Zhang Di obtained his bachelor's degree at Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) in 1982. He is an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He recently returned to XJTU, participated in the Zhou Huijiu Forum as a guest speaker, and delivered a report to faculty and students on March 4.

The report was attended by Tao Wenquan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Wang Shuguo (R), president of XJTU, meets with academician Zhang Di (L).

Before the report started, Wang Shuguo, president of XJTU, held a meeting with academician Zhang Di, during which they were engaged in in-depth discussions about advanced composite material technologies and related national demands.

Wang extended a warm welcome to Zhang and briefed him on the concept, achievements, and talent cultivation of the Innovation Harbour. He also expressed hope that Zhang would fully leverage his role as a mentor and his influence in the field to lead breakthroughs in key technologies, closely integrate academic achievements with industrial applications, promote the practical application of more cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements related to composite materials, and cultivate a batch of urgently-needed high-level innovative teams in the field of materials.

Zhang thanked XJTU for its nurturing and strong support. He mentioned that his educational experience at XJTU gave direction to his career in scientific research. He hoped that junior schoolmates will continue to strive for excellence and achieve even greater success, contributing to the ongoing brilliance of his alma mater.

Zhang (L) is presented with the Zhou Huijiu Forum Lifetime Achievement Award.

That same day, Zhang was also presented with the Zhou Huijiu Forum Lifetime Achievement Award by Shan Zhiwei, vice-president of XJTU, and honored with the 6th "School of Materials Science and Engineering • One Hundred Stars" award and "Outstanding Alumni STAR" award.