On November 26, the 16U League Autumn Forum was held at Tianjin University (TJU). More than 70 delegates and officials attended the Forum, including TJU President Zhong Denghua and Lei Chaozi，Director of the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Education.

The Forum centered on “Deepening the Reform of Scientific and Technological Systems in Universities and Colleges in the New Context”, which fueled a lively discussion among delegates. The representatives from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Harbin Institute of Technology gave special reports.

President Zhong pointed out that, since the 16 U League was founded in 1989, it had provided an efficient and open communication platform for universities and colleges, playing an important role in fostering the development of scientific and technological work models in higher education institutions. As one of the leading members, TJU was dedicated to the development of the 16U League with other members. Along with the Peiyangyuan Campus coming into service, TJU has achieved substantive progress in various areas, particularly in science and technology. He said that, today, at the start of the new era of China’s development and technological innovation, we should make it our mission to reinvigorate China through science, technology and education. President Zhong sincerely hoped the conference, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, would promote communication and cooperation between TJU and other universities, and comprehensively deepen the reform of scientific and technological systems in universities and colleges to lay a solid foundation for building Chinese styled, world-class universities.

Director Lei emphasized that the 16 U League in bringing together some of China’s top universities and colleges, had made great contributions to the construction and development of China. In the new historical context, in order to build world-class universities, members of the 16U League are required to concentrate on fundamental research, take the initiative in undertaking national tasks, and be dedicated to producing indigenous achievements under the guidance of technological innovation. At the same time, members should also pay attention to cultural developments to create an appropriate management culture for scientific research and for a free academic atmosphere. They ought to emphasize the integration of scientific research and education to enhance the development of education. He hoped the 16U League would become the role model and pioneer of reform and innovation in fostering scientific and technological management innovation in higher education institutions, stimulating the common development of universities and colleges.

The Forum delegates also attended the opening ceremony of the third Conference on Science and Technology at Tianjin University.

Founded in February, 1989, the 16U League holds one or two forums each year to discuss the key issues of scientific and technological development of China’s engineering universities and colleges, which strongly promotes the development of scientific and technological work and improves the science and technology management of its members.