Shan Zhiwei makes a speech during the event.

XJTU faculty and students at the event.

The first XJTLU-UoL-XJTU Postgraduate Research Joint Conference & 2025 XJTLU Postgraduate Research Symposium, co-hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), the University of Liverpool (UoL), and Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), was held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, from March 19 to 21. The forum brought together nearly 560 doctoral students from 20 universities in China and abroad.

Professor Shan Zhiwei, vice-president of XJTU, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech. Over 50 doctoral students from nine XJTU schools participated in academic exchanges. The forum covered 16 disciplines, including electrical engineering, computer science, environmental science, biological sciences, and education, offering an international platform for students to share research and foster collaboration.

At the opening ceremony, Shan shared his research team's latest progress at the international forefront of new magnesium-based materials' design, fabrication, and application. He highlighted the establishment of China's first demonstration line for low-cost, high-quality magnesium production achieved through industry-education integration.

He encouraged doctoral students to bravely tackle scientific frontiers, stay keenly observant in identifying problems, and approach challenges with perseverance and innovative thinking. Leaders from XJTLU and UoL also delivered speeches.

Centered on the theme "Research for Practical Impact: Translating Academic Outcomes into Real-World Applications", the three-day forum featured over 500 academic posters and nearly 300 thematic presentations. Doctoral students showcased their latest research progress and findings, engaging in in-depth discussions with experts and peers.

The forum also included special sessions, such as peer networking for PhD students, company visits in Suzhou Industrial Park, face-to-face discussions with faculty, themed panels on industry-academia collaboration, talent policy briefings, and the park's first high-level PhD talent exchange event. These activities promoted interdisciplinary academic exchange and strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, and research.