The graduation ceremony was presided over by Professor Xincheng Xie, President of UNNC. Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC delivered a welcome speech and extended his best wishes to the graduates as they embark on a new journey. “Embrace uncertainties with the same courage that brought you to this moment. Take risks, challenge the status quo, and never underestimate the power of your ideas. The world needs innovators, problem solvers, and compassionate leaders, and I am confident that each of you has the potential to be just that.”

Professor Guoping Qiu, Vice Provost for Education and Student Experience, lauded the cohort’s accolades—winning international competitions, publishing in top-tier publications—and shared his own trajectory from engineering student to leading scientist. He emphasised curiosity, resilience, and global vision as indispensable tools for navigating rapid change.

The ceremony honored outstanding achievements in enhancing the student learning experience through the Lord Dearing Award. Dr Elio Espejo (Applied Mathematics/Statistics) was recognised for innovative teaching, including AI-generated podcasts and interactive tools, while Product Design and Manufacture teaching team won for their "Design competitions to verify teaching outcomes and promote interdisciplinary integration," which has secured students over 100 international awards since 2012.

Professors John Zhou and Sean He were named Chair Professors for their research excellence, alongside the Honorary Professor of Jiang Liu from Southern University of Science and Technology.

The Class of 2025 shone brightly, with admits to Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and other top global institutions. As graduates received their degrees, student representatives Guosheng Su and Xintong Jiang reflected on their four years at the UNNC.

“I’m grateful to be a part of the cross-cultural community at UNNC and build lasting bonds with countless friends from various countries,” said Anson Lee, a Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence graduate.

Another international student, Taiseer Nafea shared that "UNNC gave me more than a PhD—it taught me resilience, curiosity, and belonging, by providing real research, teaching opportunities, and cultural experiences, shaping both my research and the person I continue to become." He obtained PhD in Environmental Engineering from the UNNC and will continue his post-doctoral research in environmental microplastic and plastic pollution and prevention here.

The celebration culminated in the atrium of Sir Peter Mansfield Building, where students and teachers gathered together to celebrate the day. As Professor Zhou concluded in the end, "Remember that you are always part of the UNNC family. The faculty is your home." FoSE proudly watches as its graduates take flight—equipped to illuminate their fields and shape a better world.