On June 18, we enjoyed an inspiring lecture by Zhang Ze, a renowned crystal structure expert and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The lecture was titled “Know the what and the why: the underlying logic of scientific innovation” and was one in the series of ShanghaiTech Lectures. The event was attended by Party Secretary Li Ruxin and Vice President Zhu Zhiyuan. The lecture drew enthusiastic participation from faculty and students both within and beyond the university, filling the venue to capacity. The event was hosted by Vice Provost and Director of the Center for Transformative Science Liu Zhi.
Zhang Ze is a leading figure in materials science in China. His long-term research on the relationship between material properties and microstructures has yielded systematic and innovative results, earning him prestigious awards including the first and second prizes of the National Natural Science Award, China’s Excellent Young Scientists Fund, the Qiushi Outstanding Youth Award, and the Ho Leung Ho Lee Prize.
His research has not only advanced materials science but also laid a solid foundation for China’s high-end manufacturing industry. In recent years, Zhang’s team has developed an innovative integrated research platform for studying material properties and microstructures. This platform enables real-time, in-situ observation of microstructural evolution under external conditions such as stress and temperature. By visualizing material properties and structures, this novel platform provides scientific insights into “knowing the what and the why,” addressing critical challenges in microstructural control during material processing and fabrication.
In the lecture, Zhang emphasized, “The lifeblood of scientific innovation lies in fundamental research. Just as in materials science, it’s not enough to know a material performs well; we must understand why it does so.” Using the development of blade materials for aero-engines as an example, he illustrated the critical importance of deeply understanding the relationship between microstructure and macroscopic performance to achieve true innovation. He also highlighted the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific breakthroughs, encouraging young scholars to break down disciplinary barriers and broaden their research perspectives.
During the interactive session, the audience eagerly posed questions on the future of materials science, career paths for young researchers, and practical approaches to interdisciplinary collaboration.
At the end of lecture, Li Ruxin presented Zhang Ze with a ShanghaiTech Lecture certificate. Li remarked that Zhang’s lecture not only demonstrated the wisdom of a top scientist but also conveyed a profound scientific spirit, inspiring ShanghaiTech’s faculty and students to strive for excellence in scientific innovation.
This event marked the third ShanghaiTech Lecture in 2025. As the university’s premier academic event, the ShanghaiTech Lecture series continues to foster high-level intellectual exchange, sparking the merging and fusion of cutting-edge scientific ideas.