On October 23, 2021, Professor Zhang Dongsheng, Dean of the Graduate School of China University of Mining and Technology, and Professor Guo Yinghai, along with their delegation, visited our university and held an exchange symposium. More than 10 participants from the School of Mining and Technology, including Zhang Lin, Secretary of the Party Committee, Zuo Yujun, Deputy Dean, Wu Guiyi, Director of the Mining Engineering Teaching and Research Section, Li Bobo, Pei Peng, Kong Dezhong, and others, attended the symposium. The symposium was hosted by Zhang Lin.

During the exchange meeting, Zhang Lin expressed his gratitude to Professor Zhang Dongsheng and his delegation, briefly introducing the development of the School as well as the practical issues faced in talent team construction, discipline development, and team building. Both sides engaged in a thorough discussion and exchange regarding discipline development, fund application, faculty development, and particularly the application for doctoral programs. Professor Zhang Dongsheng, drawing from his own experience in research and teaching, emphasized that young teachers should first establish themselves firmly in the classroom and advised school teachers to prioritize teaching. Secondly, he suggested aligning research directions with national strategies and significant regional development needs, and persevering in their exploration. He also stressed the importance of strengthening team building and enhancing the ability to solve practical problems. Drawing from his personal growth and development journey, Professor Zhang Dongsheng advised the teachers of the School to approach scientific research with an open and inclusive mindset.

During the meeting, Professor Zhang Dongsheng provided detailed insights into his experience in applying for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), offering specific suggestions on topics such as fund selection, abstracts, keywords, project background, research content and methodology, work plans and expected outcomes, research foundation, and working conditions. He placed particular emphasis on analyzing key issues and techniques for crafting effective abstracts and selecting appropriate keywords, providing valuable guidance and suggestions for the young teachers participating in the exchange.

The young teachers in attendance unanimously expressed that the exchange symposium was a rare opportunity for learning and communication. They not only gained insights into how to apply for the National Natural Science Foundation of China but also learned how to better plan their research, which was a tremendous help and encouragement for their personal development.

After the meeting, some of the participating teachers took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.