The 2025 Tengchong Scientists Forum opened on Dec 6, drawing a distinguished assembly to Tengchong in Yunnan province. The event brought together 133 academicians from Chinese and foreign institutions, 77 university presidents from home and abroad, over 400 experts, scholars, and more than 600 entrepreneurs and financiers, making it a major gathering for science and innovation.

The forum's agenda featured the opening ceremony and main forum, along with 10 parallel sessions, including the 2025 University Presidents Forum, the Artificial Intelligence Forum, and the Life Sciences and Health Forum.

During the University Presidents Forum, Shandong University (SDU) President Li Shucai hosted a roundtable discussion themed "More Innovative Industry-Education Integration". He stated that the integration of industry and education is no longer an additional task for higher education, but a mandatory task required to fully link the education and talent chains with the innovation and industrial chains.

President Li emphasized that universities must adopt a more open approach, systematic thinking, and innovative mechanisms to effectively break down the existing barriers between higher education development and economic and social needs. He encouraged universities to engage in mutual learning to promote the integrated development of education, sci-tech, and talent. He called for accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces, positioning universities as innovation engines and hubs that serve high-quality economic and social development, thereby strengthening the nation's capabilities in education, science, and talent.

President Li Shucai hosts a roundtable discussion at the event. [Photo/Shandong University]