On the morning of November 6, the 46th Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series is held at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex, Hainan University.
Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib began his presentation by reflecting on his own academic origin. He recounted his professional journey, which began as a young lecturer and researcher, and gradually evolved into academic leadership, and culminated in his appointment as Vice Chancellor. Drawing from this journey, he shared key insights and proceeded to provide an overview of his research on ionic liquids and their applications.
He observed that every academic journey originates from a fundamental impetus—the passion to immerse oneself in a discipline, to explore new knowledge, and to share those findings. In the early years, success is often measured by personal achievements; yet as one grows, the goals gradually expand to encompass building teams, mentoring others, and seeking a greater impact. This evolution redefines the very paradigm of success: it transitions from “my achievements” to “our collective achievements”, and ultimately ascends to the “university’s legacy”—a pursuit of excellence that galvanizes both individuals and communities toward shared progress.
On the morning of November 6, the 46th Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series is held at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex, Hainan University. Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib is delivering a presentation.
Prof. Bill Hanson shared his personal insights on becoming an exceptional leader. In the academic segment, he began by defining insect chemical ecology. Through discussing various organisms and research techniques, he presented his research landscape—which ranges from moths and flies to locusts and even giant Christmas Island crabs—and showcased his team’s findings.
He mentioned that insect chemical ecology has captivated him for over four decades. He also provided guidance for research, covering aspects such as reading literature, publishing papers, writing books, and participating in academic conferences. It was his sincere hope that the audience would walk away with a mind curious to learn more about chemical ecology and with a realization that leadership is also something to take seriously and constantly improve.
On the morning of November 6, the 46th Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series is held at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex, Hainan University. Prof. Bill Hansson is delivering a presentation.
On the lecture platform, Zhang Jiyou presented commemorative plaques of the Distinguished Scientist Lectures Series to Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib and Prof. Bill Hansson.
On the morning of November 6, the 46th Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series is held at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex, Hainan University. Executive Vice Chairman of the HNU Council Zhang Jiyou presented commemorative plaques of the Distinguished Scientist Lectures Series to Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib and Bill Hansson.。
During the Q&A session, faculty and students hold in-depth discussions focusing on the development of young researchers and the cultivation of high-performing academic teams.
On the morning of November 6, the 46th Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series is held at the auditorium of the Social Sciences Complex, Hainan University. A representative from the faculty and the student body is raising her questions.
More than 700 representatives of faculty and students from Haidian, Danzhou, Mission Hills (including Chengxi teaching site), and Yazhou campuses of Hainan University, together with leaders of relevant university departments and units, attended the forum both online and in person.
Translated by Li Weishen
Proofread by Shen Fei
