On October 21, the 23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals, jointly organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) and the Shanghai Municipal Government, was held in Shanghai. The event attracted over 2,600 international experts from more than 110 countries and regions. Professor Zhang Xi, President of Jilin University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was invited to the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech as the representative of universities.

In his speech, Zhang Xi emphasized that universities are fertile grounds for future science and inclusive innovation, providing space for academic accumulation and breakthroughs that stand the test of time. Highlighting talent cultivation, he outlined Jilin University’s initiatives to support the diverse development of young faculty, including the “Kuang Yaming/Tang Aoqing Scholars” programs, the scientific and classified talent evaluation system, and the “Peiying Project”. He underscored that universities are homes where faculty and students grow together, and warmly welcomed outstanding talents committed to advancing science and education.

Over 140 participants from Jilin University, including representatives from relevant departments and experts and scholars from 35 countries and regions, attended the conference. JLU hosted four specialized seminars covering: deep-earth science and interdisciplinary innovation, intelligent manufacturing in mechanical and aerospace engineering, bionics and innovations in agricultural engineering, and intelligent low-carbon vehicles. These sessions fostered in-depth academic dialogue and intellectual exchange, promoted resource sharing and complementary strengths, and led to multiple collaborative outcomes.