To explore new pathways for cultivating top-tier innovative talent and strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, the Second Sino-French Mathematics Education and Teaching Seminar, along with an exchange program for the Sino-French Mathematics Excellence Classes from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Wuhan University, and Renmin University of China, was successfully held at USTC on November 8. Led by Miao Shuang, Vice Dean of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at Wuhan University, a delegation of 35 faculty and students participated in the event. Representatives from the three universities engaged in in-depth discussions on talent cultivation in mathematics. The seminar was chaired by Professor Ma Xinan, the Chinese coordinator of USTC’s Sino-French Mathematics Talent Program.
Academic Exchange: Sharing Experiences to Foster Talent
During the discussion session, faculty representatives from the three universities introduced their respective programs’ educational philosophies and outcomes. Professor Ma Xinan provided a detailed overview of USTC’s Sino-French Mathematics Talent Program, covering its founding background, teaching management, program features, international exchanges, and graduate outcomes. Vice Dean Miao Shuang elaborated on Wuhan University’s Sino-French Mathematics Excellence Program, including its history, student selection, curriculum, and distinctive features. Vice Dean Wang Shanwen from Renmin University of China shared insights into the interdisciplinary training of the program, highlighting the deep integration of mathematics with fields like finance and economics to create a unique educational pathway.
Frontier Insights: Popular Science Lectures Inspire Thinking
The seminar featured two high-level popular science lectures showcasing the breadth and depth of cutting-edge mathematical research. Professor Liao Lingmin from Wuhan University delivered a talk titled "Normal Numbers, Fractals, and Multifractal Analysis," using vivid examples and rigorous reasoning to guide the audience into the fascinating world of fractal geometry and number theory. Professor Shen Shunlin from USTC presented "Quantum Mean-Field Limit to the Fluid Equations," systematically explaining the connection between quantum mean-field theory and fluid equations through physical phenomena like Bose-Einstein condensation, demonstrating the academic appeal of mathematics-physics integration.
Student-Faculty Interaction: Group Discussions Foster Growth
In the thematic discussions, faculty and students engaged in in-depth exchanges. The student session focused on core courses such as advanced algebra, mathematical analysis, physics, and French, with students from the three universities actively sharing their learning progress and teaching methods while addressing common challenges. Participants also established an online communication group to facilitate ongoing mutual support. The faculty session addressed curriculum development, international exchanges, and class management, with representatives sharing best practices and reaching consensus on optimizing training models.
Campus Visit: Hands-On Engagement Strengthens Ties
During the event, USTC student volunteers guided Wuhan University’s delegation in touring the Youth College and campus, offering a closer look at the unique academic atmosphere and traditions, further fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two institutions.
As a showcase of the achievements of the Sino-French joint mathematics program, the seminar effectively broadened students’ international perspectives and strengthened inter-institutional collaboration. Moving forward, the three universities will continue to deepen their cooperative mechanisms, jointly explore innovative approaches to mathematical talent cultivation, and elevate Sino-French mathematics education exchanges to a higher level.
(Reporters: Zhang Zeyu, Yuan Jing | Photographer: Tan Huamin)
