Paths Amidst High Mountains, Ferries Across Deep Waters: CDUT 2024 New Year Greetings
Liu Qingyou, Secretary of the Party Committee; Xu Qiang, President
As the year draws to a close, a new era begins, and the year 2024 is already upon us. On behalf of CDUT, we extend heartfelt and fresh blessings to everyone!
The year 2023 is a crucial and initiatory year for CDUT. The entire faculty and staff adhere to the fundamental task of moral education, take the needs of the nation as a strategic goal, consider serving the people as their responsibility, and view reform and innovation as the driving force for development.
The year 2023 is a year of endeavor and achievement for us. We are fully committed to advancing the “Double First-Class” Initiative, with “Materials Science” ranking among the top 1% globally in the ESI rankings. In the fifth round of discipline assessment, we achieved a breakthrough to Grade A and progressed overall. Six disciplines, whose core competitiveness has been enhanced greatly, were selected for the Gongga Plan, the first round of “Double First-Class” Initiative in Sichuan Province. We courageously scale the peaks of science and technology, achieving breakthroughs in publishing high-level academic achievements in Nature. We secured approval for 107 projects from the National Natural Science Foundation, setting a new historical record in research scale. The National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoirs was successfully reorganized, and we hosted the National Sedimentological Congress and the Congress of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment, continually increasing our academic influence. We adhere to the strategy of strengthening CDUT through talents, introducing 2 Changjiang Scholars, 1 Distinguished Young Scholar, 1 Outstanding Young Scholar, and 1 National Distinguished Teacher. We added 66 talents at the provincial and ministerial levels, with 5 scholars selected for the “Global Top 2% Scientists List,” achieving fruitful results in talent cultivation. We strengthen exchanges and cooperation, initiating the first overseas cooperative education program with Central University of Ecuador, holding an alumni representative conference, deepening cooperation with governments, enterprises, and institutions, and serving economic and social development. Every development and progress, every glorious achievement of CDUT, embodies the efforts and sweat of all faculty, staff, and students. With the support and assistance of our alumni and society, we sincerely express our gratitude and high respect to everyone!
The year 2023 was a challenging yet fruitful year for us. Our alumni made notable achievements. Zhang Shuichang, who graduated in 1979 majoring in Petroleum Geology and Exploration, was elected as a member of the Division of Earth Sciences in CAS. Tang Juxing, an alumnus who graduated in 1980 majoring in Mineral Geology and Exploration, a part-time professor, and a research fellow, was elected as a member of the Division of Energy and Mining Engineering in CAE. CDUT successfully completed the provincial collaborative pilot for undergraduate education and teaching assessment, achieving a breakthrough with three national teaching achievement awards. The team from the College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering won the gold medal at the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2023. The team from the School of Marxism won the first prize in the “Challenge Cup” National College Students Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Works Competition. The team from the School of Ecology and Environment won the gold prize in the “Challenge Cup” China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Plan Competition. In the 31st World University Summer Games, a total of 699 teachers and students from CDUT participated in voluntary services, showcasing the sincere enthusiasm of youth and allowing the world to see their confidence and open mind.
Winter has come, and spring will return in due course. After traversing mountains and rivers, one still needs to temper oneself for the journey ahead. On the painstaking journey, it is worthwhile to embrace the courage of “the mountain is high, yet there is a road for travel; the water is deep, yet there is a ferryman.” Adopt the perseverance of “do not be bothered by the sound of wind through the trees, feel free to sing and stroll slowly,” and pass through the long winter to step into a new spring.
In the new year, set off toward higher and broader goals. At the forefront of building an educationally strong nation is higher education. We should actively engage in the practice of building an educationally strong nation, strive to run the cause of building an educationally strong nation well, “with greater efforts in education, promoting science and technology, and nurturing talents.” With confidence, perseverance, and comprehensive efforts, we will advance the high-quality development of all aspects of CDUT.
In the new year, let's muster even more vigorous determination and strive with full enthusiasm. The more arduous the struggle, the more valuable is the spirit. “Every time we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new year, we always think of the majestic spirit inherited by our Chinese people for thousands of years, which doubles our confidence in moving forward.” To open up new prospects, seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and promote development, we need an uplifting spirit of struggle, a tenacious will, and a pragmatic work style. All faculty, students, and staff members need to dare to think, dare to act, and dare to innovate, contributing wisdom and strength to the in-depth advancement of CDUT’s “Double First-Class” construction.
In the new year, let's gather even more united strength and move forward. On the journey ahead, regardless of our position or role, every person striving for the common goal is a tiny force propelling the school forward. As long as the entire faculty and students unite in one heart and advance with determination, the trickle of efforts will eventually converge into a surging tide, propelling CDUT forward in the cause of building an educationally strong nation. Sail boldly ahead and surge forward!
The new replaces the old, and days continue to flee without stagnation. In 2024, which marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, embracing the morning light of the new year, we wish our country prosperity, stability, and peace. We wish everyone warmth and blessings throughout the seasons, with all your endeavors going smoothly and as desired!
