By Wu Xinru
(ECNS) — The Emerging Engineering Special Forum, centered around the theme of “Developing New Quality Productive Forces through the Advancement of Emerging Engineering Disciplines,” commenced on Saturday at the prestigious Peking University. This event is part of the Beijing Forum (2024) and is collaboratively organized by Peking University, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, and the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, running from Friday through Sunday, reflecting a commitment to advanced academic dialogue.
(Photo provided by Peking University)
As he opened the forum, Zhang Jin, a distinguished academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the forum’s president, addressed the significance of the ongoing scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation reshaping the global innovation landscape. He emphasized how this transformation is not merely altering economic and social structures, but also fundamentally changing human production methodologies and everyday lifestyles.
In his welcoming remarks during the morning plenary session on Saturday, Zhang highlighted the critical importance of engineering science and technology. He asserted that it has emerged as the premier driving force propelling human civilization forward, underscoring its integration into the realms of science, industry, academia, and societal development.
Zhi Xianwei, the mayor of Changping District and director of the Management Committee of Beijing Future Science City, conveyed that the Beijing Forum has matured into a world-class academic event. He described it as the largest, longest-running, and most influential international forum organized by Peking University. Zhi expressed optimism that the forum will invigorate the synergistic development of government, industry, academia, and research institutions while presenting innovative strategies to boost high-quality productivity in Changping.
In attendance at the plenary session was Gérard Albert Mourou, the 2018 Nobel laureate in Physics and a chair professor at the School of Physics at Peking University, who also shared his insights through opening remarks.
The forum featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Mei Hong, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at the School of Computer Science at Peking University. Also joining were Wang Cunyu, a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who heads the Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles. Furthermore, Daniel M. Kammen, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, along with Peng Shou, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief scientist of China National Building Material Group Co. Ltd., also contributed to the discussions.
Key discussions at the Emerging Engineering Special Forum revolved around the deep integration of new medical science with engineering disciplines, the transformative shift towards low-carbon energy systems driven by digital technologies, and the frontier of technological innovations in the realm of embodied intelligence.
**Interview with Zhang Jin, President of the Emerging Engineering Special Forum**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Professor Zhang. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The Emerging Engineering Special Forum just kicked off at Peking University. Can you elaborate on the main focus of this year’s event?
**Zhang Jin:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This year’s forum, centered on “Developing New Quality Productive Forces through the Advancement of Emerging Engineering Disciplines,” aims to showcase the pivotal role of engineering science and technology in driving forward human civilization. We are witnessing a profound transformation in both industry and society at large, and our goal is to explore how emerging engineering disciplines can contribute to this evolution.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a significant transformation in production methodologies and lifestyles. Can you provide examples of how you see this transformation manifesting in everyday life?
**Zhang Jin:** Certainly. We are living in an era where technological advancements are becoming integral to our daily routines. For instance, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing are not just concepts; they are influencing our work environments, healthcare, and even how we manage our homes. This transformation is redefining productivity and enhancing the quality of life, which is a core aspect we hope to address during the forum.
**Interviewer:** Zhi Xianwei, the mayor of Changping District, referred to the Beijing Forum as a world-class academic event. How do you see the impact of such forums in fostering collaboration among government, industry, and academia?
**Zhang Jin:** The integration of government, industry, and academia is essential for nurturing innovation. Forums like this provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, enabling stakeholders to share ideas and develop strategies that can lead to tangible results. We believe that through this synergy, we can tackle pressing issues such as sustainability and technological equity, promoting high-quality development in all sectors.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what is your vision for the future of engineering science and technology in the context of global innovation?
**Zhang Jin:** My vision is one where engineering science and technology become universally recognized as the backbone of progress. As we face complex challenges globally, I believe that fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment—one that encourages diverse perspectives—will be critical. Innovation should not just be a competitive endeavor; it should be a collective effort to enhance human lives and protect our planet.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Zhang, for sharing your insights. We look forward to the outcomes of this important forum.
**Zhang Jin:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work here.
