Zhang Liqun presents Didier Queloz with a certificate as an "Honorary Visiting Professor".

The two parties unveil the "Astronomy Research Center of Northwest China".

Didier Queloz delivers a keynote lecture.

Professor Didier Queloz, a Nobel laureate in physics from the University of Cambridge, visited Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) with his delegation from Nov 27 to 28.

Zhang Liqun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of XJTU, warmly welcomed Didier Queloz and his delegation and expressed gratitude for his support of XJTU's scientific and educational endeavors. 

Zhang provided a brief overview of XJTU's achievements in talent cultivation, scientific research, industry-education integration, and international cooperation. He highlighted that XJTU actively engages in fundamental research in quantum information, advanced materials, energy technology, and biomedical sciences, achieving internationally influential outcomes. 

Zhang also hoped this exchange would deepen collaboration in basic research and talent cultivation, driving breakthroughs in disciplines such as physics.

Queloz noted that China has demonstrated tremendous potential in scientific research and technological innovation in recent years. The country offers abundant resources, advanced facilities, and an open and inclusive academic environment, creating limitless possibilities for collaboration among scientists worldwide.

He acknowledged XJTU as one of China’s top universities, distinguished by its exceptional research capabilities and robust talent cultivation system. Queloz hoped to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with XJTU in talent development and scientific research, contributing international perspectives to technological innovation.

Zhang presented Queloz with a certificate of appointment as an "Honorary Visiting Professor". They also unveiled the Astronomy Research Center of Northwest China, which was established under the leadership of XJTU's School of Physics.

On Nov 28, Queloz delivered a captivating keynote lecture titled "The exoplanet revolution and the consequences for life in the universe" to an audience of over 1,000 students and faculty members from XJTU, an XJTU-affiliated high school, and an XJTU-affiliated primary school.

Didier Queloz, born Feb 23, 1966, in Geneva, Switzerland, is a distinguished Swiss astronomer. He is renowned for his pioneering research in exoplanets, stellar physics, and cosmic life. Queloz has authored over 700 papers in prestigious journals such as Nature, and Astronomy and Astrophysics.