The 7th International Young Scholars Forum of Hainan University was held from December 16 to 17, 2025, at International Academic Exchange Center. The Forum attracted over 200 young scholars both online and offline from world-renowned universities and institutions like University of Oxford, National University of Singapore, University of Melbourne, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University and Peking University etc. Seventy-eight young scholars signed a letter of intent for employment with Hainan University.

The 7th International Young Scholars Forum of Hainan University is held from December 16 to 17, 2025, at International Academic Exchange Center. This is the opening ceremony venue. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

On December 16, the opening ceremony was attended by Zhang Yuhui, Deputy Head of the Organization Department of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Hainan Provincial Talent Management Bureau; Tan Ge, Deputy Director of Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Yu Hang, Deputy Secretary of Yazhouwan National Laboratory (YNL) and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of YNL; and Li Hu, Chairman of the HNU Council. Li Buhong, HNU’s Vice President, chaired the opening ceremony.

Zhang Yuhui introduced Hainan Free Trade Port’s development strategic framework, institutional innovation, and policy on training competent professionals. He noted that Hainan will officially launch island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18, 2025. With its launch, Hainan FTP will provide more opportunities for young scholars to innovate, start businesses, and pursue careers. “Choosing Hainan echoes the development of our country and the times. We look forward to young competent professionals settling in Hainan and injecting new impetus into Hainan FTP construction. Hainan will also welcome capable professionals with the greatest sincerity and provide a better environment for you to display their potentials.” He added.

Zhang Yuhui is delivering a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

In his speech, Li Hu elaborated on Hainan University’s history and development. He emphasized HNU’s commitment to seizing opportunities and fostering an inclusive, innovative environment for young scholars. This includes providing competitive mechanisms, optimal research conditions, and enhanced support services. “With Hainan FTP taking shape and gaining momentum, Hainan is poised to attract and nurture qualified professionals,” Li said. “We welcome young scholars to join HNU, integrate their career aspirations into the grand blueprint of national strategies, and jointly achieve extraordinary accomplishments.”

Li Hu is delivering a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

At the opening ceremony, Li Buhong delivered a speech about implementing the strategy of “building a strong university with support from capable professionals”. Dr. Cheng Debo and Dr. Han Yifeng, the recruited representatives, shared their own growth experiences and academic achievements at HNU.

At the meeting with the young scholars, university leaders answered questions concerning conditions for scientific research, policy for talent recruitment, and personal academic growth..

This is the Q&A session. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

On the afternoon of Dec 16, seven sessions were held simultaneously, covering seed breeding and tropical high-efficiency agriculture, marine technology, information technology, ecological civilization, one health, free trade port development and institutional innovation, and culture and tourism. On the morning of Dec 17, participating international young scholars visited Hainan University History Museum, Collaborative Innovation Center, and relevant laboratories, followed by discussions and exchanges with various colleges. At the closing ceremony on the afternoon of Dec 17, representatives from the university’s Human Resources Department elaborated on HNU’s distinctive educational framework for nurturing talent and answered scholars’ questions.

International young scholars visit Hainan University History Museum. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

International young scholars visit Collaborative Innovation Center. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

Dr. Hou Yue, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong, signed a letter of intent with the School of Marine Sciences. She noted that she sees the major window of opportunity of Hainan FTP and decides to be a part of HNU. “Hainan University boasts unique marine geographical advantages and a solid foundation in fields such as marine science and tropical characteristic high-efficiency agriculture,” she said. “It is an ideal academic institution and research platform to realize my marine dreams.”

Dr. Hao Zeping, a PhD graduate of the University of Warwick, intended to join the School of Mathematics and Statistics and saw the school’s rapid development. “I was deeply impressed by the strength of the research team and the academic atmosphere here,” he said. “In the future, I hope to continue in-depth academic research through Hainan University’s high-quality platform and fulfill my dreams here.”

Young scholars sign a letter of intent for employment with Hainan University. (Photo by the HNU Publicity Department)

In attendance were also officials from Hainan Development and Reform Commission and Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Hainan Province. Other HNU leadership members including Zhang Jiyou, Qiu Xiguang, Zou Yonghua, Liu Qian, Chen Jun, and Yang Zhixin as well as representatives of Schools and Departments were present at the above-mentioned events.

It is reported that since its inauguration in 2019, Hainan University’s International Young Scholars Forum has been successfully held for seven consecutive sessions, attracting over 5,000 outstanding young scholars from more than 20 countries and regions around the world.

Translated by Lai Sihang

Proofread by Zhang Ying