On March 17, Guangdong University of Technology was honored to host Prof. Efim Zelmanov, recipient of the Fields Medal, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, for a distinguished academic visit.
In the morning, Prof. Du Chengmeng, Standing Committee Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President, met with Academician Zelmanov. The delegation accompanying the exchange included leaders and faculty representatives from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Prof. Du Chengmeng warmly welcomed Academician Zelmanov and provided an overview of Guangdong University of Technology’s (GDUT) latest advancements in education and research. He expressed his hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to further strengthen research collaboration and academic exchanges between the two sides. In response, Academician Zelmanov thanked GDUT for its hospitality and remarked that he looked forward to leveraging this academic lecture as a platform for deeper cooperation in mathematics, aiming to advance joint research initiatives with the university.
In the afternoon, Academician Zelmanov was invited as the distinguished speaker at the "Excellence Forum," where he presented an enlightening academic lecture entitled "Mathematics in the Modern World." The event was chaired by Prof. Chen Zhuowu, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee, and drew an audience of more than 300 attendees, including deans and directors from relevant departments and schools, early-career researchers, and graduate students.
Academician Zelmanov commenced his lecture by introducing the theories of Évariste Galois, the renowned French mathematician, to illustrate the applications of mathematics in fields such as cryptography, medical science, and artificial intelligence. Through his masterful presentation, he vividly demonstrated mathematics' indispensable role as both foundation and catalyst for modern scientific advancement. He remarked, "The beauty of mathematics lies in its elegant revelation of profound truths, the sparks of inspiration born from interdisciplinary intersections, and the relentless pursuit of fundamental truths." During the Q&A session, Academician Zelmanov patiently addressed questions raised by faculty members and students, fostering an engaging academic dialogue.
Prof. Chen Zhuowu extended a warm welcome to Academician Zelmanov for his visit and academic guidance. He emphasized that mathematics holds profound influence in the modern world—not only as the language of science but also as a driving force behind societal progress. Prof. Chen noted that the university would leverage this lecture as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and collaboration with distinguished scholars and research institutions worldwide, thereby supporting the cultivation of high-level talent and advancing cutting-edge research at the university.
