Intl. Scholars' Night held in Guangming to strengthen global academic exchange

The “SUAT Meets the World: 2025 International Scholars’ Night” opened on the evening of Dec. 5 at the 8th floor of the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) Library.

Nearly 100 experts and scholars from institutions including SUAT, the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, CAS, Sun Yat-sen University (Shenzhen Campus), Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research & Translation (SMART), and BASIS International School gathered for a night that blended global perspectives, academic exchange, and artistic performance.

The jazz performance. Photos courtesy of the event organizers

In his opening remarks, Zhu Dijian, Party secretary of SUAT, extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese and international guests who joined the event. He expressed hopes that the event would become a platform where ideas converge, friendships deepen, and research and culture resonate.

Following his speech, SUAT Provost Zhao Wei officially announced the launch of the inaugural International Scholars’ Night, noting that the event will become a long-term annual tradition rooted in Guangming and dedicated to serving global talent.

The atmosphere quickly came alive as the Ukrainian jazz band NVOMI delivered an engaging performance. Their lively and melodic set energized the audience and set the tone for the evening.

A surprise highlight followed when Prof. Zhang Xian’en, dean of SUAT’s Faculty of Synthetic Biology, took the stage with an accordion and joined the band for spirited renditions of “Happy Polka” and “The Story of Time.” Their East-meets-West collaboration drew enthusiastic applause and calls for an encore.

This year’s event also introduced a special exhibition spotlighting more than 40 leading scholars and rising talents from top universities, research institutions, and innovation-driven enterprises across Guangming Science City. Guests wandered through the showcase, reading profiles, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential opportunities for future collaboration.

International scholars chat during the event.

As a recurring flagship event, the International Scholars’ Night underscores Guangming Science City’s strong appeal to global talent while enhancing the sense of belonging among foreign experts. Through high-quality, human-centered cross-cultural exchange, the event highlights SUAT’s commitment to cultivating both scientific excellence and cultural openness.

With its blend of academic dialogue, artistic expression, and community building, the event aims to offer scholars from around the world a true platform for communication, cooperation, and connection in Shenzhen.