From July 22 to 24, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology held an intensive summer training program for mid-level and senior administrators and high-level faculty at its Sanjiang campus. The program focused on ensuring a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan and accelerating the university’s effort to build a world-class institution in rare earths and critical minerals. Experts from leading Double First-Class universities and university leaders delivered lectures and policy guidance.
The program opened on the morning of July 22 at the Zhiyuan Conference Center. Liu Zuwen, secretary of the university Party committee, delivered a mobilization speech. He noted that 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and is also a pivotal year for the university’s ambition in rare earths and critical minerals. Liu set four requirements for participants: strengthen political awareness and align thinking with central and provincial plans and the university’s goals; adopt a problem-oriented approach and combine learning with reflection; link theory with practice and turn what is learned into concrete measures; and strictly observe training discipline and maintain a serious attitude throughout the program.
Vice President Xiong Zhihua delivered a report titled “New Situation, New Start, New Achievements: Striving for Double First-Class.” The report analyzed new opportunities and challenges in higher education, outlined the vision of serving national strategies through first-class university development, and proposed shifting from fragmented efforts to organized discipline development, with a focus on building a talent hub in rare earths.
Three external experts then gave lectures. Zhao Yixin, assistant to the president and director of the Institute of Science and Technology at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), spoke on organized research. Drawing on the experience of mining-focused universities, he explained the concept of organized research, shared practical explorations, and discussed challenges and pathways for industry-specific universities.
Li Yaqing, director of the Development Planning Office at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), gave a report on Double First-Class construction. She introduced USTC’s practices in cultivating top-tier innovative talent, building a first-class faculty, strengthening research through major platforms and projects, and promoting technology transfer
Wu Xiaojun, director of USTC’s Academic Affairs Office and deputy dean of its undergraduate college, spoke on organized talent cultivation. He explained the approach across goals, processes, and resources, and presented USTC’s model of integrating research and education, including its science talent classes and research practice system.
On the afternoon of July 23, participants held group discussions, exchanging views on how to reinforce strengths, address weaknesses, and consolidate foundations in the context of academic restructuring and Double First-Class efforts.
The program concluded on the afternoon of July 24 with a ceremony presided over by Executive Vice President Xu Zhifeng. Liu Zuwen summarized the training as high-level in theory, precise in content, and deep in discussion, providing intellectual and capacity preparation for the 15th Five-Year Plan and Double First-Class construction. He reiterated four expectations: deepen theoretical study, integrate into broader development strategies, take responsibility for reform and development, and uphold discipline and integrity. He called on participants to treat the training as a new starting point and contribute to the university’s goal of becoming a world-class institution in rare earths and critical minerals, as well as to Jiangxi’s modernization.
