On September 2, the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (AI-HSS) held an orientation session for the 2026 Cohort of master’s and Ph.D. students at the Qingshuihe Campus. The event was attended by Institute leaders, graduate advisors, all new students, and relevant staff members.
Prof. Zeng Yong, Dean of AI-HSS, engaged in an in-depth discussion with the new students on issues such as how to establish research directions and build a solid academic foundation in interdisciplinary research. He encouraged the new students to be adept at identifying unique points of innovation at the intersection of disciplines during academic discussions with their advisors, to proactively engage in interdisciplinary exchanges and participate in research projects, to maintain an active mindset, and to grow together by leveraging the Institute’s academic platform.
Professor Shen Xiaorong, on behalf of all faculty and students at AI-HSS, extended a warm welcome to the 2026 Cohort. She reviewed the Institute’s development since its establishment in December 2024 and elaborated on the Institute’s mission and core expectations for the students. She expressed her hope that faculty and students would grow together, serving as “pioneers” in the Institute’s development and, more importantly, as “contributors” to its progress.
During the self-introduction session, the new students spoke one by one, sharing fascinating insights based on their academic backgrounds, research interests, and hobbies, while discussing their motivations for choosing the Institute and their expectations for their graduate studies and campus life. In the faculty-student interaction session, Prof. Lei Ruipeng, Vice Dean of AI-HSS, encouraged the new students to devote themselves to their studies and dare to innovate. Professor Wan Xiaolong, representing the faculty advisors, extended a warm welcome to the new students and shared his high hopes for them. The new students quickly overcame their initial shyness and engaged in cordial discussions with their advisors on topics such as course selection, research directions, and campus life. Also in attendance were faculty representatives Professors Gao Shan, Gao Zhao, Liu Boquan, and Ni Debing.
