A Thematic Program of the Beihang International Summer School 2026

Hosted by the School of Materials Science and Engineering

Beihang University

1. Introduction

Materials shape the world we live in—from the electric vehicles to the high-speed trains, from sustainable energy to thermoelectric systems recovering waste heat in factories. The International Summer School on Advanced Materials, hosted by School of Materials Science and Engineering at Beihang University, is a gateway to exploring cutting-edge research in advanced materials. Renowned experts will deliver specialized lectures on topics such as lightweight alloys, high-entropy alloys, lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen energy, thermoelectric materials and microstructure characterization. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and interactive, featuring not only expert lectures but also academic seminars, laboratory visits, and hands-on experimental practice. This program is ideal for outstanding international students passionate about advanced energy materials, particularly those considering further studies at Beihang University. Participation will not only deepen students' understanding of the field's frontiers but also sharpen their scientific innovation and interdisciplinary skills.

2. Duration

2026 July 13 to July 26

3. Venue

Beihang University Hangzhou Campus (No. 166, Shuanghongqiao Street, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China)

4. Course List

I. Lectures & Seminars:

a. Lightweight Metallic Alloys

b. Advanced High Entropy Alloys

c. Microstructure Characterization by Electron Microscopy

d. Advanced Lithium-ion Batteries

e. Storage and Application of Hydrogen Energy

f. Soft Active Materials and Tensegrity Structures

II. Lab Tours and Hands-on Experimental Sessions:

a. Mechanical Test of Lightweight Structural Materials

b. Fabrication of Alloys

c. Fabrication and Electrochemical Testing of Lithium-Ion Batteries

d. Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation Demonstrations

e. Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Fuel Cell Catalysts and Hydrogen Storage Materials

III. Cultural & City Exploration Activities:

a. Liangzhu Museum: a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 5,000-year-old Neolithic civilization

b. West Lake: offering insights into China’s cultural heritage and natural aesthetics.

5. Key Lecturers

Prof. Li-Dong Zhao

Prof. Zhao received his Ph.D. from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and conducted postdoctoral research at Université Paris-Sud (France) and Northwestern University (USA). His research focuses on thermoelectric materials for energy conversion. He is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in journals including Science and Nature. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Lab.

Prof. Yongji Gong

Prof. Gong earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Peking University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rice University (USA). He was a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University. His research focuses on two-dimensional materials, heterostructures, electrocatalysis, and advanced battery systems. He is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, with publications in Nature, Science Advances and Advanced Materials.

Prof. Jianglan Shui

Prof. Shui received dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China (2006) and the University of Rochester, USA (2010). He conducted postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory and Case Western Reserve University, USA. His current research focuses on hydrogen energy and fuel cells, including electrocatalysts for water splitting, and materials for hydrogen storage. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Science, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Catalysis and Angewandte Chemie.

Prof. Shiteng Zhao

Prof. Zhao obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of California, San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His research centers on extreme-condition mechanical behavior of advanced structural materials, including high-entropy alloys, titanium alloys, and shock-induced amorphization. He has co-authored landmark papers in Nature, Science, Nature Materials, and PNAS, and serves as Associate Editor of Journal of Materials Research and Technology.

Prof. Zhijian Wang

Prof. Wang received his B.S. and Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Peking University. He completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, San Diego (USA). His research focuses on soft active materials, including liquid crystal elastomers, shape-memory polymers, and stress-responsive systems for soft robotics and adaptive structures. His work bridges polymer physics with mechanical design, offering new paradigms for lightweight, responsive structural components. He has published in Science Robotics, Science Advances and Angewandte Chemie.

6. Eligibility

Applicants should fulfill the following requirements:

a. Students should be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive), and in good health;

b. Register as full-time student or employed as full-time academic staff at a university or research institution outside China.

c. Hold a major background in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field;

d. Have proof of proficiency in English.

7. Expenses

Beihang University will waive the tuition fee and provide free accommodation and meals for admitted international students from outside China.

Participants are responsible for all travel-related costs (including international airfare, domestic transfers, and transportation to/from the campus), visa fees, health/travel insurance, and other personal expenses.

8. Application Procedure

The official online application portal for the Summer School will be launched by Beihang University in Spring 2026 (https://biss.buaa.edu.cn/).

All applicants are required to complete the application form via the official university website once the link is published.

Simultaneously send a copy of application information (including full name, home institution, academic status, and contact details) to email: xingyalan@buaa.edu.cn for record-keeping and confirmation.

9. Contact

Yalan Xing (Associate Professor & Program Coordinator)

Email: xingyalan@buaa.edu.cn