The unveiling ceremony of the Engineering Innovation Institute for Controlled Nuclear Fusion, jointly established by the Energy Research Institute of Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and Harbin Engineering University, was gracefully held at Harbin Engineering University on August 26. Li Jiangang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of the Energy Research Institute, and an alumnus of Harbin Engineering University's class of 1978, was appointed as the school's strategic scientist (part-time) and director of the innovation institute. Song Yingdong, President of Harbin Engineering University, and Yu Zhiwen, Vice President, graced the occasion with their presence. Vice President Yin Jingwei presided over the meeting. Representatives from relevant teaching and research units as well as functional departments participated in the event.

In his address, Song Yingdong stated that the University has always held General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest instructions during his inspection of the school, and is meticulously planning the construction of organized scientific research platforms with high quality. The establishment of the Engineering Innovation Institute for Controlled Nuclear Fusion this time is an important measure to effectively implement the instructions of the General Secretary. He emphasized that China's controllable nuclear fusion technology research and development is taking a crucial step from theoretical research to engineering practice. The University must seize the opportunity, optimize the layout, and seek growth by focusing on the core technologies of controllable nuclear fusion engineering. It should promote interdisciplinary integration, fostering the development of nuclear science in conjunction with intelligent control, power, computer science, and other related fields. The goal is to establish the Engineering Innovation Institute for Controlled Nuclear Fusion into a new type of scientific research institution on campus that can be promoted and replicated, as well as a demonstration benchmark for multi-party cooperation, making new and greater contributions to the construction of a strong nuclear industry country and the development and utilization of clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient fusion energy by mankind.

Li Jiangang, in his speech, highlighted the rapid development of controllable nuclear fusion technology worldwide and the acceleration of research in this field by various countries. He noted that China's controllable nuclear fusion technology is at a pivotal stage of transitioning to engineering applications, necessitating breakthroughs in key technologies and the cultivation of talent in related fields. The establishment of the Engineering Innovation Institute for Controlled Nuclear Fusion and the formation of a specialized experimental class in controllable nuclear fusion engineering will provide a steady stream of top innovative talents for the industry and accelerate the development of new productive forces in the field of nuclear science.

The Innovation Research Institute represents Harbin Engineering University's forward-looking approach to addressing future energy demands, focusing on the field of controllable nuclear fusion. It is a significant initiative in the university's efforts to create new momentum for academic development. Researcher Ding Rui from the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dean Tan Sichao of the School of Nuclear Science were appointed as Deputy Deans of the Innovation Research Institute.

In the afternoon of the same day, Academician Li Jiangang delivered the first lecture to all new students of the inaugural Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Future Leaders) Experimental Class, presenting a report titled "Lifting the Sun of the Future: The Current Status and Prospects of Magnetic Confinement Nuclear Fusion." Drawing on his personal research experience in the field of controllable nuclear fusion, he explained the basic principles, current status, and future prospects of controllable nuclear fusion to the students. He patiently answered their questions, deepening their understanding of nuclear fusion as a crown jewel of human scientific achievement and reinforcing their resolve to reach the summit of technological advancement.