On September 21, 2024, the Forum for Female Scientists in the Field of Inorganic Non-metallic Materials was successfully held at the Sunshine Hall of Peking University Overseas Exchange Center. This event was organized by the School of Materials Science and Engineering (PKU) with the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China's Engineering and Materials Science Division. The forum, themed “Paths of Women, Nurturing Talents,” gathered renowned academicians and female scientists in the field to explore the contributions and strengths of women in scientific and technological fields aiming to support the growth and development of female researchers in this area.

In his opening remarks, Xie Bing, Minister of the Office of Scientific Research at Peking University, reflected on the outstanding contributions made by female scientists throughout history in promoting technological innovation and societal development. He expressed confidence that this forum would provide a high-level, broad, and multidisciplinary platform for female scientists, further facilitating their development and advancing innovation in the materials science sector. Lai Yinan, Deputy Director of the Engineering and Materials Science Division, presented detailed data on funding support for female scientists in recent years, highlighting several innovative measures and achievements aimed at narrowing gender disparities and enhancing support for women in scientific research.

Xie Bin made a speech.

Lai Yinan delivered a speech.

After the opening ceremony, Researcher Gao Ruiping and Academician Zhu Meifang delivered keynote speeches, with the session chaired by Miao Hongyan, Deputy Director of the Engineering and Materials Science Division.

Miao Hongyan hosted the keynote speech session.

Researcher Gao Duanping made her keynote speech.

Academician Zhu Meifang delivered her keynote speech.

The forum invited four senior female scientists from the field of inorganic non-metallic materials and related interdisciplinary areas to give thematic presentations. They shared their academic journeys and personal growth experiences from the perspective of female researchers. In their talks, they emphasized the importance of interest, curiosity, and collaboration in scientific research. They encouraged their female peers to align closely with national development strategies and significant needs, urging them to bravely cross disciplinary boundaries in their work.

Thematic Presentation Session

The forum also included a summit forum and a free discussion session. The summit featured guests such as Gao Ruiping, Zhou Ji, Zhu Meifang, and Tang Zhiyong who engage in in-depth discussions on the theme of “The Convergence of Women's Growth and Scientific Research.” The guests widely acknowledged that female scientists not only demonstrate admirable qualities such as strength combined with gentleness, kindness, perseverance, and attention to detail but also embody a unique spiritual strength. They expressed hope that more women would shine brightly in the field of materials science.

Summit Forum Session

The advancement of science and technology requires the strength of women, and the field cannot thrive without female perspectives. It is hoped that this forum will inspire more women in the new era to engage in fundamental research in the materials field, continuously leverage their unique strengths, and shine with the brilliance of feminine vitality.

This forum is part of the celebrations for the fourth anniversary of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Peking University.

Group photo