**Abstract**
Editor's Note: On April 18th, Jilin University held a symposium with the theme “Chinese Dream, Yucai Dream, Chengcai Dream.†Renowned academicians, senior professors, national teaching masters, and faculty members as well as students participated in the event. They shared their personal experiences and reflections on the Chinese Dream, the Yucai Dream, and the Chengcai Dream.
Jilin University hosted a symposium on the theme of “Chinese Dream, Yucai Dream, Chengcai Dream†on April 18th. Academicians, senior professors, national teaching masters, and faculty and students from the university shared their personal experiences and insights on the meaning of these dreams.
Academician Zou Guangtian expressed his deep feelings for Jilin University, stating that he was raised and trained within its walls. He has spent 56 years studying and working on the campus, making it a true part of his life. Though he is 75 years old, he still carries strong hopes for the future of the university. He believes that there are many things left to do, and he hopes that both his colleagues and students will continue to contribute to its development.
His dream is to make high-pressure physics a symbol of Jilin University’s academic excellence. He envisions the State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials becoming a world-class research center and talent hub. This lab, which he helped establish, should produce top-tier scientific achievements and outstanding researchers in the field of high-pressure physics and super-hard materials.
The mission of high-pressure scientists is to push the boundaries of knowledge—exploring the unknown, uncovering how matter behaves under extreme conditions, and discovering new materials that cannot exist under normal pressure. This pursuit is often referred to as “top heaven.†At the same time, scientific research must also serve national needs, such as security and economic development, which is known as “site.†Academician Zou hopes that the laboratory can excel in both areas and have a significant impact globally.
He emphasizes that realizing this dream requires a solid foundation. Over the past few years, the laboratory has made great progress, developing advanced experimental techniques and theoretical methods. The lab has published numerous papers in prestigious journals like *Nature* and *Science*, and its work has gained international recognition. These achievements have laid a strong material base for further development.
One of the most successful applications of high-pressure research in China is the industrial production of synthetic diamonds. Since the 1990s, China has become the world's largest producer of synthetic diamonds, surpassing 10 billion carats by 2011. This industry has created countless opportunities and challenges for Jilin University’s key laboratories.
Another crucial factor in achieving his dream is the strong, young research team at the laboratory. They are innovative, collaborative, and driven. Many of them are already recognized leaders in their fields, and some are even attracting attention from the global academic community. The lab’s supportive and open environment fosters creativity and innovation, helping to bring the dream to life.
Despite the progress, Academician Zou remains realistic. While they are doing well in certain areas, they are not yet leading in all aspects of high-pressure physics. Transforming China into a global leader in superhard materials is a long-term challenge that requires more time and effort.
He often quotes Cao Cao’s famous lines: “An old horse may be tethered, but its heart still yearns for a thousand miles; a hero may be aged, but his ambition remains strong.†He uses this to inspire himself and encourages students and teachers to cherish their time at Jilin University and contribute to its growth.
His ultimate hope is that the next generation will surpass him, ensuring that Jilin University continues to thrive and maintain its youthful energy.
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