As a new type of research university positioned in Shenzhen, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) plays an important role in attracting talents to the region, cultivating them, and enriching their lives to make significant contributions at the University, in Shenzhen, and continue the national development of the country.

SUSTech is committed to investing in talent systems, services, and scientific facilities for the talents to ensure they remain responsive to evolving industry needs and rapid scientific and technological advancements. The University’s offices and research units also work closely together to develop a continuous talent pipeline to fuel future-focused areas.

Empowering global talents to thrive at SUSTech

To address the cutting-edge scientific problems and pressing challenges, universities and institutes across the world are craving for top-notch talents. As for SUSTech, a new research university in Shenzhen, China, it has seized the opportunities of the nation’s new reforms to build the Shenzhen Pilot Demonstration Zone and boost the development of the Greater Bay Area. To establish an internationally competitive system to attract talent is an important part of the Shenzhen pilot plan. In 2021, the University’s overall efforts in attracting and developing talented faculty members and researchers have shown results.

In November 2021, three academics from SUSTech were elected as academicians, with two becoming members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and one being a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

Keqing XIA, Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, was honored as a newly elected CAS member; Zhenghe XU, Dean and Chair Professor of the College of Engineering, as a foreign member of CAE; and Efim Zelmanov, Scientific Director and Distinguished Visiting Professor of the SUSTech International Center for Mathematics, was elected as a foreign member of CAS.

At present, the University has a total of 55 academicians (34 full-time academicians). In 2021, SUSTech also won the Shenzhen “Talent Scout Award” for its sixth consecutive year. The University attaches great importance to developing its talent, adhering to the international standards of global institutions, and establishing a human resource management system that is compatible with the modern university system. In doing so, it has established a high caliber of international faculty.

Innovating management system to be the most attractive destination for global talent

Eight years ago, Professor TAN Bin joined SUSTech as an associate professor after completing his postdoctoral work in Singapore. In 2021, his research team won the first prize of the Natural Science Award in Guangdong Province for its project “Asymmetric Axial Chiral Chemistry of Organic Catalysis.”

“SUSTech is always by my side and gives my support in every way possible. Here, one could find a good research environment and with a sound system, and people love to discuss and bring new ideas.”

At SUSTech, more than 90% of teaching and research faculty members have work overseas experience, and more than 60% have served or studied in a global top 100 university. It has become a hotbed for many overseas high-level talents. The University has provided support, expertise, and resources in meeting the needs of the international faculty. From staff to the leadership team members, suggestions and ideas are welcome to enhance the experience at SUSTech.

On January 10, 2022, a new year’s celebration tea party was held. SUSTech faculty members and researchers were invited to share the season’s joyfulness and brainstorm the following year’s plan with the leadership team. At the event, Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech, introduced the nation’s 2022 general developing plan and encouraged the SUSTech members to optimize their goals and maximize opportunities for success.

SUSTech has adhered to a high standard of global talent recruitment and innovative talent management in recent years. It has followed the full-employment and Tenure Track system in line with international standards.

The University has established a flexible, innovative, and internationally accepted talent system, created an innovative first-class environment, built on its academic team and platform, and enabled talents to develop and grow at SUSTech.

Talent is an important indicator to measure a country’s comprehensive national strength. By developing SUSTech into a first-class institution, combined with the opportunities driven by the “dual zones” and gathering talented academics, the University will continue to cultivate top talents and contribute to the development of Shenzhen, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the strategic needs of the country.