On the afternoon of May 15, 2024, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Chen Zhu, President of the Red Cross Society of China and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited our institute as a guest of the "France Excellence" interview program. This event was jointly organized by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Paris Elite Institute of Technology and the Sino-French Joint Medical School.

Chen Zhu met with young students, sharing his stories of studying in France and encouraging them with his words, "Youth is the hope for national development. I hope you can inherit the patriotic spirit of those who studied in France before you and make unique contributions to the development of our country and the advancement of humanity."

Ding Kuiling, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, welcomed Chen Zhu warmly. Other attendees included Chen Cailian, Party Secretary of the Paris Elite Institute of Technology; Zhang Wenming, Chinese Dean; Frédéric Toumazet, French Dean; Yao Xue, Deputy Party Secretary; Zhang Yin, Executive Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School, and many faculty and student representatives.

President Ding Kuiling expressed a warm welcome to Chen Zhu, highlighting the importance of deepening cooperation with France and advancing academic research and talent cultivation. Zhang Wenming introduced Chen Zhu, detailing his extensive achievements and contributions to hematology and molecular biology.

Chen Zhu, an alumnus with a master's degree in hematology from Shanghai Second Medical University (now Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine), shared his journey from being a resident doctor at Ruijin Hospital to studying in France at Paris Diderot University. He faced many challenges initially but excelled academically, ultimately returning to China to contribute significantly to medical research.

During the interview, Chen Zhu shared his experiences from his youth working in rural China, which inspired his dedication to serving his country. He also talked about overcoming self-doubt when initially deciding to study in France, motivated by the spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team to strive for excellence and honor his country.

Chen Zhu emphasized the importance of integrating personal goals with national interests. He detailed his rigorous study and research in France, his dedication to returning to China despite better research conditions abroad, and the support he received from his French colleagues, which helped him establish a robust research foundation upon his return.

In his interaction with the students, Chen Zhu stressed the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and the need for young people to engage in international platforms while fostering communication skills and management abilities. He highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between China and France, encouraging students to cherish their study opportunities in France and to strive for innovation and excellence.

Through this face-to-face exchange, students gained a deeper understanding of the essence of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the spirit of those who studied in France. The students at the Paris Elite Institute of Technology are now more determined to contribute to the friendship between China and France and to the development of their country.

Q: As today’s host, what is your impression of Academician Chen Zhu?

A: Meeting Academician Chen Zhu was incredibly exciting, as I had long admired his and his wife Chen Saijuan’s commitment to returning to China. He is not only highly accomplished in his research but also very approachable and willing to share his experiences. His advice and expectations for young students have strengthened our determination to contribute to our country’s development.

Q: What was the most impressive part of today’s interview?

A: Chen Zhu's emphasis on the close relationship between personal destiny and national destiny was deeply impactful. He recounted how, in the 1980s, few Chinese tourists visited France, whereas today, France is a popular destination for Chinese travelers, reflecting our nation’s growing strength and international influence.

Q: If you could describe Chen Zhu with one word, what would it be?

A: I would choose the word "role model." Chen Zhu is not only a role model for our academic exchange with France but also an inspiration for us to dedicate our youth to the construction of our country.

Q: As today’s host, what is your impression of Academician Chen Zhu?

A: Chen Zhu is very approachable and talkative. He shared his experiences in France and after returning to China, consistently demonstrating his deep patriotic feelings. His detailed answers to our questions were very insightful.

Q: What was the most impressive part of today’s interview?

A: The most impressive part was when he talked about being encouraged by his mentor to adopt the "spirit of the women's volleyball team" when he hesitated to study in France. His strong patriotic sentiment throughout the interview deeply touched us.

Q: What quality of Chen Zhu do you admire the most?

A: I admire his thirst for knowledge and his perseverance. Despite challenging conditions, he remained optimistic and diligent, emphasizing lifelong learning and maintaining a strong work ethic.

Q: If you could describe Chen Zhu with one word, what would it be?

A: It's hard to encapsulate Chen Zhu in one word as he embodies many admirable qualities. He is a role model for perseverance, patriotism, and excellence in his field.

Q: What are your plans after hearing Chen Zhu’s sharing?

A: As a student at the Paris Elite Institute of Technology, I am inspired to combine my personal goals with national interests, strive for innovation, and make contributions to my field and country.

Q: What part of Chen Zhu’s interview impacted you the most?

A: The part where Chen Zhu mentioned his unwavering desire to return to China during his studies in France deeply impacted me. Despite the better conditions abroad, he was determined to come back and contribute to his homeland.

Q: If you could describe Chen Zhu with one word, what would it be?

A: I would use the word "sincerity" to describe Chen Zhu. His dedication to his country and the welfare of its people is evident in his actions and words.

Q: What are your plans after hearing Chen Zhu’s sharing?

A: I hope to follow in his footsteps, dedicate myself to my field, and contribute to the development of my country. I will remember to keep the nation’s interests at heart in my future endeavors abroad.

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