The inaugural event of the Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine “Young Scholars Development Program” Series — the “Rising Stars and Masters” Symposium — was successfully held.
To foster exchanges between young talents and senior scholars and support the growth of young academics, following the "2025 Young Faculty Development Seminar" held during the summer, the School successfully launched the inaugural event of the "Young Scholars Growth Plan"—the "Rising Stars and Masters" symposium on November 5. The event took place in the Boxue Hall on the 15th floor of the Science and Technology Building on the North Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. Three distinguished senior scholars, Professor Li Jun, Professor Zhou Jiaguo, and Professor Xiang Peng, were invited as special guests.
The event was hosted by Professor Liu Sixue, a high-level overseas talent. Professor Li Boxing, Vice Dean of the School and initiator of the event, extended a warm welcome to the senior scholars and young talents in attendance. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that the "Young Scholars Growth Plan" aims to promote academic inheritance and provide guidance for the academic and career development of young scholars. He expressed hope that through this series of events, more opportunities would be created for close interactions with academic masters, fostering an open, inclusive, and diverse academic platform. He encouraged young scholars to ask questions boldly, express themselves actively, and make full use of this valuable platform to gain wisdom and experience, advancing steadfastly on their academic paths.
Focusing on Growth, Discussing Academic Challenges
To address the concerns of young scholars during their growth journey, the event featured a dedicated Q&A session. Questions of common interest were collected in advance, and Professors Li Jun, Zhou Jiaguo, and Xiang Peng were invited to share their insights.
How to Choose Valuable Research Topics?
Professor Xiang Peng pointed out that in the early stages of research, "survival" is the top priority. Topic selection should balance personal interests with disciplinary trends, avoiding blind follow-the-crowd behavior. Data retrieval can help identify field dynamics and research gaps, thereby assessing a topic's potential.
Professor Li Jun advised young scholars to continue deepening their work in existing directions, leveraging their foundation and resources for quicker results. He also encouraged actively seeking like-minded collaborators and staying keenly aware of cutting-edge developments.
Professor Zhou Jiaguo urged everyone to actively seek help and make good use ofthe experience of seniors. He emphasized the principle of "survive first, plan later"—establish a foothold before strategizing for long-term development.
The event also included a "small note提问 (question submission)" session, offering young scholars a freer way to engage. Among the questions, "How to Be a Good Mentor and Navigate the Role Transition" sparked lively discussions.
How to Be a Good Mentor and Navigate the Role Transition?
Professor Xiang Peng believes mentors should learn to step back appropriately, encouraging students to independently write papers and conduct research, growing through practice.
Professor Li Jun emphasized guidance over substitution. As students' capabilities improve, mentors should gradually "disengage," fostering students' ability to tackle challenges independently.
Professor Zhou Jiaguo proposed that mentors should tailor their approach to individual students and adjust their roles according to different stages to better support student development.
A Successful Launch, Continued Support for Development
The symposium was conducted in a vibrant atmosphere, with young scholars and academic seniors engaging in insightful dialogues, sparking ideas and profound reflections.
In his concluding remarks, Vice Dean Li Boxing stated that the symposium had been highly beneficial for all participants, with the experience sharing from senior scholars being particularly valuable. He expressed hope for broader participation from faculty and students in future exchanges, continually injecting momentum into the growth of young scholars.
As the inaugural event of the "Young Scholars Growth Plan," the "Rising Stars and Masters" symposium successfully established a high-level academic exchange platform, effectively aiding the development of young scholars. Moving forward, the School will continue to cultivate a favorable academic ecosystem,building consensus and strength, and jointly advance the flourishing of the School's academic endeavors.
