NCNST (National Center for Nanoscience & Technology) is a platform where students are motivated to develop cognitive abilities in their respective areas of study. NCNST involves the provision of a broad context of knowledge, within which students can seek out the information relevant to their specific studies. This platform involves the creation of a learning environment, in which students are encouraged to think carefully and critically and express their thoughts in a way that resolves difficulties, rather than glossing over them. The center encourages the constant monitoring and reflection of the teaching processes and seeks to improve it. The center has been successful in conveying, perhaps the most challenging of all notions that underlie higher education, the message that learning requires commitment, hard work, responsibility, and a willingness to take risks. Following these principles has great rewards, not the least the realization that learning can be fun!

I am Misbah Mirza from Pakistan and I Joined NCNST in September 2011 as a PhD student. I am doing research on a large area of organic electronics, in order to fabricate some industrial products. My supervisor Prof. Chao Jiang is according to me one of the best supervisors. When I arrived in Beijing I was not lonely or confused, even though I was far away from my family, as my husband was with me. He is also a PhD student at NCNST. We feel very lucky that soon after our marriage we got admitted to NCNST and that we both do research on related topics.

I found that Chinese people, and especially the Chinese at the NCNST, are very kind and show hospitality. Whenever I have a problem they are ready to help me. Last year I was one of the only foreign female students at NCNST, but now I am very happy that there are many foreign girls from different countries. Finally, I feel very proud to be part of the NCNST. May Allah Almighty give it more progress!