HNU News (by Journalists Gao Kehe, Kang Qi, and Correspondent Xing Jingchen) — Hainan University held its 49th Distinguished Scientist Lecture on November 20 at the Tian Jiabing Building. Huang Wei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and expert in road, bridge, and transportation engineering, delivered a keynote titled “Reflections on Scientific Research: Approaches and Practice”.

Attendees included Chen Taifeng, Chairman of Hainan Communications Investment Group Co., Ltd and Wu Peng, Deputy General Manager; Deng Junqiao, Chief Engineer and Deputy General Manager of China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co., Ltd; Luo Qingming, Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of Hainan University; and university leaders Zou Yonghua, Chen Jun, and Nie Zongxiu. The lecture was chaired by President Luo.

On the afternoon of November 20, the 49th Hainan University Distinguished Scientist Lecture at the Tian Jiabing Building. (Photo by Gao Kehe)

Huang shared his research experience, discussing five key aspects of scientific inquiry: a solid mathematical foundation, interdisciplinary integration, clarity in principles, a well-defined research direction, and practical application. He presented his team’s work on epoxy asphalt materials, steel-bridge pavement for long-span bridges, and intelligent transportation systems, focusing on theory, methodology, and engineering practice.

Huang emphasized that innovation grounded in mathematics is the master key to engineering research; interdisciplinary work unlocks new fields with multiplied effect; clear, simple principles form the core of scientific inquiry; exploring the right direction is vital for breakthroughs; and applying knowledge through teamwork turns research into tangible outcomes. He also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, pragmatism, and teamwork in achieving impactful results..

Huang Wei is speaking at the lecture. (Photo by Gao Kehe)

President Luo presents a commemorative plaque to Professor Huang Wei. (Photo by Gao Kehe)

The lecture hall was packed with attentive faculty and students, who later engaged in lively discussions with Huang on topics like interdisciplinary integration, recycling of industrial solid waste, and resilient engineering design.. Huang provided comprehensive and insightful responses to the queries.

The Q&A Session (Photo by Kang Qi)

The lecture also saw participation from representatives of the Hainan Association for Science and Technology, relevant societies, and enterprise associations; officials from the Hainan Provincial Transportation Investment Group; and leaders from relevant departments of Hainan University. Over 700 faculty and student representatives from multiple Hainan University campuses attended the event both online and offline.

Translated by Shu Wenzhuo

Proofread by Feng Jun