Building a理工 University Without Traditional Departments: Shenzhen’s New University Embracesthe CAS Lineage
Shenzhen, China – In theheart of China’s innovation hub, a new university is taking shape with a bold vision: to be a research-driven institution unlike any other. Shenzhen Universityof Science and Technology (SUSTech), born just four months ago, is making headlines for its unique approach to education and its commitment to fostering cutting-edge research.
A University Redefining the Paradigm
We aim to build a理工 university without traditional departments like the School of Science or the School of Engineering, explains SUSTech President Fan Jianping. This unconventional approach, he argues, allowsSUSTech to avoid unnecessary competition with existing universities while paving the way for groundbreaking interdisciplinary research.
The university’s focus on interdisciplinary research is evident in its curriculum. For example, pharmacy students are tasked with designing a new drugas their final project. The drug may not be fully formed or capable of treating diseases, but it’s something that hasn’t been seen before, says Fan.
A New Breed of University
SUSTech is not merely a novel concept; it’s a deliberate response to the evolving landscape ofhigher education. The university is officially classified as a new type of research university, a designation bestowed by the Ministry of Education. This designation highlights SUSTech’s commitment to fundamental and cutting-edge scientific research, as well as its focus on nurturing top-tier innovative talent.
This approach mirrors the success ofinstitutions like Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. These universities, known for their rapid rise to prominence in global rankings, share common characteristics: highstarting points, significant investment, and a strong international focus. They prioritize engineering, computer science, and biology, fields at the forefront of technological advancement.
A Legacy of Innovation
SUSTech’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by its close ties to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The universityis positioned to leverage the CAS’s vast research infrastructure and expertise, ensuring a strong foundation for its research endeavors. This CAS lineage promises to be a defining characteristic of SUSTech’s future.
A Journey of Discovery
While SUSTech has successfully attracted top students, the real test lies in itsability to translate its vision into reality. The university’s success hinges on its capacity to cultivate a dynamic research environment, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and produce groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
SUSTech’s journey is one to watch. Its unique approach to education and research has the potential to reshape the landscape of higher educationin China and beyond. The university’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its strong ties to the CAS, positions it to become a leading force in scientific advancement and a beacon of academic excellence in the years to come.
References:
- Building a理工 University Without Traditional Departments: Shenzhen’s New University Embracesthe CAS Lineage | Southern Weekly
- New Type of Research University | Ministry of Education
- The Rise of New Research Universities | Chen Hongjie, Peking University
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