On the afternoon of March 23, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology hosted a high-level academic forum on rare earth green development and application at its Sanjiang campus. The keynote speaker was Deng Jianjun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a researcher at the Institute of Fluid Physics of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, who also directs the National Key Laboratory of Shock Wave and Detonation Physics. His talk was titled “High-Power Pulsed Accelerators and Their Applications.”
Ge Shirong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of the university, noted in his opening remarks that the university is consolidating its disciplinary strengths in rare earths and critical minerals to accelerate the development of world-class programmes. He highlighted nuclear energy as a clean power source, with nuclear fusion representing a key frontier, and noted that uranium—a critical mineral—is essential to this field. He expressed confidence that Deng’s lecture would inspire both faculty and students and guide the university’s future work in critical minerals, especially uranium and nuclear energy.
In his presentation, Deng systematically introduced laboratory simulations of nuclear explosion processes, linear induction accelerator flash radiography, Z-pinch driven inertial confinement fusion devices, and high-power petal accelerators. Using the “Shenlong” (Divine Dragon) series as a case study, he illustrated China’s journey from following to running alongside—and in some areas leading—global developments in pulsed power technology.
Deng also highlighted civilian applications, particularly in human health and nuclear medicine. He discussed advances in FLASH radiotherapy equipment and medical isotope production. Noting the rich rare earth and uranium resources in southern Jiangxi’s Ganzhou region, he proposed deeper collaboration in nuclear medicine. He concluded by encouraging students and faculty to carry forward the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” spirit and contribute to self-reliance in science and technology.
The lecture offered both technical depth and inspirational value, giving the audience a window into cutting-edge research while reinforcing the ideal of serving the nation through science. It deepened understanding of critical minerals and new energy, and left many in attendance moved by the sense of responsibility that drives researchers working on strategic national priorities.
