The Graduate Academic Innovation Award of Wuhan University aims to encourage graduate students to pursue original research and cultivate scientific spirit. It serves as a significant measure to highlight their academic level and research capabilities, while also inheriting the university's excellent academic traditions and fostering a vibrant graduate academic ecosystem. Recently, the list of first prize winners for the 2025 Graduate Academic Innovation Award was announced, featuring four students from our school: doctoral candidate Zheng Chao (Class of 2020), Liao Xin (Class of 2020), Zeng Xingwu (Class of 2023), and Ning Jianfeng (Class of 2019).
Zheng Chao (Class of 2020)
Supervised by Professor Xu Xu, Zheng specializes in discrete differential geometry and is currently conducting postdoctoral research at the International Center for Mathematical Research, Peking University. Under his advisor's guidance, he has achieved remarkable results, publishing 11 papers in renowned international mathematics journals.
Zheng has always been driven by his passion for mathematics and thirst for knowledge, systematically studying professional theories. Through long-term accumulation, he has built a solid academic foundation, providing strong support for his research endeavors. Facing challenges in his studies, he approaches them with rigorous academic attitudes and proactive exploration, gradually overcoming multiple academic difficulties.
Notable Honors:
2025 Postdoctoral Innovation Talent Support Program
China Association for Science and Technology Youth Talent Support Program (Doctoral Special)
First Prize of Wuhan University Graduate Academic Innovation Award
Wuhan University National Scholarship for Graduate Students
Outstanding Graduate
Liao Xin (Class of 2020)
Supervised by Professor Chen Hua, Liao focuses on nonlinear partial differential equations, elliptic and degenerate elliptic equations, and calculus of variations. During his studies, he has published multiple papers in SCI journals such as CVPDE and JDE.
Liao demonstrates relentless dedication in his studies. Facing complex equations and profound problems, he maintains systematic and rigorous exploration, gradually building a complete research framework and clear problem-solving approaches.
Notable Honors:
First Prize of Wuhan University Academic Innovation Award
First Prize of Wuhan University Academic Scholarship
Doctoral Youth Talent Support Program
First Prize of the 22nd Summer School on Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Zeng Xingwu (Class of 2023)
Supervised by Professor Zhang Can, Zeng specializes in mathematical control theory. He has published multiple papers as corresponding author in authoritative journals such as SIAM J. Control Optim. and ESAIM Control Optim. Calc. Var.
During his studies, he diligently read classical works and cutting-edge research in his field, steadily advancing his work. He actively participated in domestic and international academic conferences, demonstrating strong research potential.
Notable Honors:
Ning Jianfeng (Class of 2019)
Supervised by Professor Zou Jun, Ning specializes in inverse problems and deep learning and is currently conducting postdoctoral research at the Weierstrass Institute in Berlin, Germany. During his studies, he published six academic papers, four of which appeared in T1-class journals such as SIAM J. Sci. Comput., Inverse Probl., and J. Comput. Phys.
Ning actively engaged in international academic exchanges, including a joint training program at the University of Bremen, Germany, and a research assistant position at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He also serves as a reviewer for multiple journals, including SIAM J. Sci. Comput., and is a member of the International Inverse Problems Association (IPIA).
Notable Honors:
First Prize of Wuhan University Academic Innovation Award
Second Prize of Wuhan University Academic Innovation Award
First Prize of Wuhan University Graduate Freshman Scholarship
Second Prize of Wuhan University Academic Scholarship
Outstanding Teaching Assistant of Wuhan University
Chinese Government Scholarship for Study Abroad
Oberwolfach Leibniz Graduate Student
Outstanding Graduate of School of Mathematics and Statistics, Wuhan University
For years, our school has prioritized the quality of talent cultivation, providing students with excellent research environments and academic support. The achievements of these four students demonstrate the school's solid results in talent development. Moving forward, the school will continue to reform its training models, optimize academic innovation environments, and strengthen research training systems, fostering more innovative and talented individuals for the nation.
(Reporter: Liu Yawen; Image source: provided by interviewees)
