HIT Energy School Concludes 2026 International Summer School on Smart Low-Carbon Energy and Aerospace Propulsion

The School of Energy Science and Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) successfully hosted its 2026 International Undergraduate Summer School on “Smart Low-Carbon Energy and Aerospace Propulsion” 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 curriculum 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.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses

The summer school commenced on the afternoon of July 20 at the Energy Saving Building with an opening ceremony attended by Prof. Xu Ping, Associate Dean of HIT’s Undergraduate School; Prof. Qi Hong and Prof. Luo Lei, Associate Deans of the Energy School; faculty members Prof. Guene Lougou Bachir, Associate Prof. Zhang Linyao, and Prof. Zhumabay Bakenov; and other distinguished guests. The ceremony was moderated by Associate Prof. Yu Jianyang, Special Assistant to the Dean.

Group photo of all attendees

In his opening remarks, Prof. Xu Ping 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. Prof. Qi Hong and Prof. Guene Lougou Bachir also addressed the audience, while international student Ujjwal Dhakal shared his expectations as a participant representative. The academic program was officially launched with a keynote lecture by Prof. Yang Dazhi on “Solar Energy Resource Forecasting and Utilization.”

Academic Program and Instructional Design

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 Prof. Xu Chuanbao (Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering), Academician Molokanov Alexander (Fellow of the Russian Academy of Engineering), and Prof. Zhumabay Bakenov (Fellow of the Kazakhstan National Academy of Sciences).

The instructional framework comprised two theoretical courses, one practical course, and twelve thematic seminars, covering advanced topics in smart energy, computational modelling, and experimental methods. The curriculum was tailored for students with strong backgrounds in energy engineering, physics, computer science, and related disciplines. Interactive workshops and group discussions were integrated throughout the schedule, enabling participants to engage directly with faculty on frontier research questions and gain systematic training in analytical methodologies and practical research skills.

Closing Ceremony and Outstanding Participant Recognition

The closing ceremony took place on the morning of July 30 in Room 312 of the Energy Saving Building. Prof. Luo Lei, Associate Dean of the Energy School, 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 expressing 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.

Participant Testimonials and Future Activities

Feedback from attendees highlighted the program’s academic excellence and institutional prestige. Andrejs Kulago noted, “After returning home from China I will introduce HIT to my classmates as a very high tier university with many opportunities for international students. I will definitely recommend my friends to apply for HITGSS next year.” Jose Roberto Pereda Delgado added, “Amazing in terms of infrastructure and quality of facilities, academic content and high level faculty professors with awesome knowledge and experience in their fields. The social and scientific history of the Institute its also pretty interesting for me due to the relationship with the national progress.”

Immediately 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 Enhancement Program.”