The 2024 THU-USC Faculty Research Symposium on Sustainability-Water, Energy, and Efficiencies was held virtually on May 7-8. Professor Qionghai Dai, Dean of the School of Information Science and Technology (SIST) and Director of the Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist) at Tsinghua University; Professor Yannis Yortsos, Dean of Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC); and Mr. Feng Deng, an alumnus and project donor of both universities participated in the symposium. The symposium was co-organized by Tsinghua SIST Vice Dean Yu Wang and USC Viterbi Vice Dean Cauligi Raghavendra.
At the opening ceremony, Qionghai Dai and Yannis Yortsos delivered remarks to extend a warm welcome to the faculty members and students from the two universities, expressing appreciation for Mr. Feng Deng's enduring and generous support.
Qionghai Dai fully affirmed the theme of the symposium. He pointed out that green mountains and clear waters are invaluable assets to humanity. Over the past centuries, new science and technology have brought us into the industrial, electrical, informational, and intelligence ages, but they have also brought a series of environmental problems. He believed that this symposium would provide an opportunity for experts and scholars from the two universities to exchange ideas and discover new opportunities. He said, "I believe that with everyone's expertise, wisdom, and innovation here, we can create a sustainable, wealthy, and beautiful world."
Yannis Yortsos emphasized the significant role that the bilateral symposium has played in promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two universities. He also shared insights from Harvard University professor John Paul Holdren on sustainable development strategies and clean energy technologies. Prof. Yortsos stressed that addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development are global challenges, so it is important for different countries to work together and establish strong partnerships.
Mr. Feng Deng expressed great pleasure in seeing that the bilateral symposium between Tsinghua and USC has been running for 16 years, setting a wonderful example of cooperation and friendship between the two universities and countries. He thanked both sides for their efforts and looked forward to continuing the activity as a donor, pledging to continue providing financial support.
Twelve speakers from Tsinghua and USC shared their latest research findings and exchanged ideas at the symposium.
The bilateral faculty symposium between Tsinghua SIST and USC Viterbi School was established through the generous donation of funds by alumnus Feng Deng. This initiative serves as a valuable platform for academic exchange among faculty and students from both universities, playing a positive role in promoting international cooperation.
