Andre K. Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of graphene and its remarkable properties, which pioneered the new field of two-dimensional material research.
On the morning of October 21, the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference commenced in Shanghai. State Councilor Shen Yiqin delivered a video speech and declared the conference open. Professor Andre Geim was invited to attend the opening ceremony and delivered the first keynote speech as an Honorary Professor of Northwestern Polytechnical University（NPU).
On October 21-22, Professor Andre Geim visited NPU to attend the opening ceremony of the Shaanxi event for the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference. He engaged in warm interactions with our faculty and students, discussing the boundless potential of two-dimensional materials.
During the opening ceremony of the Shaanxi event for the 23rd China International Talent Exchange Conference, NPU held a ceremony to appoint Professor Andre Geim as an Honorary Professor. Vice President Yue Xiaokui presented the letter of appointment to Professor Geim and adorned him with the university emblem.
At Ao’xiang Student Center, Professor Andre Geim delivered a special lecture titled “The Marvelous Material - Graphene” to over a thousand faculty members and students, creating an electrifying atmosphere. With his exceptional ability to make complex topics accessible, he vividly elucidated the unique physical properties, vast application prospects, as well as the current opportunities and challenges in the field of two-dimensional materials.
During the Q&A session, students actively raised questions covering topics such as the extraordinary properties of 2D materials, using AI tools for new material prediction, innovative experimental designs, essential competencies for undergraduate research participation, and the origins of scientific inspiration. Professor Andre Geim patiently addressed each query and engaged in dynamic interaction with the audience. This zero-distance exchange with a Nobel laureate further ignited students’ intense curiosity and exploratory enthusiasm for marvelous materials and unknown frontiers.
At the International Conference Center, Professor Andre Geim held a cordial symposium with early-career faculty representatives from our university. During the meeting, he engaged in in-depth discussions with them on topics including the industrial-scale production and application of graphene, as well as the prospects for commercializing two-dimensional materials. He also encouraged the young faculty members to maintain their passion for teaching and research while continuing to deepen their expertise in respective fields.
At the Key Laboratory of Metal High-Performance Additive Manufacturing and Innovative Design, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Professor Andre Geim exchanged insights with our university's research team on scientific challenges in material preparation processes and explored novel technological pathways.
At the “Sword Forging” Space in Qizhen Building, Professor Andre Geim participated in the “Zero-Distance” Mentorship Program of the “Zhujian Class” (the Sword-forging Elite Program), engaging in a symposium with over 40 student representatives. During the session, Professor Geim candidly shared his team’s journey of discovering graphene. In 2004, through what he described as a “scotch tape game”, they successfully isolated graphene just one atom thick by repeatedly peeling graphite flakes with ordinary adhesive tape. In his interaction with students, Professor Geim encouraged them to “maintain childlike curiosity”, urging everyone to pay attention to seemingly minor novel phenomena in NPU life and to courageously explore new frontiers.
（Produced by：Media Office of the NPU Committee of the CPC；
Source：Office of International Cooperation；
Text：Sun Suting, Wang Zidong, Yang Hongli；
Images : Guo Youjun, the “Zhujian Class”, Online Downloads;
Editor:Wang Leyu;
Executive Editor: Fu Yi; Reviewers: Xiang Dan, Ma Xiping;
Translators: Li Yiwen, Mei Leyun)
