Every breakthrough achieved by Hainan University (HNU) comes from the dedication and diligence of numerous HNUers. According to the “2025 Best Chinese Universities Ranking (BCUR)” released by ShanghaiRanking on April 15, HNU is listed among the Top 100 for the first time, ranking 93rd and becoming the fastest-rising university nationwide since 2021. The leapfrog progress epitomizes the accomplishments of those who commit themselves to the high-quality development of HNU and the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Initiative.
“Architect” of Electron Microscopy Platform: Building the “Great Wall” for Hainan Island with Precision Instruments
Prof. Chen Jianghua, director of the National Key Laboratory for Advanced Engineering Materials and Evaluation of Tropical Oceanography, led his team to build the world’s first high-end Pico-electronics Microscopy Platform on an artificial island. This system has overcome global challenges such as low-frequency vibration and seawater seepage from the foundation, and withstood the ravages of Typhoon Yagi in 2024. To date, it has delivered services to over 100 institutions across China and tested more than 10,000 samples. On April 29, Prof. Chen was awarded the honorary title of “Model Worker in Hainan.”
With the aspiration to establish the “National Key Laboratory for Advanced Engineering Materials of Tropical Oceanography,” he revised the construction plan 20 times within two years in a bid to integrate resources from HNU and partner enterprises. Finally, in 2025, it was approved as the only national key laboratory under the management of Hainan Province, filling a sci-tech gap in the development of Hainan FTP.
Additionally, he has upgraded HNU’s Center for Instrumental Analysis, developing a three-pronged model that integrates scientific research, expertise provision, and education. It has achieved a 3.5-fold increase in scientific research and technical services in two years. Besides, he has supervised 150 master’s and doctoral students over the years, preparing high-caliber professionals for the Hainan FTP Initiative.
“Pioneers” of Research Innovation: Eliminating the R&D Bottleneck of Implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces (iBCIs)
The “BCI Neuro-engineering” research team from HNU School of Biomedical Engineering is dedicated to the R&D of brain-computer interface (BCI). As a multidisciplinary and highly challenging frontier technology, BCI aims to achieve direct communication between the brain and external devices, thereby bringing hope to the paralyzed.
Initially, challenges such as a weak technical foundation and high cost of chip tape-out were encountered as BCI was brand new in China. However, with enthusiasm for research and determination to fill technological gaps, the team recruited high-caliber professionals from different fields and overcame barriers to cross-disciplinary research, embarking on the journey to make breakthroughs.
The past four years have witnessed the team’s continued effort in developing the core microchips, including hundreds of bench-top experiments, dozens of animal tests and ten-plus external validations. These advanced chips have reduced China’s long-standing dependence on imports, with their debut dazzling attendees at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in April.
HNU team’s impressive achievements have ranked China among the leading manufacturers globally, fulfilling another dream of Chinese researchers in the new era.
“Explorers” of Smart Education: Fostering Pedagogical Innovation
Students of inorganic chemistry are often trapped in passive learning under the traditional teaching model. Realizing the vast potential of AI technology for teaching, Prof. Wang Xiaohong from HNU School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering determined to lead her team on a journey of teaching reforms.
To design the most applicable AI-assisted curriculum, her team often met to explore the application of AI tools and curricular design. From teaching resource databanks, cutting-edge research data, and various question pools, they gleaned relevant information for every key point. Through systematic deconstruction and reorganization, they sought to make every explanation accurate and easy to understand.
Having bridged the gap between complicated technology and specialized curriculum, they finally developed a smart course on inorganic chemistry. With the integration of teaching resource libraries, cutting-edge scientific research data, and algorithmic recommendation technology, this course greatly improves teaching efficiency and quality, achieving the multi-dimensional development of inorganic chemistry. Going further, the team plans to optimize the course by incorporating more cutting-edge technologies to meet the personalized learning needs of students.
The “Inorganic Chemistry” course in the charge of Prof. Wang has set a good example for HNU’s reforms on digital teaching, which has considerably promoted smart education.
“Inheritor” of the “Red Gene”: Model Retiree Nurturing Young Generations
Yang Yunshan, who has been a CPC member for 60 years, is dedicated to education all his life. Since retiring in 2005, he has served as the deputy director of HNU Working Committee for the Well-being of the Next Generation (CWNG) for 20 years. On April 25, he was awarded the honorary title of “Model Retiree in Hainan”.
In recognition of the significant role of the youth in China’s development and the Hainan FTP Initiative, Yang has engaged in moral and political education, delivering lectures on the CPC’s history, building connection with CPC members, handling queries from young members, and guiding students to establish proper outlooks on life, values, and the world. Besides, he has played an active role in the organizational and institutional construction of HNU CWNG, promoting the drafting of the “Working Regulations for HNU Working Committee for the Well-being of the Next Generation”, making nominations for the new working committee, and assisting the residential colleges in establishing primary-level CWNG.
Yang, also a member of the Publicity Group comprising “elderly cadres, soldiers, experts, teachers, and model workers”, often visits residential colleges to motivate students with stories and spirits of the CPC, guiding them to inherit the “red gene”. His lectures have garnered acclaim from teachers and students. Over the years, Yang has remained true to his original aspiration and worked tirelessly and selflessly for the reform and development of HNU.
“Lamplighters” on Campus: Ensuring Stable Water and Electricity Supply
HNU boasts a few campuses with numerous facilities for water and electricity supply. The responsibility of maintaining these utilities is taken by the Energy Services Team headed by Zhu Guangcheng from the Logistical Support Department. The team makes daily inspections on campus, starting from the early morning. Tanned skin is their hallmark and proof of their hard work.
Whatever the weather conditions, sweltering heat or torrential rain, any breakdown of water and electricity utilities is a call to action. Every time they receive a notice, the maintenance workers will rush to the spot immediately, climbing high and carrying heavy items. Their clothes are often soaked with sweat or mud. At the critical juncture when Typhoon Yagi attacked, they engaged in a non-stop battle for 48 hours to safeguard water and power supply and minimize the damage.
Zhu’s simple remarks explain why they stick to their duty: “Once you’re in this job, you can’t stand by.” The team has established a strict system of routine inspections, conducts personnel training and exchange of experience on a regular basis, and utilizes intelligent devices for data analysis and risk assessment to ensure the stable operation of water and electricity utilities.
With total dedication, the logistical support team has supported the academic pursuits and daily lives of faculty and students. Their selfless work has laid a solid foundation for the building of a safe and beautiful campus.
HNU’s current achievements are attributed to the diligence of each HNUer. They have injected continuous impetus into the development of HNU with wisdom and effort. Let’s pay tribute to those who are working tirelessly to write a brilliant chapter in the new era and for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Translated by Fu Ya
Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen,Yang Jie
