Eleven international students from Harbin Engineering University (HEU) recently participated in the World Nuclear University (WNU) Tsinghua Week at Huizhou University in Guangdong Province. The event, held from July 13-19, 2025, provided a unique opportunity for students from across the globe to engage in academic exchanges, network with experts, and deepen their knowledge of nuclear science and technology.
HEU student delegation
The WNU Tsinghua Week has been a key educational event since 2007, jointly organized by the World Nuclear University and Tsinghua University. This program is dedicated to fostering global cooperation in the fields of nuclear science, technology, and sustainable development. Sponsored by renowned academic and industrial institutions, it aims to enhance the capabilities of future nuclear leaders by providing hands-on experiences and direct exposure to cutting-edge research and applications.
Arrival and Kick-off
The program began on July 13 with registration and a warm welcome at the Huizhou University Academic Exchange Center. After a delightful dinner, we participated in an engaging icebreaker activity organized by Professor Liu Xuegang from Tsinghua University. Each team was given 20 balloons to inflate and creatively stack into the tallest possible tower. This fun exercise not only broke the ice but also set a collaborative tone for the week ahead, helping us connect with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Seminars
The official opening ceremony on July 14 featured speeches from distinguished guests, including representatives from WNU, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Huizhou City. The highlight of the day was the Huapeng Seminar on Comprehensive Utilization of Nuclear Energy, where experts discussed topics like small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety, and radiation protection. A memorable lecture by Abel González on Confronting Radiation Fears stood out, offering insights into overcoming public misconceptions about nuclear energy.
Abel González
Day 2: Nuclear Policies and Advanced Technologies
The second day focused onnuclear energy policies and project economics. François Morin from WNA spoke about the future of nuclear energy, while Zhu Daguang from CGN delved into the technical and economic aspects of nuclear projects. The afternoon session covered advanced reactor technologies, including commercialization strategies and China’s progress in Generation IV reactors.
Day 3: Digital Transformation and Safety
Day 3 explored the digital transformation of nuclear energy systems. Bi Daowei’s lecture on AI for Nuclear Power showcased cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence in the industry. Later, Abel González returned to discuss radiation protection and nuclear safety, emphasizing the importance of international standards.
Day 4: Technical Tour and Cultural Visit
One of the most exciting parts of the tour was the technical visit to Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant where we witnessed real-world applications of the concepts we had learned. The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, located in Shenzhen, China, is one of the country's earliest commercial nuclear facilities, operating two French-designed pressurized water reactors since 1994. It supplies a significant portion of Hong Kong’s electricity and is known for its strong safety record and international collaboration in neutrino research. The afternoon was dedicated to a cultural excursion in Dapeng Fortress,allowing us to explore the local heritage of Huizhou.
Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant Tour of the Facility
Day 5: Nuclear WasteManagement and Career Opportunities
Professor Liu Xuegang’s lecture on Nuclear Waste Management provided a comprehensive overview of waste handling and disposal. The day concluded with a session on career opportunities in the nuclear sector, featuring insights from industry leaders like Yu Jinkui from CGN and international experts.
Day 6: Innovation and Closing Ceremony
The final day highlighted innovations in nuclear technology, including talks on ion accelerators and smart construction sites. The event wrapped up with student presentations and a closing ceremony, where outstanding participants were recognizedfor their contributions.
Our 11-member delegation from HEU excelled in the program's academic competitions, securing gold, silver, and bronze prizes in various categories. This achievement not only showcases the students'hard work and academic rigor but also reflects the exceptional training and mentorship provided by HEU’s College of Nuclear Science and Technology.
Gold Prize Team Members
Reflections
The week-long event provided students with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear science through a balanced combination of theoretical lectures and practical experiences and the chance to network with peers from diverse backgrounds made this trip truly enriching. We returned with a deeper understanding of nuclear energy’s potential and its critical role in addressing global energy challenges. This activity continues to strengthen academic ties, and HEU's involvement underscores its commitment to education and collaborationin science and technology.
Our participation in this forum as Harbin Engineering University delegates has been profoundly valuable. The specialized training and insights obtained will play a pivotal role in driving progress within nuclear science and related technologies.
