My Research, My Innovation. On June 7, the 16th Solar Thermal Utilization Science and Technology Graduate Forum, hosted by the CSTA and co-organized by the Huzhou Institute of Industrial Control Technology, Zhejiang Green Storage Technology Co., Ltd., and the ZhongGuanCun XinYuan Solar Thermal Technology Service Center, concluded at the "Beautiful and Graceful Land of Jiangnan" — Xisai Science Valley in Huzhou. A total of 49 doctoral and master's students from key national universities and research institutes delivered presentations and engaged in academic exchanges.
Six doctoral supervisors — Distinguished Professor Dai Yanjun of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Zhao Li of Tianjin University, Professor Yu Wei of Shanghai Polytechnic University, Researcher Lei Dongqiang of the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Ju Xing of North China Electric Power University, and Professor Zhang Cancan of Beijing University of Technology — were invited to provide detailed and thoughtful guidance and comments on each graduate presentation. To encourage students to pursue excellence, the forum selected the very best and awarded 16 outstanding presentations with the "De Fang Solar Thermal Utilization Scholarship." The scholarship was established through a donation by Researcher Wang Defang of the Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute, recipient of the 2019 Solar Thermal Utilization Science and Technology Outstanding Contribution Award. "De Fang" is taken from Mr. Wang Defang's given name, and it also expresses the hope that graduate students will develop "virtue as fragrant as flowers" along their path of growth. This year's "De Fang Solar Thermal Utilization Scholarship" received financial support from Cosin Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
List of "Outstanding Presentation" Award Winners at the 16th Solar Thermal Utilization Science and Technology Graduate Forum
Zhang Haobin, Deputy Director of the Huzhou Institute of Industrial Control Technology and General Manager of Zhejiang Green Storage Technology Co., Ltd., read out the list of award winners on behalf of the forum organizers.
Wang Zhifeng (right), Researcher at the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Chairman of the CSTA, presented awards to the first-prize winners and their representatives.
Dr. Chen Xiao (left), Deputy Secretary and Deputy Director of the Huzhou Science and Technology Bureau, presented awards to the second-prize winners.
Professor Zhao Li (right) of Tianjin University, Vice Chairman of the CSTA Expert Committee, presented awards to the third-prize winners.
Distinguished Professor Dai Yanjun of the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered remarks.
Zhao Tianyu, a doctoral student at the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences and first-prize winner of the "De Fang Solar Thermal Utilization Scholarship," delivered remarks.
In his closing address, Researcher Wang Zhifeng stated: The successful conclusion of this graduate forum marks a significant milestone. First, I would like to congratulate all the students on their outstanding achievements. The forum's reviewers are all senior scholars who have worked in the industry for many years, and their comments are rigorous and pertinent. Even those who have won awards must recognize the shortcomings in their presentations and papers, and devote themselves to refining and improving their work. Beyond this platform for presentation and exchange, the CSTA will organize the 20th China CSP Conference from August 12–13, 2026, in Xining, Qinghai, and cordially invites all students and colleagues in the industry to participate actively. The CSTA will also selectively recommend outstanding achievements to professional journals to help students publish papers and build their academic portfolios. Here, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the host and co-organizers of this forum for their strong support. We will establish a feedback channel and welcome your suggestions and ideas to jointly promote the solar thermal industry and personal growth.
He noted that students currently face multiple pressures such as graduation and employment, and with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, a single knowledge system can no longer keep pace with the times. He encouraged everyone to broaden their interests and continuously expand their capabilities. At the same time, he urged students to follow the principle advocated by the renowned physical educator Ma Yuehan of Tsinghua University — "equal emphasis on physical fitness and character" — to persist in exercise and cultivate both body and mind. He wished everyone to seize opportunities, go with the flow, and move toward the future with composure, wishing them smooth sailing and bright prospects.
Researcher Wang Zhifeng delivered the closing address.
Du Fengli, Secretary-General of the CSTA, announced: The 16th Solar Thermal Utilization Science and Technology Graduate Forum has successfully concluded. See you next year!