To implement the HUST Global Strategy 2030, the HUST Global Summer School 2024 was held from June 17 to September 1, 2024.

This year’s summer school featured nine top-quality course units and unique practical experiences, drawing on the university’s premium teaching resources. Through lectures, seminars, visits, and practical exercises, the program aimed to establish a platform for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary academic exchange. The program invited 234 top experts from 65 institutions across 21 countries and regions to teach the courses, and 1,539 students from 186 institutions in 56 countries and regions participated.

Exciting Offerings at the Basic Discipline Growth Partner Summer School

International Summer School for Life Sciences Growth Partner

The International Summer School for Life Sciences Growth Partner was successfully held from June 17 to June 21. By offering cutting-edge courses, research topics, and engaging activities in innovation, scientific education, and humanities, this program aims to inspire participants to explore the forefront of biophysics and neuroscience development. Distinguished scientists such as Professor Sylvain Fisson from Université d’Évry Paris-Saclay and Professor Wang Qing from HUST led the courses and lectures.

Summer School for Talented Math Students

From July 8 to July 19, HUST’s School of Mathematics and Statistics collaborated with Dalian University of Technology’s School of Mathematical Sciences to host the 2024 Summer School for Talented Math Students in Wuhan. The program featured lectures from seven experts, including Professor Mao Xuerong, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Professor at the University of Strathclyde, UK. and Professor Qiao Zhonghua from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The rich course content not only allowed the 66 students from both universities to explore the diverse landscapes of mathematics, but also exposed them to cutting-edge knowledge and real-world applications in the field. This provided valuable guidance for their future academic pursuits.

HUST-USYD Summer School: Practical Parallel Programming Hands-on Workshop

The HUST-USYD Summer School: Practical Parallel Programming Hands-on Workshop was held from July 8 to July 26. The program invited Professor Zhou Bingbing from the University of Sydney as the lead instructor, focusing on how to program and optimize performance for parallel computing systems with shared and distributed memory architectures. Under the guidance of Professor Zhou, students were taught the basics of parallel programming and completed a series of hands-on parallel programming experiments, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of parallel computing and optimization concepts. More than 200 students from over 40 prestigious universities worldwide, including those from China, the United States, Australia, and Malaysia, participated in the summer school, engaging in both theoretical learning and practical exercises in parallel programming.

Gravitational Wave Summer School

The School of Physics held a five-day Gravitational Wave Summer Course from July 8 to July 12, consisting of 32 hours of instruction. The course was led by Professor Soumya Mohanty from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The curriculum covered a range of topics, including the fundamentals of general relativity and gravitational waves, astrophysical sources, detection principles and detectors, as well as data processing methods. The course aimed to introduce students to the basic theories, methodologies, and cutting-edge advances in the field of gravitational wave research, while also sparking their interest in pursuing future research in this area.

International Summer School for Advanced Structural Mechanics

The “Advanced Structural Mechanics” Global Summer School, hosted by the School of Aerospace Engineering, consisted of premium mechanics courses, cutting-edge lectures, and exciting mechanics competitions. Forty students from renowned domestic universities attended lectures by distinguished scholars, including Professor J.N. Reddy, a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and David Hui, a tenured professor at the University of New Orleans and an honorary professor at HUST. These lectures integrated fundamental knowledge with real-world engineering applications, allowing students to experience the beauty of mechanics through practice.

International Summer School for Frontiers of Photochemistry

International Summer School for Frontiers of Photochemistry was held from July to August. The program invited eight leading experts from both domestic and international institutions, including Professor Kalman J. Szabo from Stockholm University, who is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and Professor Andrew Evans from Queen’s University, Canada. The summer school focused on introducing the latest knowledge and technologies in frontier photochemistry. Through expert lectures, laboratory practice, and group discussions, the program broadened the academic horizons of the students and enhanced their research capabilities, laying a solid foundation for their future academic research and career development. More than 40 students from other domestic universities, as well as from HUST’s Top Talent Chemistry Program and the Program of Strengthening Basic Disciplines, participated in the summer school.

International Summer School for Basic Medicine Growth Partner

The International Summer School for Basic Medicine Growth Partner, based on the Top Talent Program 2.0 for seven core disciplines, was held with the theme of “Exploring Metabolic Pathways, Unveiling Cell Fate.” Six expert professors from world-class universities, including Yale University and Columbia University, were invited to lead the program, which focused on cellular metabolism. The summer school combined cutting-edge courses, group discussions, and presentations, providing students with a rich academic experience that fostered intellectual exchange. The five-day program featured 24 hours of advanced courses and attracted 92 students from 18 countries and eight universities worldwide, covering fields such as basic medicine, clinical medicine, dentistry, biosciences, and bioengineering.

Tongji Summer School Brings Together Talent from Multiple Fields

The “2024 Tongji Summer School,” organized by the Office of International Affairs and hosted by the School of Public Health, was held from July 8 to July 24. The program invited 10 medical experts from seven countries including China, the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Austria, representing nine partner institutions. Eight courses were offered, all taught in English, covering a range of disciplines such as clinical medicine, public health, and nursing. The summer school attracted over 600 students from 71 universities across 26 countries and regions.

European Historic Architecture and City Design Joint Workshop

In July, the 6th European Historical Architecture and Urban Design Workshop kicked off in Rome, Italy. This year’s workshop focused on the historical built environment of Rome. It adopted a short-term format and included a variety of teaching and practical activities such as theoretical studies, field visits, surveying, and design work. A group of 29 students from various universities, disciplines, and academic years, led by Professor Li Xiaofeng and Associate Professor Jia Yanfei from HUST, conducted site visits and analyses of the built environments in Rome, Verona, and Vicenza. Under the guidance of professors from China, the United States, and Italy, the students worked in groups to redesign buildings and neighborhoods based on their observations of the chosen sites.

AAVS (Architectural Association Visiting School) Wuhan: Insider-Outsider: Rurality Recast

From August 9 to August 12, HUST’s Big Smallness Studio from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning led eight students from domestic and international universities on a summer field trip to Yichang, Dangyang, Zhijiang, and Yidu. The students conducted research on the industrial heritage of the Third Front Construction and rural built heritage in western Hubei. Through field studies, design training, and physical construction, the team mapped various types of built spaces and conducted oral interviews with relevant individuals. The research provided the students with rich resources for interpreting the industrial and rural built heritage of the Third Front Construction. They gained a deeper understanding of the location, function, typology, construction, and materials of these sites, and analyzed the commonalities and differences in built heritage across different regions within the historical context.

Intelligent Construction Summer Camp Focuses on Latest Developments

The “International Young Scholars Forum on Intelligent Construction and the 10th Academic Summer Camp on Intelligent Construction,” hosted by HUST’s School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, was held from July 18 to July 19. The event invited 17 renowned scholars in the field of intelligent construction, including Professor Kang Jian, a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering from University College London, and Professor Zuo Jian from the University of Adelaide. The high-level academic lectures provided participants with a platform to engage with the latest academic frontiers in intelligent construction, helping them to gain a deep understanding of the cutting-edge research and the latest technological advancements in the field.

Optical and Optoelectronic System Design Summer School Explores Academic Frontiers

On July 15, the 8th Optical and Optoelectronic System Design Summer School opened at HUST. The program is built on three pillars: fundamental theory, optical design, and optoelectronic frontiers. It served as a bridge of knowledge for 43 participants from optoelectronics companies and universities across the country. Co-hosted by HUST’s School of Optical and Electronic Information in collaboration with the Hubei Instrument and Control Society, the Hubei Laser Society, and the Wuhan Laser Industry Association of the Optics Valley of China, the summer school aimed to provide researchers, engineers, and aspiring graduate and senior undergraduate students with an opportunity for in-depth exploration in the field of optics and optoelectronics.

Summer School for Frontier Technologies in Information and Communication Deepens Exchanges

The 2024 International Summer School of the School of Electronic Information and Communications was held in mid-July. Themed on “Frontier Technologies in Information and Communication,” the summer school invited four internationally renowned experts, including Academician Tao Dacheng from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Professor Vicent Pla from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain. The event attracted more than 60 students from 19 countries, including China, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. During the summer school, students engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges with the experts on the next generation of key technologies in the field of information and communications.

“Hundred Ships Sailing” Summer School Broadens Horizons

The 2024 “Hundred Ships Sailing” Summer School, hosted by the School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, was held from July 7 to July 29. The program invited several globally renowned experts and scholars, including Professor Carlos Guedes Soares, a member of the Portuguese Academy of Engineering from the University of Lisbon, and Professor Hamid Reza Karimi, a member of the European Academy of Sciences from the Polytechnic University of Milan, to serve as lecturers, guest speakers, and practical mentors. The program integrated world-class university teaching and research resources to showcase cutting-edge knowledge in the field of naval and ocean engineering. Through a combination of nearly a month of theoretical lectures, course instruction, and innovative interactive activities, the summer school inspired faculty and students to broaden their perspectives through international thinking, deepen their cognitive understanding, and enhance their engineering mindset and innovative practical abilities.

“Discover at HUST” International Students Summer Program Stands Out

Chinese Language + AI Robot Summer School

On July 12, the 2024 “Discover at HUST” Chinese Language + AI Robot Summer School, co-hosted by the School of International Education and the School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, concluded. Approved by the China Scholarship Council, the program focused on the theme of artificial intelligence (AI) robotics, highlighting cutting-edge areas such as AI, collaborative robots, and intelligent manufacturing through robotics. The summer school offered a comprehensive experience for participants, combining academic courses and lectures, practical academic sessions, field visits to enterprises and experimental platforms, a series of high-quality “Chinese Language +” cultural courses, and cultural excursions. The program showcased the rapid technological advancements in AI robotics and allowed students to experience the fast-paced social and economic development of China. A total of 79 outstanding international students from 13 universities, including RWTH Aachen University (Germany) and the University of Birmingham (UK), participated.

Sino-French Summer Research Program on Life Science and Technology

From June 15 to June 30, 9 students and 3 faculty members from Université d’Évry Paris-Saclay, France, participated in the 2024 Sino-French Perception Biology Summer Camp at HUST. The program focused on perception biology, offering activities in four key areas: academic lectures, scientific experiments, cultural experiences, and sports. The students explored the mysteries of life sciences while experiencing the richness of Chinese culture and the unique charm of Wuhan.

Short-Term Study Abroad Program for Students from California State University, Northridge

From June 29 to August 2, faculty and students from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), along with participants from HUST’s School of Management, took part in the 2024 HUST-CSUN Summer School. The program featured joint teaching by Chinese and American instructors, with students from both countries studying the “Management Accounting” course together. Both universities recognized the course credits, and the program involved various learning methods such as classroom competitions, group presentations, and post-class exercises, helping to combine theory with practice.

2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Summer School

From August 5 to August 30, 30 international students from universities in Germany, Russia, and other European countries participated in the 2024 2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Summer School hosted by HUST’s School of Pharmacy. The four-week summer camp featured special-topic lectures, field trips, laboratory and outdoor practical sessions, and Chinese language courses. The program aimed to help participants better understand the cultural roots and development of traditional Chinese medicine, experience the charm of Chinese medicine, and cultivate their interest in scientific research in the field of pharmacy through hands-on learning.

 Internship Program in Scientific Research for Students from World-Renowned Universities

In 2024, the School of International Education launched the Internship Program in Scientific Research for Students from World-Renowned Universities.” A total of 73 distinguished professors from 21 departments and research centers offered 76 research internship projects covering fields such as strong magnetic fields, optics, mechanical engineering, and communications. The program provided students with challenging research opportunities, attracting 11 outstanding students from world-renowned universities in seven countries, including France and the UK, to conduct research internships at HUST.

Chinese Culture Experience Camp Promotes Cultural Integration

The 4th Chinese Culture Summer Camp

From July 1 to July 10, the School of Humanities hosted the 4th Chinese Culture Summer Camp, which attracted a total of 40 students and faculty members from the VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in Thailand. The program covered a wide range of courses, including Chinese characters and dialects, Chinese philosophy, ancient Chinese literature, ancient Chinese novels and dramas, Chinese etiquette and customs, Jingchu culture, and the digital economy. Additionally, participants engaged in cultural activities such as opera, martial arts, calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and field trips. The camp also hosted the International Youth Development Forum to foster cultural exchange between Chinese and international students.

 Discovering and Understanding China: Cross-Straits Cultural Exchange Summer Camp with Hong Kong and Macao University Students

From July 1 to July 9, the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of HUST, in collaboration with the School of Economics, organized the 2024 Discovering and Understanding China: Cross-Straits Cultural Exchange Summer Camp with Hong Kong and Macao University Students, under the theme “United in Spirit, Striving with Purpose.” More than 30 students and faculty members from universities such as the University of Macau and the University of Hong Kong participated in the event. The ten-day summer camp featured special lectures on topics such as artificial intelligence and green finance, and included activities like field research, case discussions, interactive games, exchange presentations, and study tours. The program aimed to help participants experience China’s strength through learning and practice, while promoting cultural integration between Hubei, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Edited by: Chang Wen, Peng Yumeng