We are pleased to announce a distinguished lecture series featuring four leading scientists in the fields of chemistry and materials science. The event will take place on January 15, 2026, at Room 401, Business School.
Lecture Schedule & Details
1. Lecture: Novel Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization Reactions
Time: 13:30 – 14:15
Speaker: Prof. You Shu-Li
Research Professor, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2023)
Abstract:
Aromatic compounds are abundant and inexpensive feedstocks. However, traditional chiral transformations often require multi-step processes while retaining aromaticity, limiting their application. Developing efficient and highly selective methods for the direct chiral transformation of arenes is of great significance. This lecture will present the group's recent work on novel dearomatization reactions. By employing new metal complexes, organocatalysts, or photoexcited catalysts, a series of asymmetric dearomatization reactions have been achieved, revealing unique mechanisms and enabling the efficient synthesis of several natural products.
2. Lecture: Scientific Basis and Pathways for the Chemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide
Time: 14:20 – 15:05
Speaker: Prof. He Liang-Nian
Professor, Nankai University; Former Editor-in-Chief of Green Chemistry (2019-2022)
Abstract:
From the perspective of sustainable chemistry, CO₂ is an abundant, renewable C1 building block. Its catalytic conversion into valuable chemicals—turning waste into treasure—is a focal point of green chemistry. Particularly during the global energy transition and China's Dual Carbon goals, transforming CO₂ into chemicals, fuels, and materials can reduce reliance on fossil resources and mitigate emissions. This talk will address the thermodynamic and kinetic challenges of CO₂ activation and emphasize the rational design of catalysts as the key to achieving selective and directional conversion.
3. Lecture: Atomic Simulations for the Future
Time: 15:25 – 16:10
Speaker: Prof. Liu Zhi-Pan
Professor, Fudan University; Developer of the LASP software and the ASPA computational platform
Abstract:
The quest for a universal atomic simulation method has long been challenged by potential function construction. The rise of machine learning presents new solutions. This talk will introduce a recently developed low-cost, high-accuracy machine learning model—the Pairwise Radialized Neural Network (PHNN). Trained on a large dataset encompassing millions of configurations across 80+ elements, it enables a general-purpose neural network potential. Coupled with automated structure generation, these advancements have been integrated into the LASP-AI predictive platform, paving the way for large-scale atomic simulations to accelerate molecular and materials discovery.
4. Lecture: Structure-Property Relationships of Materials in Real Space
Time: 16:10 – 17:00
Speaker: Prof. Gu Lin
Professor, Tsinghua University; Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in Materials Science and Chemistry
Abstract:
Understanding material properties often relies on reciprocal space and concepts like band structure, which assume perfect periodicity. Real materials, however, contain defects, inhomogeneities, and interfaces where symmetry is broken. This lecture will discuss advancing electron microscopy techniques to probe materials at the atomic scale, directly correlating structure with functional properties (e.g., luminescence, thermal conductivity) in real space. The talk will explore the journey from reductionist approaches, based on atomic potentials and symmetry, toward a more complete, quantitative materials science.
Join us for an afternoon of cutting-edge scientific insights presented by eminent scholars.