On the afternoon of July 3, Lecturer J. L. Kiappes of Oxford University and University of London, and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), attended the Nankai University Guest Professor Award Ceremony held at Haibing Center on Balitai campus, where he also gave a lecture at the “Overseas Scholars Lecture” session. Chen Jun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of Nankai University, attended the event. It was also attended by more than 100 faculty and student representatives of Nankai University. This lecture is also the first lecture of overseas experts under the “Academic Lecture Series on the 105th Anniversary of Nankai University”.

In his remarks, Chen Jun extended a warm welcome to J. L. Kiappes and recognized his important contribution to the university’s opening up in education in the new era. Chen Jun said that Nankai University adopts a connectivity talent training model featuring “three-dimensional integration” and “equal emphasis on all-round development in five areas”. He encouraged faculty and students to attend the “Academic Lecture Series on the 105th Anniversary of Nankai University”, and improve their cross-cultural communication skills with a global vision.

J. L. Kiappes introduced an innovative approach to chemistry research based on case study in a lecture entitled “Bonding through Chemistry: Collaboration in Research, Teaching and Learning”. The concept of “bonding” in chemistry is used metaphorically to illustrate the importance of international cooperation and exchange for the cultivation of young chemical talents and scientific research.

J. L. Kiappes also introduced the development of the International Chemistry Olympiad, the results of cooperation with Nankai University, and the prospect of bilateral high-level cooperation.

During the Q&A session, J. L. Kiappes communicated with faculty and students in a lively atmosphere.

Chen Jun presented J. L. Kiappes with a letter of appointment as a guest professor at Nankai University and a certificate as a speaker at the Overseas Scholars Lecture session.

It is reported that the Nankai University Overseas Scholars Lecture, launched in September 2023, has been held for 8 sessions so far. Relying on the high-quality education resources of various colleges and schools, it invites world-renowned scholars to give lectures at the university, with a view to creating featured, professional and branded academic exchange events, and promoting high-quality education opening up in the new era. 

（Edited and translated by Nankai News Team.)