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Crossing Disciplines and Illuminating the Path of Innovation — Chemistry Department Hosted Pre-Defense for Students

November 5, 2024

Collisions of Interdisciplinary Thinking, Science and Practice in Tandem


On the afternoon of October 29, the Chemistry Department organized a pre-defense for the students advancing to the S.-T. Yau Science Award Semi-finals. The three topics for the debate were: microplastics, computational chemistry, and molecular crystals. These topics are not only closely aligned with cutting-edge scientific research, but the debate also showcased the integration of theory with practical application, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, illustrating how students employ scientific methods to solve real-world problems.


It is particularly noteworthy that the students’ research projects go beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines, incorporating ideas and methods from multiple fields. For instance, some students applied artificial intelligence (AI) models to solve complex problems in chemistry, demonstrating the deep intersection between chemistry and computer science, as well as the innovative applications of modern technology in traditional scientific disciplines. Other projects explored how innovative chemical materials could address biomedical challenges, adding new dimensions to their research and highlighting their creativity and broad vision in integrating knowledge across various fields.





Exploring Scientific Breakthroughs with Experts


Professor Cao from East China University of Science and Technology attended the event and provided valuable advice to the students. During the debate, he emphasized the potential issues in their research and suggested areas for improvement, offering actionable recommendations for deepening their investigations. These suggestions not only provided the students with fresh perspectives but also sparked further exploration and refinement of their projects.


Meanwhile, the teachers of the the Chemistry Department actively participated in the discussion, offering targeted feedback and providing important assistance in refining the students’ projects. The collective wisdom of the teaching team helped the students identify issues in the finer details of their research, while also fostering independent thinking and critical analysis in their academic work.




Driving Innovation and Growth & Igniting Students’ Creative and Academic Potential


This guidance session is an important part of the innovation-driven education at Shanghai High School International Division, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing students' creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Shanghai High School International Division encourages students to explore the unknown and tackle real-world problems through scientific research. Through this pre-defense activity, students not only advanced academically but also gained a deeper understanding that scientific research is not just about accumulating knowledge; it is a path to addressing global challenges.


(Written/Pictures by Min Yang    Edited by Cody Turner   Reviewed by Qian Zuo)