Peking University, Dec. 11, 2018: From December 6th to 7th, Simon Redfern, head of Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge and professor of mineral physics, visited School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University.
On the afternoon of December 6th, Zhang Lifei, dean of School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University met with Redfern. Zhang said that the cooperation between School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University and Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge benefited the cultivation of international talents in earth sciences. He hoped that the two sides could become good partners in both teaching and researching.
In agreement with Zhang, Simon said that the two sides had communicated before and he believed that through this visit, there would be more chances of cooperation in the future.
Zhang Lifei meeting with Simon Redfern
Then, a symposium on teaching and research was held. At the beginning, Zhang welcomed Redfern and presented him with the letter of appointment as “overseas distinguished scholar of School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University”. After that, the two sides introduced the general situations of their own departments to each other and discussed how to cooperate in undergraduate teaching and academic research.
On the morning of December 6th and 7th, Redfern and his doctoral student Feng Xiaolei held four lectures at Yifu Building No.2. Redfern introduced a few important scientific topics, including “earth disaster”, “climate change”, “mineral resources”. He also discussed the application of earth sciences in these areas and some recent breakthroughs.
Simon Redfern giving a lecture
On the afternoon of December 6th, Redfern visited Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution and other institutions.
On the afternoon of December 7th, Redfern met with teachers and students from School of Earth and Space Sciences at Yifu Building No.2. Redfern answered students’ questions one by one, including problems faced by freshmen and international student admissions at University of Cambridge. Students knew more about University of Cambridge’s teaching system for undergraduates, earth sciences courses and field trips, which deepened their understanding of international teaching.
Simon Redfern meeting with teachers and students
Redfern’s visit not only promoted School of Earth and Space Sciences’ communication and cooperation with overseas reputable experts and universities, but also broadened students’ horizons and helped faculties have a more specific understanding of overseas teaching models and methods. Furthermore, it strengthened School of Earth and Space Sciences’ influence in teaching and researching and contributed to Peking University’s “Double First-Class” construction.
Written by: Wang Xiaokun
Edited by: Ma Yaoli, Hu Rong
