Virtual Teaching and Research Hub Launches, Fusing Science & Education for Optoelectronic Detection Innovators

SWUST celebrated the kick-off of its pioneering “Virtual Teaching and Research Hub for Innovative Talent Cultivation in Optoelectronic Detection, Blending Science and Education,” on May 19, 2024. As one of two selected for Sichuan’s second batch of virtual hub pilots, this initiative underscores SWUST’s dedication to advancing educational digitalization and fostering top-tier talent. The launch ceremony was held in Room 301 of the annex building to the administration building, combining both online and offline formats. The hybrid launch event in Room 301 of the Administration Annex Building brought together over 100 attendees, including keynote speakers, Vice President Su Weizhou, provincial and national university representatives, industry partners, along with department heads from SWUST, college leaders, and faculty-student representatives. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Shang Liping.

Shang Liping, head of the Teaching and Research Hub, introduced the basic information of the Hub. She stated that strengthening the independent training of top-notch innovative talents to bolster core technological advancements in China is a mission of the era in higher education with the fusion of science and education serving as the cornerstone for fostering such talent. The Hub aims to build a robust inter-disciplinary teaching team, establish stable operational, support, and sustainable development mechanisms. Through innovative pedagogical approaches, intensified research endeavors, collaborative development of high-quality educational resources, and faculty training, the Hub aspires to become a beacon of excellence, innovation, and best practices in the field of optoelectronic detection innovative talent training.

In his speech, Su Weizhou extended gratitude to the collaborative units involved in the establishment of the Teaching and Research Hub on behalf of the university. He then introduced the university’s efforts in undergraduate teaching reform, its unique approach to talent training, and support for the construction of virtual Teaching and Research Hubs. He pointed out that SWUST has consistently focused on teaching research and the construction of a community for teacher development. This commitment is manifested through various initiatives, including dedicated funds for teaching reform to ensure sustained support, the release of the “Measures for the Construction and Management of Virtual Teaching and Research Hubs at SWUST (Trial)” to offer policy guidance, as well as a focus on performance assessment and reinforcement of incentives. Collectively, these measures underscore SWUST’s all-round support for the construction of Virtual Teaching and Research Hubs. Su announced that SWUST will reinforce its efforts to implement policy assurances, enhance management and quality monitoring, perfect continuous improvement mechanisms, and ensure the thorough implementation of “Virtual Teaching and Research Hub” construction.

The conference featured keynote reports by three experts.

Professor Wang Ruyan, head of the Ministry of Education’s pilot program for Virtual Teaching and Research Hubs and Dean of the School of Communication and Information Engineering at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, shared new ideas and practices in national-level Virtual Teaching and Research Hub construction and talent training from aspects such as construction basis, ideas, objectives, and content.

Professor Zhang Zhongming from the Psychology Department of Southwest University delivered a report outlining six aspects to fostering learning abilities— knowledge acquisition, analytical prowess, generative power, transfer capability, executional skill, and reinforcement strategies, as a means to achieve innovative talent development.

From the perspective of scientific research institutions confronting intricate challenges in photoelectric detection, Deputy Director Wang Jianzhong from the Metrology and Test Center at the China Academy of Engineering Physics offered recommendations. He stressed the importance of exploring collaborative mechanisms, enhancing inter-team cooperation, jointly conducting research projects, establishing shared laboratories, and optimizing evaluation systems to promote integrated and sustainable development.

Zhu Wenkun, Executive Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology Development of SWUST, introduced the university’s approach and achievements in supporting innovative talent training, emphasizing four key areas: integrating research outcomes into curricula, integrating scientific achievements into textbooks, turning scientific achievements into practical projects, and leveraging research competitions.

Furthermore, the meeting also reviewed and approved the charter and management guidelines for the Teaching and Research Hub. During the session, participants engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the scope, forms, and content of activities of the Hub, ultimately reaching a consensus. They agreed to fully utilize information technology to transcend traditional boundaries, pioneering efficient, flexible, and hybrid teacher-research paradigms that blend both online and offline approaches.

Edited by Yang Shufan

Translated by Dai Shentao

Drafted by the Academic Affairs Office of SWUST