Our research

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE) launches a wide range of research practice programmes each mid-semester and during the summer vacation, providing students with immersive research experiences. In recent years, the faculty has offered over 200 research projects annually, supported by approximately 100 academic supervisors. Each year, more than 700 science and engineering students take part in these initiatives. These research opportunities are primarily delivered through the FoSE Undergraduate Experience Enhancement Programme.

FoSE Undergraduate Experience Enhancement Program

The Undergraduate Experience Enhancement Program stands as one of the flagship initiatives of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Delivered twice annually — during the semester and over the summer — the program offers a rich portfolio of activities including research practice, essential skill development, and cultural exploration. It empowers students to refine their professional abilities, expand academic knowledge, and cultivate humanistic literacy, while supporting a rewarding and well-rounded out-of-class experience. The program comprises four key pillars: the Research Practice Program, the Cultural Study Program, the Essential Skills Training Program (covering Python, artificial intelligence, scientific writing, public speaking and career development guidance), and the External Research Internship Program.

Research Practice Program

This program serves as a high-quality platform for undergraduates within the Faculty of Science and Engineering to engage in authentic research practice. Each year, academic supervisors from the Faculty offer more than a hundred interdisciplinary and innovative research projects, attracting hundreds of undergraduate participants. Students gain immersive exposure to the entire research process, develop a clear understanding of the nature of academic inquiry, accumulate hands-on research experience, and gain close insight into the university’s vibrant research ecosystem. Over the past decade, nearly 5,000 students have participated in the program, significantly strengthening their research capacity and innovative thinking.

Cultural Study Program

Supported by the Yangming Cultural Study Base — incorporating the former residences of Wang Yangming in Yuyao and Xiuwen, Guizhou — the Faculty of Science and Engineering organizes the annual “Ge Zhu” Cultural Study Program each summer, themed around Yangming Culture. Students from diverse academic disciplines collaborate on architectural design projects, exploring dialogues between Western modern technology and Eastern craftsmanship and cultural values, thus inspiring interdisciplinary creativity. In the past two years, the “Ge Zhu” program has focused on the contemporary frontier of artificial intelligence, integrating Wang Yangming’s philosophy of mind with the architectural features of the memorial archways at the historical sites. By presenting the historically profound yet dynamically relevant Yangming Culture through AI technology, the program bridges traditional heritage and cutting-edge innovation, fostering new forms of cultural expression.

Essential Skills Training Program

Committed to the holistic development of its students, the Faculty of Science and Engineering provides targeted support for skill enhancement beyond formal classroom instruction. To this end, it has established the Essential Skills Training Program, which includes modules such as the Advanced Applied Engineering Project, Introductory AI, Public Speaking Training, and Career Development Guidance. This program enables students to broaden their knowledge base and strengthen practical competencies in extracurricular settings.

External Research Internship Program

For many years, the Faculty of Science and Engineering has maintained collaborative partnerships with numerous prestigious research institutions across China to deliver an external research internship program, offering students diverse and high-quality research opportunities.

Each summer, selected students join research groups at partner institutions and undertake research internships under the guidance of professional supervisors. This experience allows them to further enhance their research capabilities, deepen their academic understanding, and enrich their academic portfolios.

Participation in academic and professional competitions plays a crucial role in cultivating well-rounded, innovative, and industry-ready undergraduates. These competitions provide opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges while strengthening their critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and technical expertise. Through active engagement in such high-impact experiences, students gain practical skills, build professional confidence, expand their academic and industry networks, and enhance both their research capabilities and employability—fully preparing them to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

The university provides funding to support students’ participation in various competitions. The following are the competitions in which FoSE is currently involved:

•       China Undergraduate Mathematical Contest in Modeling 

•       International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC)

•       COMAP’s Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) & Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM)

•       iF Design Award (Professional Concept)

•       Red-dot Design Concept Award

•       Milan Design Week-China Collegiate Design Competition & Exhibition

•       China Universities Aircraft Design Competition (CUADC)

•       Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Intelligent Perception Technology Competition

•       IEEE/ASME Student Design Challenge – Heat Sink / Cold Plate Design using Additive Manufacturing

•       Formula Student Electric China

•       RoboMaster Competition

•       International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC)/ AiCOMP /A "Hackathon" or "Innovation App Development Competition“

•       National Structure Design Contest for College Students/International Concrete Dragon Boat Competition for College Students

•       “Challenge Cup” National University Students Extracurricular Academic and Scientific Technology Competition

The Department of Science and Engineering Education has access to labs and research facilities that bring together faculty, students, and external partners to advance STEAM teaching and learning. Students in Preliminary Year have access to various laboratories, including Physics Lab, Chemistry Lab, Design Studio, Computer Labs and the V-ROOM Lab, an educational lab equipped with cutting edge VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) technology for teaching and learning purposes.

These research units function as hubs for:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Externally funded research initiatives
• Innovation in pedagogical methods
• Meaningful student research engagement

Furthermore, they provide Preliminary Year students with invaluable early exposure to authentic research experiences, thereby effectively supporting their seamless transition into rigorous university-level academic inquiry.