On the afternoon of September 29, Hesheng Hall of Yuxiu Building was packed with an enthusiastic audience. Yuan Yaxiang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Research Fellow at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, CAS, was invited to the "Mathematical Charm of Central South" Distinguished Masters Lecture Hall, delivering a special report titled How to Be a Qualified Postgraduateto teachers and students of Central South University.
The lecture was jointly sponsored by the Student Affairs Department, the Communist Youth League Committee, and the Graduate School of Central South University, and undertaken by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Li Jingsheng, Deputy Party Secretary of Central South University, and all leading officials of the School of Mathematics and Statistics attended the event. More than 500 participants, including representatives of postgraduate supervisors, all on-campus postgraduates, undergraduate representatives of the school, and postgraduate representatives from other schools of the university, attended the lecture. Jiao Yong, Dean of the Undergraduate School and academic leader of the Mathematics discipline at Central South University, presided over the report.
Deputy Party Secretary Li Jingsheng delivered a welcome speech first. On behalf of the university, he extended the warmest welcome and sincere gratitude to Academician Yuan Yaxiang. He introduced to the attendees that Academician Yuan has long been engaged in research in computational mathematics, applied mathematics, operations research and other fields. His research achievements in nonlinear programming have been internationally named "Yuan's Lemma". He emphasized that postgraduate study is not only a process of knowledge accumulation, but also a crucial period for personal growth and transformation. He hoped all participants would seize this rare opportunity to learn from the master’s wisdom face to face, listen attentively and gain valuable insights.
At the lecture, Academician Yuan started with the question "What is the difference between undergraduates and postgraduates?" He pointed out that the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate represents a shift from passive learning to independent research, which can be simply defined as a change from "Learn" to "Re-search". He clarified the fundamental tasks of postgraduate students: mastering basic knowledge, fostering independent thinking, developing scientific research capabilities, setting lofty goals, staying down-to-earth, and striving to scale new academic heights.
When answering the question "What qualities should a postgraduate possess?", the academician gave a vivid and convincing explanation based on the experiences of renowned scholars at home and abroad as well as people around him, highlighting three key elements for solid academic research: thinking, interest and diligence. He also offered targeted guidance on common perplexities concerning thesis topic selection, academic presentations, paper writing, interpersonal communication and time management.
Academician Yuan particularly stressed that postgraduates should uphold scientific ethics, promote fine academic conduct, abide by research integrity and strictly follow academic norms on their academic journey. At the end of the lecture, he wished everyone fruitful academic achievements and a colorful postgraduate life, and advised them to pursue research with joy. He noted that only with good physical health and a pleasant mood can researchers stay motivated in academic exploration.
During the interactive session, Academician Yuan Yaxiang had in-depth and cordial exchanges with teachers and students present, creating a lively atmosphere. He shared his insights and suggestions to answer questions one by one, including how to sustain passion and motivation for scientific research, how to cultivate innovative ability, and how to select appropriate journals for paper submission. He encouraged students to build self-confidence, nurture learning interest, stay passionate about life, communicate more with supervisors, clarify personal positioning, and proactively seek optimal solutions to academic problems. Academician Yuan’s persistent pursuit of scientific research and approachable demeanor left a profound impression on all teachers and students.
The lecture concluded successfully amid warm applause. It served as a valuable learning and exchange opportunity for teachers and students, as well as an important measure to strengthen postgraduates’ awareness of scientific ethics and improve their comprehensive literacy. It is hoped that all students can draw wisdom and strength from the lecture, embrace hardships willingly, carry forward the realistic and enterprising spirit of mathematics practitioners, adhere to their dreams on the postgraduate journey, live up to their mission and forge ahead with determination.
Author: Zhou Yijia
First Review: Wang Fen
Second Review: Luo Yueyi
Final Review: Yang Xuebin
