A glance of excellence in chemical science and engineering at Tianjin University: A special issue dedicated to the University's 120th anniversary

摘要

Founded on October 2 in 1895 as Peiyang University by Mr. Xuanhuai Sheng under emperor Guangxu's authorization, Qing Dynasty, Tianjin University (TJU) will celebrate its 120th anniversary on October 2, 2015. Thanks for the guidance and support from Professor Jingkang Wang, Editor-in-Chief of the Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering, we are honored to edit this special issue as part of the celebration program. To meet the national needs, Peiyang University set up law, civil engineering, mining and metallurgy, and civil and mechanical engineering departments in early stage. In 1949 when the People's Republic of China stood up, the university was expanded into 14 departments and 5 research institutions. In 1951, Peiyang University was renamed as Tianjin University during the higher education reform by Ministry of Education, and had become a comprehensive university strengthening on engineering in China. TJU was among the first 16 National Key Universities designated by the government in 1959, and is also among the first group of universities to be included into the "211" and "985" Projects of national investment for developing world class universities. As the pioneer of modern higher education in China, TJU has been committed to the mission of revitalizing the country through education ever since its foundation. TJU upholds the motto "Seeking Truth from Facts" from its foundation while the faculty follows the guideline of precise learning and strict teaching. TJU adheres to its mission of training high caliber talents with innovative abilities. While moral quality is strongly emphasized in education at TJU, the university maintains a multi-disciplinary system for the well-rounded development of students. The 120-year history of TJU is the epitome of the progress of Chinese modern higher education. During this period of time, over 200000 outstanding individuals have been educated at TJU, who contribute greatly to the progress in science and technology as well as to the prosperity of the country. A significant portion of TJU alumni has become international and national recognized experts in their respective areas. Now, TJU has grown into a world-recognized university with distinctive qualities and strengths in education, research and social service.