Harbin Engineering University (HEU) shares a profound connection with Mr. QIAN Xuesen, highlighted by “two visits and two letters.” The founding of Qian Xuesen College marks a new milestone in the university’s development.

On May 8, HEU held a grand founding ceremony attended by Professor QIAN Yonggang, son of Mr. QIAN Xuesen; XU Zhenyu from the Education Department of Heilongjiang Province; ZHU Xiumei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Personnel and Education, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT); SONG Yingdong, Party Secretary of HEU; YIN Jingwei, President of HEU; QU Qifu, Director of the Qian Xuesen Naming Management Committee; and BAI Jun’e, Director of the Office of the Qian Xuesen Science and Education Research Association.

In his address, Party Secretary SONG Yingdong stated that Qian Xuesen College will focus on strategically urgent and scarce fields, including atomic energy technology, sea and air power, cross-domain vehicles, underwater intelligent control, deep-sea acoustics, and polar technology. It aims to build a “special zone” for talent cultivation characterized by concentration and distinctiveness. Working in collaboration with the College of Future Technology and Xinghai College, the Qian Xuesen College will pioneer a new approach to talent cultivation that meets contemporary needs and leverages the university’s unique strengths.

QU Qifu read the official reply from the Qian Xuesen Naming Management Committee approving HEU’s application to name the college after QIAN Xuesen. He expressed the hope that the university would embrace QIAN Xuesen’s educational philosophy of “Great Wisdom” and contribute its strength to exploring innovative talent cultivation models.

Professor QIAN Yonggang and President YIN Jingwei jointly unveiled the plaque for Harbin Engineering University’s Qian Xuesen College.

Following deliberation at the 61st Standing Committee Meeting of the 5th Party Committee of the University, HEU appointed Professor QIAN Yonggang as Honorary Dean of the college. President YIN Jingwei presented Professor QIAN with the letter of appointment and pinned the university badge on him.

In his speech, Director XU Zhenyu noted that the establishment of Qian Xuesen College represents a strategically important step for the university in addressing major national priorities, strengthening independent scientific and technological innovation, and promoting self-reliant talent cultivation. He expressed the hope that the university would treat the founding of the college as a fresh starting point, deepen integration between science and education as well as industry and education, and cultivate a significant number of strategic talents capable of leading future scientific, technological, and industrial transformations.

Deputy Director-General ZHU Xiumei emphasized that in building Qian Xuesen College, HEU should accelerate the development of discipline adjustment mechanisms and talent cultivation models driven by scientific innovation, industrial development, and national strategic needs. The university should strengthen its position as a hub for nurturing top innovative talents in shipbuilding, ocean engineering, and nuclear power, actively support regional economic and social development, and ensure that its innovations and talent cultivation align closely with local development requirements.

The ceremony was presided over by Vice President ZHAO Yuxin.

Assistant to the President GENG Jing introduced the construction plan for Qian Xuesen College.

Professor QIAN Yonggang extended his heartfelt congratulations on the founding of the college. He highlighted that the establishment of Qian Xuesen College continues the tradition of serving the country through science and technology. He expressed the hope that the university would carry forward the patriotism and dedication of the older generation of aerospace scientists and technicians, promote the Qian Xuesen Spirit, and integrate systems engineering thinking throughout the talent cultivation process.

After the founding ceremony, students attentively explored the Exhibition of Qian Xuesen’s Teaching Manuscripts and the Thematic Exhibition on Qian Xuesen and China’s Aerospace Industry, engaging in in-depth discussions with Professor QIAN Yonggang.

Qian Xuesen College will oversee six Qian Xuesen Classes, each focused on atomic energy technology, sea and air power, cross-domain vehicles, underwater intelligent control, deep-sea acoustics, and polar technology. Each class will enroll 30 students annually and follow an integrated undergraduate-to-doctoral training program.