On August 29, 2025, the opening ceremony for the postgraduate class of 2025 was held by the Department of Earth System Science (DESS) at Tsinghua University. In attendance were Professor Luo Yong, Head of the Department; Professor Lin Yanluan, Deputy Head; Professor Lu Hui, Deputy Party Secretary; as well as faculty representatives Professor Liu Zhu and Professor Huang Xiaomeng. The ceremony was presided over by Geng Rui, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Department.

Prof. Luo Yong addresses the ceremony

Professor Luo Yong warmly welcomed the Class of 2025 to the DESS. He reviewed the development history, objectives, and distinctive strengths of Earth Sciences at Tsinghua University. Against the backdrop of global climate change, he emphasized the University's vital role in educating future leaders in Earth Sciences and addressing the pressing climate crisis. The DESS, Professor Luo noted, is dedicated to cultivating interdisciplinary talents with a robust theoretical grounding, capacity for innovation, and a broad international outlook.

The Earth Sciences program at Tsinghua is distinguished by its commitment to cross-disciplinary integration and its focus on developing comprehensive solutions to complex environmental challenges. Professor Luo stressed academic integrity as the bedrock of scientific research. He encouraged all new students to uphold the highest ethical standards, foster rigorous academic practices, and help sustain a research environment founded on integrity. He called upon them to embrace the spirit of Tsinghua DESS—which champions originality, values interdisciplinary cooperation, and seeks harmony amidst diversity—within the dynamic and inspiring community of Tsinghua University. It is his hope that students pursue holistic growth, fulfilling their own aspirations while contributing to the progress of Earth System Science.

Prof. Liu Zhu delivers a speech

Professor Liu Zhu spoke on behalf of the faculty. He emphasized that the study of Earth System Science entails both challenges and a profound sense of mission, as this field bears directly on national strategies, the future of our planet, and the fate of humanity. He encouraged students to anchor their research in humanity’s most pressing challenges, fusing scientific curiosity with a duty to advance sustainability—transforming the pursuit of truth into a force for global stewardship. Prof. Liu also urged them to embrace challenges with positivity, strengthen their communication skills, focus on personal growth, and cultivate resilience in navigating uncertainties inherent in scientific research. Ultimately, he expressed his hope that they would become innovative leaders driving China's sci-tech self-reliance.

Xu Yawei delivers a speech

Xu Yawei, a PhD student admitted directly into the doctoral program in 2021, spoke on behalf of current students. She shared three “keys to growth” that she had acquired during her time at Tsinghua: embracing dual roles in both academics and service, grounding oneself in real-world practice, and becoming a “source of innovation” — ever adaptive and renewing. She expressed that serving as a dual-role student counselor had been a deeply rewarding experience, helping her discover her potential through supporting others. She encouraged new students to actively engage in student organizations and volunteer activities, temper themselves through practice, and integrate personal growth into the broader context of national development. She hopes all freshmen will courageously pursue their dreams, persevere without wavering, and write their own exceptional stories on the rich soil of Tsinghua.

Zheng Jinhui delivers a speech

Zheng Jinhui, a first-year doctoral student enrolling in 2025, spoke as the representative of the new student cohort. He shared his journey from the natural environment of his hometown in Fujian to his concern for sustainable agriculture, expressing his hope to pursue further research at the DESS, form lasting mentorships, and contribute to agricultural sustainability and national food security. He emphasized the importance of firm belief, solid expertise, and a pioneering spirit, vowing to create new possibilities for the future of our planet with wisdom and dedication.

Following the ceremony, Geng Rui, Secretary of the Party Committee of the DESS, delivered an introductory Party lecture to the new postgraduate cohort. Professor Lin Yanluan, Deputy Head of the DESS, then detailed the academic protocols and teaching schedules for the 2025 incoming postgraduate students.

Written by Wang Jiayin

Photographed by Zhang Yuguang

Reviewed by Geng Rui