On the morning of September 5, the Opening Ceremony and Parent‑Faculty Exchange Meeting for the 2026 intake of the China-EU Institute for Clean Energy (ICARE) was held in Conference Room S311 of the Clean Energy Building.

Prof. Luo Xiaobing, Dean of the School of Energy and Power Engineering and Chinese Dean of ICARE, Mr. Sun Lu, Deputy Party Secretary of the School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dr. Zou Mingqing, Vice Dean of ICARE, and faculty representatives of the institute attended the event. They joined all 2026 postgraduate freshmen and their parents to mark this important occasion. Centered on the theme “Reach for Great Heights, Strive for Excellence”, the ceremony featured speeches, sharing sessions and interactive exchanges, setting the direction for the new students’academic journey and inspiring them to move forward with confidence.

Prof. Luo Xiaobing delivered the opening address. On behalf of the institute, he extended a warm welcome to all new students. He pointed out that the global energy transition is at a critical window of opportunity. As a benchmark platform for Sino‑foreign cooperative education, ICARE is committed to cultivating interdisciplinary talent with a strong sense of patriotism and international competence. He encouraged the new postgraduate students to make the most of their time at the institute: to set high aspirations and scale new heights in scientific research, while remaining down-to-earth and devoted to academic pursuits. He urged them to integrate their personal development into the national “Dual Carbon” strategy and write a brilliant chapter of youth through persistent hard work.

Ai Jingjing, representative of the incoming students, shared her academic journey and original aspirations in her speech. She stated that the institute’s advanced scientific research platforms and international academic environment had strengthened her resolve to devote herself to in-depth research on clean energy. She encouraged her fellow freshmen with the motto, “Reach for Great Heights, Strive for Excellence”. She called on everyone to engage in academic research with focus, clarify their direction of development, and grow together. She also urged new students to integrate their personal ideals into the national “Dual Carbon” strategy and fulfil their youthful mission amid the global energy transition.

Peng Jiaqi, representative of senior students, shared her growth experiences at ICARE, ranging from English-medium coursework and scientific research competitions to overseas study programs. She told the incoming freshmen that the institute’s English-medium instruction cultivates the ability to learn efficiently and grasp key knowledge rapidly, while overseas exchanges helped her build independence and courage. She delivered a heartfelt message to the new students: “We do not need to be perfect, but we must be brave.” She encouraged them not to doubt themselves because of temporary difficulties in adapting, but to participate boldly in scientific research, competitions and international exchanges, and to find their own direction through continued challenges.

Dr. Zou Mingqing delivered the concluding speech. He spoke highly of the speeches delivered by both the freshman and senior representatives. He advised new students to formulate their life plans at an early stage, aim high and focus on academic frontiers while remaining grounded in national strategic needs. He encouraged them to turn challenges into motivation for progress on the fertile ground of ICARE and to identify their own position and direction amid the global energy revolution.

The opening ceremony concluded successfully amid warm applause. All faculty and students moved to the first floor of the Clean Energy Building for a group photo, capturing the vigorous and uplifting spirit of the Class of 2026.

Subsequently, the parent-faculty exchange meeting was held as scheduled. Dr. Zou Mingqing first gave a systematic introduction to the institute’s overall profile, educational characteristics and international cooperation networks. The Academic Affairs Office elaborated on the talent-training program and answered questions from the audience. The Scientific Research Office provided a detailed explanation of graduation requirements and research progress arrangements. The Postgraduate Student Work Office focused on introducing the student-service system and overseas exchange programs. The General Office provided policy briefings and practical reminders regarding cybersecurity regulations and campus electric-bicycle management. With well-prepared presentations from all administrative offices, the event featured enthusiastic on-site interactions, enabling freshmen and their parents to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the institute’s training model and management rules.

The opening ceremony and parent-faculty exchange meeting served as both a formal initiation and a warm dialogue between the institute and families. Guided by the spirit of “Reach for Great Heights, Strive for Excellence”, the Class of 2026 postgraduates will take ICARE as their starting point, forge ahead on the broad track of green energy development, and embark on a new chapter of excellence.