On March 5^th, USTB held the summary report meeting of the first batch of innovative graduate students who went to the Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria for a short-term study visit. Prof. YANG Renshu, President of USTB, attended the meeting. Prof. WANG Weicai, Associate Head of the University Council and former Vice President of USTB; Prof. LIN Lin, Dean of the Graduate School; Prof. LIAO Qingliang, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and relevant personnel attended the meeting. Prof. YANG Mianzhi, Vice Dean of the Graduate School, presided over the meeting.

Site of the Summary Report Meeting

Prof. LIN Lin gave an overall introduction to the program. USTB’s first group of innovative graduate students' international exchange program for short-term study visits to the Montanuniversität Leoben officially started in August last year. Through the process of publicity, individual applications, recommendation by advisors, etc., 11 students with master's and Ph.D. degrees from disciplines such as mining, metallurgy, materials, machinery, and energy science were selected for the exchange program to the Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria for a three-month study. The exchange program was fully funded by USTB. Students completed course studies, fieldwork, scientific research assignments, and cultural exchanges during their study visits and returned to USTB on February 27^th. This program is a valuable attempt for USTB to send graduate students to study abroad as direct subordinates under the Ministry of Education. It is to innovate the talent cultivation model continuously. It is also an important measure to promote further the implementation of the "Seed Project," Bridge Project," and "Amity Project," and build a brand of innovative talents for graduate students.

The 11 graduate students participating in the project reported in English on tense course studies, intensive scientific research, and colorful cultural activities during their short-term visits. The students unanimously said that this short-term exchange improved their comprehensive quality and reached the expected goals. At the same time, they thanked USTB for its attentive cultivation.

The successful implementation of the program was made possible by the full support of the Montanuniversität Leoben. Ms. Susanne Fiele, Director of the International Office at Montanuniversität Leoben, highly praised the program in her video speech, commended the excellent performance of the students, and looked forward to deepening future inter-school cooperation.

At the meeting, Prof. WANG Weicai put forward ardent expectations for the students, and he hoped that the students would maintain a thirst for knowledge and awe of the unknown so as to gain insight into the academic frontier, stimulate innovative thinking, persevere on the road of academic exploration, and bear the flower of educational achievements. Prof. LIAO Qingliang affirmed the speed of implementation, academic achievements, and achievements of the visiting program. Ms. LI Bei, Associate Director at the Office of International Affairs, said that USTB has always attached great importance to international training, and the visiting program of Montanuniversität Leoben is the fastest to land, the most important, and the most supportive so far. Ms. GUAN Yun, Associate Director of the Department of Finance, said that the project has been effective and has achieved remarkable results from the perspective of the USTB’s financial work.

Prof. YANG Renshu gave a speech

Prof. YANG Renshu pointed out that the short-term exchange program of Montanuniversität Leoben is a beneficial practice for USTB to systematically carry out the international cultivation of high-level talents and actively explore the reform of graduate education models. It is consistent with the USTB’s concept of "specialization, high-quality, and internationalization." He said that the exchange strengthened the academic exchanges between USTB and Montanuniversität Leoben, deepened the international cooperation and exchanges between the two universities, and enhanced cultural exchanges and integration between China and Austria. Prof. YANG Renshu congratulated the participants of this study visit for completing their tasks. He hoped that everyone would make good personal academic career plans, strive to become outstanding alumni of USTB and become high-caliber talents with high ideals, professional competence, and strong will to serve the country, making greater contributions to build China into a leader in science, technology, and manufacturing.

The short-term program to Montanuniversität Leoben

2024 marks the "Year of Internationalization" for USTB. The university will launch a new round of international exchange projects for innovative graduate talents soon and continue to promote the internationalization process of graduate education.

Draft: XU Ke & YU Mingya

Revision: CHENG Mingyuan