Nobel laureate and former Vice-Chancellor of Australian National University (ANU), Professor Brian Schmidt, visited Shandong University (SDU) from Oct 13 to 14. SDU President Li Shucai met with Professor Schmidt at Weihai campus, accompanied by Vice President and Weihai Campus President Liu Jianya.

President Li Shucai emphasized SDU's strong relationship with ANU, expressing hope to expand cooperation into more fields, including computer science, mathematics, and physics. He called for increased faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint research, to cultivate highly skilled interdisciplinary talent and promote cultural exchange between China and Australia.

Professor Schmidt acknowledged the solid foundation for cooperation, noting that joint educational programs have nurtured outstanding students. He expressed his wish for continued high-level collaboration and talent exchange, adding that he looks forward to returning to SDU for future lectures.

On the afternoon of Oct 13, Professor Schmidt delivered a special lecture titled Some Unsolved Mysteries of Astronomy. He shared his research journey, including the discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion through supernova measurements, and engaged with students on topics like the rate of cosmic expansion and future astronomical observation technologies.

The following morning, he held a discussion with faculty and students from the SDU-ANU Joint Science College and the School of Space Science and Technology. Professor Schmidt shared personal insights and encouraged students to use science to address global challenges, such as climate change.

SDU President Li Shucai meets with Professor Brian Schmidt at Weihai campus. [Photo/Shandong University]

Professor Brian Schmidt delivers a speech titled Some Unsolved Mysteries of Astronomy on Oct 14. [Photo/Shandong University]