The School of Energy Science and Engineering at the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) hosted its 2026 Global Summer School of Smart Low-Carbon Energy and Aerospace Power from July 20 to 30.
Organized under the auspices of HIT's Undergraduate School, the program was designed to address critical developments in the energy and power sector, offering an advanced international platform for academic exchange and research training.
The two-week intensive program brought together 51 undergraduate students from 25 leading universities worldwide, including Imperial College London, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Shandong University, and Xi'an Jiao Tong University.
The program focused on emerging frontiers in smart energy systems, advanced propulsion technologies, and low-carbon solutions, combining theoretical instruction, project-based learning, and hands-on laboratory sessions.
The summer school commenced on July 20 at the Energy Saving Building.
Participants pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Professor Xu Ping, associate dean of HIT's Undergraduate School, delivers the opening remarks. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Professor Qi Hong, associate dean of HIT's School of Energy Science and Engineering, addresses the audience. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
In his opening remarks, Professor Xu Ping, associate dean of HIT's Undergraduate School, provided an overview of the 2026 HIT International Summer School initiative and encouraged participants to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, pursue collaborative innovation, and expand their academic networks. Professor Qi Hong, associate dean of HIT's School of Energy Science and Engineering, and Professor Guene Lougou Bachir, a faculty member, also addressed the audience, while international student Ujjwal Dhakal shared his hopes as a participant representative.
Lectures and thematic presentations. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Over the course of the program, 15 internationally renowned experts from institutions such as the Technical University of Munich, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the University of Seville, and HIT delivered lectures.
Among them were Professor Xu Chuanbao (a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering), Academician Molokanov Alexander (a fellow of the Russian Academy of Engineering), and Professor Zhumabay Bakenov (a fellow of the Kazakhstan National Academy of Sciences).
The instructional framework comprised two theoretical courses, one practical course, and twelve seminars covering advanced topics in smart energy, computational modelling, and experimental methods.
The program was tailored for students with strong backgrounds in energy engineering, physics, computer science, and related disciplines. Interactive workshops and group discussions were included throughout the schedule, enabling participants to engage with faculty on frontier research questions and gain systematic training in analytical methodologies and practical research skills.
The hands-on engine practical session. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
The closing ceremony took place on July 30 in Room 312 of the Energy Saving Building. Professor Luo Lei, associate dean of HIT's School of Energy Science and Engineering, delivered closing remarks, commending the participants for their dedication and notable academic progress. He emphasized that the program not only provided rigorous academic training but also fostered international collaboration, creativity, and teamwork.
Several student representatives shared their reflections, with many saying that the experience had significantly broadened their perspectives and allowed them to forge lasting friendships. Three participants – Jinda Chotsiri Akarpereda from Imperial College London, Delgado Jose Roberto from Seoul National University, and Shu Chendingsheng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University – were recognized as Outstanding Students of the 2026 Summer School.
Participants pose for a group photo at the closing ceremony. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Student testimonials. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Following the closing ceremony, a cohort of students will continue their academic journey at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as part of the HIT-Hong Kong Joint International Summer School, supported by HIT's Office of International Affairs under the Global Navigation·International Vision Improvement Program.