To accelerate the implementation of action tasks such as "Ideological and Political Education for Soul-Shaping" and "Scientific and Technological Advancement" under the "Pioneer Program" and fulfill the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, the School of Artificial Intelligence held a thematic academic report titled "Student Cultivation as the Core" on the morning of December 3rd. Professor Cheng Mingming, recipient of the National Outstanding Youth Fund and Distinguished Professor of Nankai University, was invited to give an in-depth analysis of the pressures faced by young and middle-aged teachers and strategies to break through them. Over 30 participants attended the report, including Zhang Xiankun, Dean of the School of Artificial Intelligence, Chen Yarui, Vice Dean, and young and middle-aged teachers of the school.

Professor Cheng conducted an in-depth analysis of the three major pressures confronted by young and middle-aged teachers, namely scientific research innovation, industrial application, and talent cultivation. He emphasized that teachers should not only immerse themselves in daily work but also pay attention to industry needs and important academic issues. Combining practical cases of guiding students, he vividly illustrated how to achieve the common growth of graduate students and teachers. In terms of scientific research innovation, Professor Cheng suggested that teachers should establish their own "academic labels", guide students to clarify their development plans, and encourage students to actively learn from their peers.

Professor Cheng also shared his experience in applying for the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He pointed out that topic selection is of great importance for fund applications. He advised that the innovation points of the fund application should be combined with one's own scientific research foundation to give full play to personal advantages. Additionally, he stressed the importance of joint writing with team members and active communication with peers to exchange experiences.

This report provided valuable experience sharing on fostering virtue through education and guidance on project application for young and middle-aged teachers of the school. It is of positive significance for them to clarify their thinking, cope with challenges in aspects such as talent cultivation, scientific research innovation, and the improvement of academic influence, and promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talents. The participating teachers all stated that they will apply what they have learned, integrate knowledge with practice, and strive to achieve dual progress in personal development and the development of education and scientific research undertakings.