Nankai University held the opening ceremony for its 2025 International Summer School at Chern Building on the Balitai Campus on the evening of June 29. Chen Jun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of Nankai University, delivered the keynote speech. The ceremony brought together distinguished scholars from around the world, alongside representatives of Nankai faculty and students, and was hosted by Li Yuelin, Assistant to the President and Director of the Teaching Affairs Office.

Running from June 30 to July 27, this four-week program offers nearly 50 English-taught, in-person courses delievered by over 70 experts and scholars from China and abroad. The curriculum covers cutting-edge developments across natural sciences, engineering, and humanities and social sciences. To date, course enrollment has surpassed 4,600.

Concurrently, the “Global Nankai” Summer Cloud Program was launched, offering 30 fully English-taught online courses delivered by experts and scholars from prestigious institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and National University of Singapore. The curriculum covers themes such as global outlook and cultural self-consciousness, interdisciplinary methodologies, practical cross-cultural competencies, and understanding of cutting-edge arts.

Additionally, the “3rd Elite Summer School on Fundamental Theories of Biophysics” and the “2025 Nankai Logic Summer School on Mathematical Logic” are also being held concurrently. More than 30 leading experts and scholars, including academicians, are delivering instruction through diverse formats such as intensive lectures, seminars, masterclasses, laboratory visits, and cultural exchanges.

On behalf of the university, Chen Jun extended a warm welcome to all domestic and international faculty and students participating in the program. He emphasized that Nankai University is committed to its mission of cultivating high-quality students with a global vision and international competence. Since 2022, the “Global Nankai” Summer Cloud Program has been successfully held for three consecutive years, attracting over 20,000 students who have experienced the unique charm of cultural integration. Chen highlighted that the launch of this year's Summer School marks a crucial step in implementing NKU’s “Talent Development Framework 3.0” and advancing its vision of integrated international education. Looking ahead, the university will continue to deepen international cooperation and exchanges, providing students with more high-quality platforms to engage with the global academic stage.

Prof. Javier García-Martínez, from the University of Alicante (Spain) emphasized that addressing global challenges requires both interdisciplinary thinking and international cooperation. He encouraged students to transform knowledge into real-world solutions and to pursue innovation across fields with a strong sense of ethical responsibility.

Prof. Jin Zhezhen (NKU alumnus), from the Department of Biostatistics at Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, encouraged students to boldly engage in self-exploration and strive for personal growth. He also emphasized the value of mutual learning and cross-cultural exchange in broadening intellectual horizons.

Adam C. Midgley, Associate Professor at NKU’s College of Life Sciences, drew on his own teaching experience to highlight the significance of communication, collaboration, and confidence, underscoring the role of English-medium scientific courses in fostering students’ global scientific literacy.

Cheng Xin, an undergraduate student from the Class of 2024 at the College of Chemistry, expressed his excitement for the upcoming four-week international learning experience. He hopes it will help broaden his global perspective, foster innovative thinking, and strengthen his practical abilities.

During the ceremony, musical and dance performances were presented by the student choir and international students from the School of International Education.