On November 28, the 7th International Student Academic Salon, organized by the Zhejiang University International College and hosted by the International Student Academic Club (ISAC), was successfully held. Centered on the theme “From Research to Real Life: How My Work Addresses Real-World Needs,” the event brought together more than 30 international students to explore how academic research can generate meaningful real-world impact.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Chen Nanfei, Vice Dean of the International College. She highlighted the important role of the Academia+ series in promoting cross-cultural exchange and academic innovation, while expressing her appreciation to the organizers for their dedication. In her speech, Professor Chen noted: “We hope that academic dialogue like this will inspire innovative thinking and nurture emerging scholars with a global vision.”

Following the opening remarks, Professor Chen, together with Ms. Liu Cong, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office and club advisor to the International Student Academic Club, presented commemorative certificates to the four student speakers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to academic exchange.

The salon then featured presentations by four outstanding international doctoral students from different academic disciplines, who shared their research experiences and offered valuable insights into their academic journeys.

Saboor Saeed

Ph.D. Student (2023), School of Medicine

Drawing on his research paper, The Role of Deep Brain Stimulation in Treating Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions: Insights from Rodent Models, Saboor described the process of translating clinical observations into laboratory research. Reflecting on the challenges of scientific research, he emphasized that patience and perseverance are essential for overcoming obstacles. By sharing the complete journey from research design to publication, he encouraged students with the message: “Every piece of experimental data is a stepping stone toward discovery.”

Munazza Ijaz

Ph.D. Student (2021), College of Agriculture and Biotechnology

Munazza introduced the cutting-edge topic of nanotechnology in modern agriculture, explaining how nanomaterials are transforming agricultural research and practice. She also reflected on her experience studying in China, highlighting both the academic training and the rich cultural experiences she had gained. She encouraged young researchers to appreciate progress throughout their academic journey, reminding them that research excellence requires patience, persistence, and continuous effort.

Ali Matin Nazar

Ph.D. Student (2022), College of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Ali shared his research philosophy of “Believe in Numbers, Numbers Will Talk.” Using examples from his team's latest research in civil engineering, he demonstrated how rigorous data analysis reveals scientific patterns and supports reliable conclusions. He concluded by offering three pieces of practicaladvice to fellow researchers: “Maintain a consistent reading habit. Continuously improve academic writing skills. Stay committed to academic integrity.” His thoughtful reflections resonated strongly with the audience.

Velomasy Yanne Gabriella

Ph.D. Student (2023), School of Economics

Drawing on her research, Imported Intermediate Digital Inputs and Income Inequality, Velomasy shared her experience of transforming research ideas into published work. She emphasized that maintaining a healthy mindset is just as important as developing technical research skills, encouraging students to embrace failure, view rejection and criticism as opportunities for growth, and remain resilient throughout the research process.

During the Q&A session, participants discussed topics including finding reliable research data, building effective academic collaborations, and overcoming language and psychological challenges faced by international students. The four speakers responded with practical advice and personal experiences, creating an engaging and inspiring academic dialogue.

About the Academia+ Program

The Academia+ initiative is a flagship academic program launched by the International College of Zhejiang University for high-achieving international students. It includes a series of activities such as the International Student Academic Salon, the International Student Academic Poster Exhibition, and the Yangtze River Delta Students Academic Symposium.

The program aims to establish a high-level interdisciplinary platform for academic dialogue, foster innovation and academic communication skills, showcase the outstanding research achievements of international students in China, and encourage intellectual exchange between Chinese and international students. Through these initiatives, Academia+ seeks to cultivate innovative talents with a global outlook and strong international competitiveness.