On the afternoon of September 11, Nanjing University held the Opening Ceremony and first class for 2026 postgraduate students, conducted simultaneously across two cities and four campuses, in both online and offline formats. Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, atended the event. Tan Tieniu delivered the first class to new postgraduate students.
At the start of the ceremony, members of the university flag guard marched firmly while escorting the national flag into the venue, officially commencing the ceremony in the solemn and dignified singing of the national anthem.
"From this moment on, you have officially the been integrated with NJU's 120-year legacy and become new NJUers!" On behalf of the university, Tan Zhemin extended his most sincere congratulations and warmest welcome to the 9,560 graduate students from all over the world. He introduced the breakthrough in AI research and urged students to reflect on values, judgment, responsibility, justice, and solidarity, striving to become new humans and new talents of NJU.
Tan Zhemin emphasized that throughout its history of over 120 years, NJU has always shared the same breath and destiny as the nation and people, championing the historical missions of saving the country through education, revitalizing the nation through education, and strengthening the country through education. When the tide of the AI era surges forward, every generation of young people embarks on a path of development. At this very moment, the new members of NJU are not only fresh blood to its 120-year legacy but also the baton holders on the track to building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation. "Confronted with the changes in the world and questions of the era, how do you integrate personal growth into the nation's destiny? How do you interpret youthful responsibility in tackling scientific challenges? These are the 'era's examinations' you must answer." Tan Zhemin extended his expectations to all new postgraduate students and urged them to cherish NJU's open and inclusive academic ecosystem, gain wisdom from mutual exchanges, maintain an unwavering sense of patriotism, and proactively align with the nation's major strategic needs. He encouraged turning laboratory discoveries into societal solutions, "writing their theses on the nation's land," and making solid contributions to national development and rejuvenation with their youthful and tireless work ethic as NJU students.
Tan Tieniu and Tan Zhemin presented honorary certificates to the mentors and authors of outstanding doctoral and master's theses from NJU, encouraging faculty and students to model their innovative and pioneering spirit and make greater contributions to building a world-class university with Chinese characteristics and advancing national strategies.
Chen Yunsong, Deputy Chair of NJU CPC Council, hosted the ceremony and read the "Decision on Commending Outstanding Doctoral and Master's Theses Authors and Their Mentors of Nanjing University 2026."
Representing graduate mentors, Professor Zhang Bowei from the School of Liberal Arts delivered a speech titled "Nanjing University's: A Chinese and Global Legacy," offering a message to the new students. He reflected on the guiding ideals of the university's motto and the mission of advancing national scholarship and constructing national culture. Facing an era of globalization and civilizational clashes, he encouraged new students to continue their efforts based on the foundation of Chinese cultural traditions, look to the world with confidence in their culture, and tell compelling stories of China.
Niu Qingxiang, a doctoral student from the School of Electronic Science and Engineering and a representative of the class of 2026, addressed the ceremony. Drawing from his own growth, he recounted how he was inspired by the "light of semiconductors" to engage in research on Micro-LED devices. He stated that in response to the era's call for high-level technological independence, NJU students must carry forward their sense of responsibility to serve "national matters" and shoulder "national responsibilities." They must stand bravely at the forefront of the new scientific and innovation wave and illuminate their graduate studies journey just as they illuminate Micro-LEDs.
During the emblem-awarding ceremony, university leaders and guests presented emblems to representatives of the new students. All the new students donned their university emblems together, committing themselves as members of NJU and sharing its common mission.
Led by Zhang Qian, a master's student from the School of Foreign Languages of the class of 2026, all new students took their oath together and sang the university anthem.
The "First Lesson"
Tan Tieniu extended warm congratulations to the new 2026 postgraduate students on behalf of the university for realizing their dream of joining NJU. "This year, the university admitted 9,560 new postgraduate students," he announced, expressing his warm welcome and high expectations for the students. He encouraged them to serve as a reserve force for the nation's strategies of rejuvenating the country with science and education, strengthening the nation through talent, and innovation-driven development. He urged them to uphold NJU's spirit of being concerned with "national affairs" and shouldering "national responsibilities" as they embark on their postgraduate academic journey.
Focusing on three topics, "What kind of university is Nanjing University?" "What is the state of current technological development?" and "What kind of Nanjing University postgraduate should you strive to be?" Tan Tieniu delivered his lecture. He traced the university's development trajectory, while highlighting its achievements in preserving and fostering Chinese traditional culture and staunchly adhering to its educational philosophy of "science for the world." Nanjing University has always remembered General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest instruction to build the "Unique Nanjing University" and his important letter to the university's overseas scholars returning to China after studying abroad. The university is actively advancing the "Forging Ahead Initiative" and the three-step strategy to build the "Unique Nanjing University." Just yesterday, the university released the "Forging Ahead 2030 Implementation Plan," which places postgraduate education as a key focus, striving to establish the most innovative postgraduate education system.
Tan Tieniu guided the students to recognize their mission to serve the nation through science and education. By examining the two scientific revolutions and three technological revolutions, he pointed out that fundamental research is the source of innovation, that technological strength determines the nation's destiny, and that technology reshapes human society. He emphasized that postgraduates are the driving force behind technological innovation and should lead with humanistic values while advancing scientific discoveries. He introduced the university's innovative initiatives, such as the doctoral students’ "Sword-Casting Program," the "Postgraduate AI+ Innovation Capability Enhancement Action Plan," the cultivation of excellent engineers, and international exchange programs. He encouraged postgraduates to boldly venture into the "uncharted frontiers" of research, making novel contributions with roots in Nanjing University's fertile soil.
Tan Tieniu encouraged the students to cherish their time at Nanjing University, to always remain committed to "national affairs" and bearing "national responsibilities." He urged them to inherit and carry forward the glorious tradition of Nanjing University and the spirit of the nation's scientists, uniting efforts with the Nanjing spirit of endeavor. He called on them to seize the moment, take initiative, move forward, and respond to challenges, aligning their pursuit of serving the country and people with the mission of building a uniquely Chinese, world-class university. In doing so, they would contribute to advancing self-reliance and self-strengthening at a high level in science and technology and to fully promoting the construction of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the context of Chinese modernization.
CAS Academicians Fang Cheng and Chen Yanfeng, University Senior Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences Zhou Xiaohong, university leaders Zheng Hairong, Lu Xiancai, Suo Wenbin, Li Bin, Wen Yu, outstanding doctoral dissertation awardees from the 2026 cohort representatives of relevant departments attended the event.
