Professor Chris D. Rudd, president of James Cook University's Singapore campus, delivered a lecture on May 8, 2023 at Jilin University (JLU) as part of the Dingxin Lecture series.

Rudd's lecture, Life Changing Materials, was attended by JLU President ZHANG Xi, who presented Rudd with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his contribution to the lecture series. The lecture was moderated by Professor ZHANG Zhihui, general secretary of the International Society of Bionic Engineering.

Rudd provided an overview of James Cook University's Singapore campus and explored the critical role that materials science plays in shaping societal development, with a particular focus on the intersection of bionics and engineering materials.

He highlighted the transformative significance of papermaking and ceramics in global civilization and discussed technological advancements in new materials, including energy storage materials, carbon fiber, and graphene. He stressed the profound impact these materials have on life, society, and energy.

The event was hosted by the Jilin University Association for Science and Technology, the Office of Global Engagement at JLU and the International Society of Bionic Engineering, with over 300 faculty and students in attendance.