Message from the Dean:

Since its inception, Peking University (PKU) has been actively pursuing its goal of becoming a world-class academic institution. In order to fulfill this aspiration, we are determined to develop cutting-edge technologies, promote innovation among our students, provide opportunities for young leaders to emerge, and encourage higher standards of learning. Building a leading engineering program is crucial to PKU’s goal of becoming an internationally renowned university.

In March 2005, PKU reestablished the College of Engineering, creating an interdisciplinary program using its strong science, medicine, humanities, and social sciences programs. Drawing strength from Peking University’s vast academic resources, the College of Engineering promotes research alongside academic studies; this provides students with a broad spectrum of knowledge, giving them the ability to approach engineering challenges from multiple new directions. In addition, the College encourages students to innovate technologically in order to lead socio-economic development; it is our greatest hope that our students become future leaders and entrepreneurs, addressing existing problems and tackling new ones to aid in this country’s growth. To support this goal, the College has been reorganized and revamped, with a stronger focus on faculty collaboration, administrative development, and a new interdisciplinary curriculum.

During this time, selective recruitment methods has provided us with a distinguished faculty of Chinese professors, many coming from previous positions in the United States, Japan, Australia, and various European countries. Because of their talent and commitment, our College has already made significant strides in academic studies and cutting-edge research. We are extremely grateful to all the members of our College who have worked to promote better education for our students.

Beyond the classroom, we have established strong relationships with several overseas engineering institutions to promote international academic exchange with the PKU College of Engineering. Recently, we have successfully collaborated with three foreign universities. The result of each relationship is progressive and unique – characteristic of the direction of the College.

Our collaboration with Stanford University (USA) has resulted in the creation of the Cross-Cultural Design Project, an effort to facilitate better relations and insight among two very different cultures. In addition, the College recently announced its groundbreaking joint-Ph.D. program with the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) and Emory University (USA). This partnership is the first of its kind and has brought together two outstanding biomedical engineering programs. A third collaboration with the University of Southern California (USA) has established the i-Podium^TM Education Cooperation Program. “i-Podium” allows students from both schools to take classes together via webcam; this method will foster intellectual exchange and help bridge the gap between China and the western world. These partnerships will allow the College to work with top students from around the world, to develop a firm understanding of other cultures, and to generate new ideas as a part of a global endeavor.

Since its reorganization, the College of Engineering has received immense support from the University’s administration, professors, students, and staff, as well as from our valued alumni. Our faculty and College have already received international acclaim, but we are not resting on our laurels; we are already in the process of constructing a new building for the College of Engineering. This location will unite all of the engineering students and faculty, stimulating unity and teamwork within our school.

The College of Engineering has high hopes for its future. I imagine that there will be no limit to the achievements of our talented faculty and students. I am confident that we will see our efforts result in the creation of a world-renowned College of Engineering.

Thank you all for your continuous support and dedication to the growth of our school!

Chen Shiyi
Dean of the College of Engineering
Professor of Engineering