🌏 About the Program
The “Zhi-Hong” International Summer School on Advanced Materials (ISS-AM) is a prestigious two-week academic and cultural program hosted by the School of Materials Science and Engineering (SMSE) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).
Named in tribute to Professor Zhihong Zhou, the founder of SMSE, the summer school also carries a symbolic meaning: in Chinese, “Zhi-Hong” (志宏) suggests “ambition and aspiration,” inspiring participants to think boldly and aim high.
Each year, ISS-AM centers around a unique theme. For 2025, the focus is on “Future Materials”, offering a forward-looking perspective on cutting-edge developments in materials science.
Since 2016, the program has successfully welcomed 186 international students from over 10 countries, along with 237 top Chinese students. Scholars from world-renowned institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, Northwestern, KTH, Osaka University, and more have joined as guest lecturers.
Join us in 2025 to grow academically, explore China, and build lasting global friendships — all at one of the most prestigious universities in China.
🏛 About SMSE at SJTU
- 🏆 Ranked #16 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Materials Science
- 🥇 Ranked #12 globally in 2024 USNews
- 🎓 Recognized as a National First-Class Key Discipline since 2007
- 🌍 Listed among the top 0.01% globally in ESI discipline rankings
📅 Program Dates & Location
- Dates: June 29 – July 12, 2025
- Location: Minhang Campus, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
🎓 Program Highlights
📘 Academic Lectures
Gain insights from distinguished professors from SJTU and partner institutions worldwide on the latest research in future materials.
📊 Poster Session
Showcase your research! All participants will present academic posters. Prizes will be awarded for the best and most popular posters.
🏙 Campus & City Tours
Discover SJTU’s beautiful campus, explore vibrant Shanghai, and visit state-of-the-art research labs.
🧠 Group Projects
Work in diverse teams on a selected topic. Compete through final presentations for the “Excellent Team Award.”
🎎 Cultural Activities
Experience traditional Chinese culture through hands-on activities and festival celebrations.
🛶 Special Events
Enjoy unique programs such as dragon boat racing, Chinese kung fu classes, and a fun sports day!
✅ Who Can Apply
We welcome senior undergraduates and graduate students in:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Capacity: 40 participants, including both domestic and international students
🧑🏫 Meet the Lecturers
Stay updated on the list of world-class speakers via our official website:
🔗 https://smse-iss.sjtu.edu.cn
💰 Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition: 3000 RMB (Approx. $430 USD)
- Covers half of accommodation, cultural activities, and field trips.
- Participants are responsible for the other half of accommodation, meals, local transport, airfare, and mandatory international travel insurance (must cover illness/injury, liability, and emergency services).
🎓 Scholarships
Type A – “Zhi-Hong Future” Scholarship
- Amount: 8000 RMB
- Number: 5 spots
- Covers full tuition (3000 RMB) + up to 5000 RMB for travel expenses
Type B – “Zhi-Hong Excellence” Scholarship
- Amount: 3000 RMB
- Awarded to 85%+ of all accepted participants
- Fully covers tuition
📝 Application Process
🔹 For International Students
Apply online: http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn
🔹 For Chinese Students
Send application materials to Ms. Zhang: zh_iss@sjtu.edu.cn
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- CV
- Academic transcript
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, CET-6, etc. — waived for native speakers)
- One-page personal statement
Deadline: May 12, 2025
