On the afternoon of September 24, the opening ceremony for the Class of 2024 of NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute was held at the Gulou Campus of Nanjing University. Attendees included Lu Xiancai, Vice President of NJU; Fu Congbin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; other directors and leaders from the Youth League, the Undergraduate School, the Graduate School, the New Student College, the International Affairs Office, the Finance Office, and other relevant departments. Directors of undergraduate admissions for various provinces, leaders of School of Atmospheric Sciences also attended the ceremony. The faculty and all bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students of the Class of 2024 attended the ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Xu Xin, Vice Dean of NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute.

Prof. Lu Xiancai, on behalf of Nanjing University, first extended his heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to the new students of NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute. He emphasized the university’s fine tradition of open and inclusive education. NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute ought to carry out the work under the guidance of national strategic demands and leverage the strengths of both Nanjing University and University of Helsinki to foster an international talent cultivation system in Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences. Prof. Lu expressed hopes that the institute would serve as a benchmark for the university’s international education in the new era, and contribute to the cultivation of outstanding talent to better address national challenges such as climate change and ecological conservation.

Prof. Lu echoed the principles delivered by President Tan Zhemin at the Opening Ceremony for 2024 Undergraduate. Firstly, “string for moral integrity”. He encouraged the new students to make life goals that are correlated to the country’s major needs and strategic deployment in climate and global change. Secondly, “making innovations while staying true to original aspirations”. He urged the students to make full use of the fertile academic soil of both Nanjing University and University of Helsinki, and become top innovative talents that can shoulder great responsibilities. Thirdly, “being tolerant to diversity”. He encouraged students to deeply root their love for their country while also cultivating a global perspective, actively participating in global governance, and contributing their youthful energy to the community of shared human destiny.

Then Prof. Lu draw his conclusion by inspiring the students to uphold the tradition of Nanjing University, showing care for domestic affairs and shouldering national responsibilities. Guided by The First NJU Initiative, he encouraged students to contribute to comprehensive development of a modern socialist society and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Whether you choose an academic or professional career, I generally believe that you will have the best options open for you and our teachers will certainly help you to accomplish your goals.”

Then, Sari Lindblom, President of the University of Helsinki, extended a warm welcome to the new students via video. She reflected on the strong collaborative bond and disciplinary advantages shared between Nanjing University and the University of Helsinki, and expressed hope for deepened cooperation and joint development in the future. She pointed out that students of NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute would have the opportunity to benefit from both universities with their high-quality educational resources, and it would bring them more exciting prospects on their career. She wished every student a firm growth and success in finding their own research interests here.

Furthermore, Prof. Markku Kulmala, Director of the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences (INAR) at the University of Helsinki and Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, addressed online. He highlighted how atmospheric sciences tightly link Nanjing University with the University of Helsinki around the pressing issues of climate change and the future vitality of the shared human community. Prof. Kulmala encouraged students to bravely pursue their scientific explorations and strove for excellence.

Next, Prof. Ding Aijun, Assistant President and Dean of NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute, introduced to the new students the institute and its talent cultivation program. NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute is the first Sino-Finnish educational collaboration in China providing multi-level higher education in Atmospheric Sciences, built on fifteen years of high-level research cooperation between Nanjing University and the University of Helsinki. The college employs a novel approach to cultivating talents in Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, featuring world-class infrastructure and an international teaching faculty. As the centennial anniversary of atmospheric science at Nanjing University approaches, NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute should endeavor to uphold the century-old tradition of atmospheric studies, focusing on interdisciplinary innovations that integrate atmospheric sciences with artificial intelligence, socio-economy, ecological health and other disciplines. It should contribute to our country’s further development of atmospheric science as a national strength and rejuvenation.

“These practices remind us that science is a universal language, one that transcends political borders and differences, and unites us all in the responsibility to protect our planet and ensure a stable future for generations to come.”

As a representative of the Finnish faculty, Dr. Giancarlo Ciarelli from the University of Helsinki stated that science is a universal language that transcends all boundaries and differences, uniting humanity in the shared responsibility of protecting our planet. He encouraged students from NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute to focus on global challenges such as climate change and contribute to sustainable development.

China’s faculty representative, Associate Professor Dr. Yan Chao, shared his overseas studying process. He urged students to embrace the spirit embodied in the letter to overseas returnees from Nanjing University given by Xi Jinping They should attach much importance to the connection between personal growth and national needs, as well as the fate of humanity. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from the spirit of Nanjing University, cherish their youth, and strive forward collectively to write an inspiring new chapter of their youth.

Then, students from NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute also shared their own stories. Qiu Ming, Undergraduate representative of the Class 2024, expressed his love for Nanjing University and his optimism about the promising future ahead. Li Xiang, Graduate representative of the Class 2024, emphasized his desire to see Nanjing University as a new starting point for his dreams and to shoulder national responsibilities, aspiring to become a visionary and responsible atmospheric scientist in the new era.

In August this year, the 2023 graduate students from NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute participated in a ten-day scientific research training in Finland. graduate student Zhu Haohan of the Class 2024 shared his insights as a representative of the research expedition team. With thorough guidance from mentors from both NJU and UH, the team engaged in in-depth explorations of personalized research topics, enhancing their research skills and broadening their international perspectives. This unforgettable experience will inspire new students to venture into the unknown and strive for excellence.

At the ceremony, Academician Fu Congbin, Vice President Lu Xiancai, and other leaders from several departments presented appointment letters to the new student mentors for the Class of 2024. The 10 mentors will guide the new students in areas such as academic supervising and career planning. They ought to become mentorsfor the personal and academic growth of new students.

In the latter part of the ceremony, students made some exciting performances, showing the youthful spirit of the newcomers at NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute.

The program began with a dance named Touch the Sky, wherein Huang Yitong led the audience on a journey toward their dreams with passion and skill.

Hu Ruohan delivered an empowering rendition of Walking in the Rain, inspiring everyone to face challenges fearlessly.

Zhang Xiaodan demonstrated her deep connection with music and dance through her performance of Ditto.

The seven-person dance Forever depicted the passion with dynamic movements.

Liu Shuyang sang Top of the World, inviting the audience to experience the heights of joy through his melodic voice.

Zhou Hancheng performed Hiding My Heart, delving into the complexities of human emotions.

In One Day We’ll Reach Our Dream Land, Dai Shiqi conveyed through song the powerful message that with persistence, we will ultimately realized our dreams.

In My Story with NJU Nanjing-Helsinki Institute., six performers shared their studying and life experiences here in a touching manner.

Finally, all new students sang the university anthem together, thus giving the opening ceremony this year a satisfying end.