty members and students attended the forum.
Written by: Li Wenrui
Edited by: Xu Xinyi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
