Summer steps in on the breeze, ablaze with July’s brilliance. Beneath the fervent sun, youthful dream-weavers leave behind indelible traces of growth upon UNNC’s grounds.

From 13th to 26th July 2025, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China immersed visiting students in an authentic British-American academic environment. Through engaging scholarly exchanges and dedicated research explorations, these two weeks were woven into an unforgettable summer memory.

This Global Innovation Scholars Programme (GISP) focused on cutting-edge disciplines including Computer Science, Economics, Psychology, and other high-demand fields. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China specially invited world-renowned professors, associate professors, and lecturers, alongside a team of doctoral teaching assistants. In collaboration with leading enterprises and non-profit organisations, this expert faculty team guided the program, unveiling an enriching academic journey for knowledge-driven students from around the world.

Rediscovering the Halls of Knowledge

Throughout their studies in political economy and business analysis, participants delved into global inequality, dissected socioeconomic transformations, and decoded the dynamics of power and resource allocation. They also systematically mastered professional business analysis methodologies, honed skills in business case development and investment decision-making, and refined their commercial communication and negotiation competencies.

In science and engineering courses, students delved into the fundamental principles of neuroscience, beginning with neurotransmitter systems to investigate mechanisms of brain disorders and neuropharmacological Applications. They also established a solid foundation in mathematical number theory, mastering core concepts including prime numbers and congruence, while exploring practical applications such as RSA encryption algorithms. Additionally, they engaged with advanced artificial intelligence research, studying sustainable artificial intelligence techniques like image synthesis and cross-domain knowledge transfer methods, thereby expanding the boundaries of understanding in intelligent systems.

The academic English course, serving as a core component of the Global Innovation Scholars Programme (GISP), is jointly delivered by distinguished instructors from the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China and senior linguistics specialists from the University of Buckingham in the UK.

The course adopts a small-class teaching approach to ensure each student receives ample personalized guidance and feedback. The comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of academic English - listening, speaking, reading and writing - through which students have demonstrated remarkable progress. This intensive practice has laid a solid foundation for their future university studies conducted entirely in English.

A Multifaceted Enrichment Experience in Co-curricular Time

As the ancient saying goes, “Alternating tension and relaxation is the principle of good governance.” While students devoted themselves to academic pursuits, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China also curated a vibrant array of co-curricular activities. Through film night that eased academic pressures and strengthened friendships, inspirational talks by top scholars and masterclasses that broadened perspectives, as well as corporate visits featuring in-depth dialogues with industry veterans, participants gained invaluable practical experiences that complemented their learning journey.

As the closing ceremony arrived, marking the conclusion of the GISP programme, participants' eyes sparkled with the glow of achievement. Their bags held not only weighty knowledge manuals, but more importantly, the indelible imprints of this extraordinary growth journey.

As we reflect on these two weeks, the intellectual sparks ignited in academic discussions and the joyous laughter shared during co-curricular activities have now crystallised into a powerful driving force. Armed with profound achievements and enduring camaraderie, our scholars now stride confidently toward even broader horizons of their journey.

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China has carefully preserved this invaluable experience. As July draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate next summer's reunion with more aspiring light-chasers, when new stories of growth will unfold under the same radiant sun.