Student Life

In line with its commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration, the international college of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in collaboration with institute of physics and the Songshan lake Materials laboratory this year 2024, organized an insightful five-day Spring School at the esteemed Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China from 21st April to 26th April 2024 . This report encapsulates the enriching experience of the international participants from various institutes within China, highlighting the journey from arrival to departure and the invaluable knowledge gained throughout.

This report summarizes my valuable experiences at the 2024 spring school, focusing on my journey from arrival to departure and the important knowledge gained during the event.

Arrival and Accommodation:

Over 30 International students who were selected across different institutes in UCAS, embarked on individual journeys from different parts of China, converging at various entry points (airport or train station as the case may be) before making their way to the venue for the 2024 spring school (Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory). Personally, I arrived at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport after 3hours 20minutes from Beijing and proceeded to the laboratory via Didi. Upon arrival at SLAB, I enjoyed a seamless transition to the accommodations reserved for me. The hotel accommodation provided for me and others had a very comfortable suite, equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant, beautiful and memorable stay for all international students and I who were present.

Academic Program:

While regrettably missing the opening ceremony, I eagerly joined my international peers for the commencement of lectures on day two.

Over the course of five days, we were privileged to engage with ten distinguished professors, each specializing in unique research areas. These encompassed nanophysics and devices, amorphous alloy materials, theoretical calculations for two-dimensional Moire superlattices, spintronic quantum materials, Energy polymer materials, spatial and temporal regulation of membrane proteins, Advanced high steels for automobile applications, and Ultrastable Ce-based metallic glass synthesis. The ten lectures, divided into two per day, fostered stimulating discussions and provided invaluable insights into diverse scientific disciplines.

One of the highlights of each lecture for me was the engaging Q&A sessions

 which provided a platform for participants to deepen their understanding and explore new avenues for research exploration. The impact of these lectures goes beyond the confines of the classroom, inspiring us to embark on our own scientific journeys and contribute to the advancement of materials science as the case may be.

Laboratory Tour and Industry Visit:

Amidst the intellectual stimulation of lectures, we also embarked on a captivating tour of the Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory (SLAB). 

 Exploring its four core sections – the Frontier Research Center, Public Technology Platform and Large-scale Scientific Facilities, Model Factory for Innovation, and South Bay Interdisciplinary Science Center. Here we gained firsthand exposure to groundbreaking research and innovation in materials science. The laboratory's commitment to becoming an internationally recognized hub for new materials research was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on all of us as many of us were seeking to get the WECHAT contacts of the professors whose research areas inspired us. Additionally, we had the privilege of visiting Dongguan HaiLi Chemical Material Co., Ltd, a leading chemical company operating at various levels in rubber, plastic, chemical additives, and electrical chemicals. Their expertise in polymer-modified materials, rubber, and plastic raw materials was truly enlightening, as we learned about their involvement in sales, independent research, and high-tech enterprise development. Their products, spanning footwear, rubber, engineering plastics, and more, underscored the breadth of their impact on various industries.

Cultural Exploration:

Beyond the academic or scientific lectures, we received, we were given the opportunity of exploring briefly the China's rich cultural heritage through visits to Important site attractions. A poignant visit to the Dongguan Humen Sea Battle Museum located in the south of Humen town.

The museum offered a comprehensive experience, including an exhibition building, oath-taking square, and a causeway for sea viewing. The centerpiece of the museum was the "The Opium War" exhibition, featuring over 1,860 cultural relics, 1,300 historical pictures depicting China's antecedents, 120 oil paintings, and intricate Chinese-style paintings. Moreover, we also had the opportunity to explore technological and digital artifacts, gaining insight into China's rich maritime history. We also watched some videos that provided a glimpse into coastal trade dynamics during China's formative years, with narratives detailing the trade and conflict between China and Britain. The museum visit served as a poignant reminder of historical struggles and triumphs, enriching our understanding of China's cultural heritage and its enduring significance in the present-day China.

Closing Ceremony and Reflections:

As the Spring School drew to a close, we convened for the final lectures on the fifth day, culminating in a heartfelt closing ceremony.

The issuance of certificates to us and a gala performance, featuring cultural showcases by some international students from Pakistan, marked the conclusion of an enriching academic endeavor. Reflecting on the experience, I really express gratitude for the knowledge gained and the inspiration gleaned for future research endeavors.

Conclusion:

The 2024 Spring School at Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory exemplified the transformative power of academic exchange and collaboration. Through a blend of intellectual discourse, laboratory exploration, and cultural immersion, we emerged enriched and emboldened to chart new frontiers in materials science research. As we bid farewell to Dongguan City, we carry with us not only memories of a memorable academic venture but also a renewed commitment to scientific inquiry and global cooperation. I also am grateful to the IC-UCAS and SLAB coordinators for organizing this event for us as well as NCNST and Miss You Jia for her efforts behind the scene to ensure my journey and that of others from the same institute to and fro as well as our stay there was peaceful and without pressure.