The Nan-Ao Science Conference, which brought together 60 top experts and scholars (including 20 academicians) from universities and research institutes all around the country, opened and started its first meeting on February 8-9 in the beautiful Nan-Ao Island in Shantou. According to Guangdong Science and Technology Department, the Conference, in line with Xiangshan Science Conferences and Shuangqing Forum, aims to be an internationally significant academic platform that builds on the pursuit of high-quality basic research in Guangdong province.

Its predecessor is the Nan-Ao Symposium of Quantum Materials and Manipulation co-funded by Academician Gong Xingao (GTIIT) and Academician Duan Wenhui (Tsinghua University), which took place in July 2022. In the symposium, Guangdong Science and Technology Department and Shantou Municipal Government decided to co-host the "Nan-Ao Science Conference". Thereafter, organizers including Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation, and Bureau of Science and Technology of Shantou Municipality strived for its completion and eventually, this Conference was a great success.

Opening Ceremony of Nan-Ao Symposium 2022

National, provincial, and municipal media have all attached great importance to the event. Multiple media outlets, including Xinhua, People's Daily Online, China News, Ifeng, The Paper, Science and Technology Daily, Economic Daily, China Report, Nanfang Daily, Guangdong Television, Southern Finance, Yangcheng Evening News, Shantou Daily, Shantou Television, Sina and Sohu, have published long coverage of the Conference, pointing out that great strength in science and technology supports high-quality growth. Faced with a new round of technological revolution and industrial change, Guangdong should continuously strengthen basic research and achieve more original innovation results.

Consultation and Exchange Meeting

GTIIT, as the Secretary Office unit and one of the organizers of the Nan-Ao Science Conference, has ensured the Conference's accomplishment by forming a capable workgroup in full cooperation with other organizers under the guidance of the provincial and municipal governments and the higher authorities. The success of the event is a strong impetus to encourage GTers to conduct high-level scientific research. In the interview with GDTV, Associate Professor Xu Peng took "the relationship between sulphur and methionine" as an example, saying, "We can conduct in-depth research from a tiny creative idea. I hope we will achieve a greater breakthrough and contribute to the country's vision of carbon neutrality."

GDTV interviews Prof. Xu

According to Chancellor Gong Xingao, the Conference has further reflected GTIIT's role as an academic platform for scientists from home and abroad. It showcases the research strength of GTIIT to the public. He also pointed out that the inventor of ChatGPT, which's emergence has epoch-making significance, is a Jew. GTIIT should make use of its advantage as a Sino-Israel cooperative university, absorb the innovative spirit of the Jewish people, strive to achieve scientific breakthroughs, encourage faculty and students to innovate, and contribute to the country. With a continued focus on the frontiers of basic research with its international strength and resources, the university will continue the success of the Conference and build a "treasure trove" in southern China.

Press interview Chancellor Gong

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Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: media, GTIIT News & Public Affairs