High-tech pioneers

Key mission

The university's focus on research and development, Liu adds, stems from its determination to contribute to the economic and social development of Shanghai and the nation, as well as enhance the institution's evolution in today's digital age.

"As a university named after this famous city, our mission is undoubtedly to serve the nation's strategies and the city's key tasks," says Liu, who took over the reins of Shanghai University four years ago.

First established in 1922, the university's mission to do so is evidenced by the layout of its frontier science and technology field, which has five major sections listed: micro and nanoelectronic technology, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, new energy and quantum science and technology.

But the university is not working alone to achieve its goals. Apart from its own research, the university has also launched a plan to collaborate with the local government and start-ups to transform research into products.

One example of how the university has gone about doing this is the Circum-SHU Science Park located opposite the main campus in Baoshan district. Spanning 57 square kilometers, the park has, since early 2021, been used as a space for university staff, students and entrepreneurs to bring their innovative technology ideas to life. The park, which currently has 375 registered companies, produced 89 major achievements in the past two and a half years.

In the blueprint, the park will further expand in the future.

"As I think the growth of a university should synchronically boost the surrounding community and regional economy, it is hard to say whose success comes first as it is a mutual development and achievement," says Liu who has studied a lot about top universities' successful experience.