Forum Scene

Professor David Cardwell, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of 

the University of Cambridge, delivers a speech

Professor Mario Ochoa, Vice President of the Catholic 

University of Salta, Argentina, delivers a speech

Professor Zhang Jixiong, President of China University 

of Mining and Technology, delivers a speech

Professor Zhao Zhidan, President of China University 

of Geosciences (Beijing), delivers a speech

Professor Zhang Guangqing, Vice President of China University 

of Petroleum (Beijing), delivers a speech

Professor Tadeusz Telejko, Vice President of AGH 

University of Krakow, Poland, delivers a speech

On April 18, China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) hosted China-Foreign University Presidents Dialogue on Energy. University presidents and representatives from both China and abroad, including Professor Zhang Jixiong, President of CUMT; Professor David Cardwell, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge; Professor Zhao Zhidan, President of China University of Geosciences Beijing; Professor Mario Ochoa, Vice Rector of the Catholic University of Salta, Argentina; Professor Zhang Guangqing, Vice President of China University of Petroleum Beijing; and Professor Tadeusz Telejko, Vice President of AGH University of Krakow, Poland, engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme of "Multi-Energy Coupling and Smart Interconnection." The forum was moderated by Professor Bian Zhengfu, Vice President of CUMT.

Professor Zhang Jixiong shared his understanding of "multi-energy coupling and smart interconnection" as well as CUMT's relevant explorations and achievements. He noted that multi-energy coupling aims to break down the barriers of single energy sources and achieve deep integration of different types of energy, while smart interconnection leverages digitalization and intelligence as engines to break down data barriers across the entire chain of energy production, storage, and consumption. Guided by the dual-track strategy of "clean and efficient utilization of traditional energy" and "coordinated development of renewable energy," CUMT remains committed to consolidating its foundation while upgrading and exploring new frontiers. The University is breaking down boundaries between disciplines, schools and enterprises, and promoting cross-integration of traditional energy-related disciplines with power, chemical engineering, control, AI, and other fields. It has formed interdisciplinary research teams to tackle technical challenges, established joint research institutes with leading enterprises to facilitate the transformation of achievements, and continued to deepen international platforms and project cooperation, continuously improving its disciplinary development and research innovation capabilities.

Professor David Cardwell proposed that AI, the energy industry, and universities should achieve tripartite synergy and interaction. He called for global cooperation to address common issues such as data protection arising from cultural, value, and ethical differences, and to promote the formation of effective solutions with unified databases.

Professor Zhao Zhidan introduced that his university has implemented integrated bachelor's-master's-doctoral cultivation, a dual-mentor system involving both academic and industry supervisors, and interdisciplinary project-based learning. Focusing on the energy fields of "deep earth, deep sea, deep space, deep time" and the polar regions, the university has formed interdisciplinary teams led by academicians and taken the lead in International Big Science Program, achieving new breakthroughs in talent cultivation, scientific research, and international cooperation in the energy sector.

Professor Mario Ochoa shared his university's experience in promoting disciplinary integration, research on mining regulations, and the cultivation of specialized talents based on his country's resource endowments.

Professor Tadeusz Telejko proposed that universities should lead energy transformation and strengthen energy transition-related education as well as the social dissemination and sharing of knowledge.

Professor Zhang Guangqing stated that the market is the key to energy integration. He shared his university's practices, including establishing schools of new energy and artificial intelligence, offering relevant programs and courses, promoting AI general education courses, forming international joint research teams, and advancing the expansion from traditional fossil fuels to new energy and advanced chemical materials.