Sun Yat-sen University Successfully Concludes the MARINE 2026 International Summer School
In line with the national strategy of "building a strong maritime nation" and "promoting high-level international opening-up of higher education," and to actively serve the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road and global ocean governance, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) successfully held its MArine Research & INternational Education (MARINE) 2026 International Summer School from July 12 to 18.
As a key initiative to deepen international talent cultivation and expand SYSU's global academic collaboration network, this year’s program brought together 30 undergraduate and graduate students. Participants joined from a diverse group of universities and research institutions, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, Inha University (South Korea), Hohai University, East China Normal University, Guangdong Ocean University, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka), Ocean University of China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (CAS), and Sun Yat-sen University. Gathering at SYSU, these young scholars jointly built a high-level, open platform for international academic exchange in marine science.
Group photos of the Sun Yat-sen University MARINE 2026 International Summer School
Notably, prior to the opening of the summer school, the Department of Oceanography at the Ocean University of Sri Lanka held a special presentation ceremony to award invitation letters to selected participants. The department head personally handed out the SYSU invitations, encouraging students to cherish the exchange opportunity in China and showcase their talent on the global academic stage. The Ocean University of Sri Lanka also featured this collaborative milestone across its official social media channels. This cross-border synergy not only highlights the tangible achievements of joint marine education but also reflects SYSU’s growing international reach and reputation in marine science—setting an inspiring example for educational and cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road.
Department of Oceanography at the Ocean University of Sri Lanka held a special presentation ceremony
Grounded in cutting-edge international marine research and emerging interdisciplinary trends, the summer school featured a world-class faculty. Guest lecturers included Prof. Giovanni Coco from the Institute of Marine Sciences at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Prof. Ho Kyung Ha from Inha University, Prof. Udaya Mohan Devadas from the University of Kelaniya, Assoc. Prof. Wong Li Lian from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and Prof. Sun Xiaole from SYSU's School of Marine Sciences.
Focusing on core fields such as marine dynamics, estuarine and tidal flat sediment transport, marine carbon cycles, marine ecology and environmental DNA (eDNA), and machine learning applications in coastal hydrodynamics and geomorphology, the program featured a multi-dimensional teaching model combining thematic lectures, case analyses, data modeling, laboratory practice, interactive seminars, and science outreach. By integrating innovative technologies like artificial intelligence into marine research, the program trained students in scientific thinking, hands-on practice, and international teamwork, embodying SYSU's philosophy of combining independent talent development with global exchange.
The faculty of Sun Yat-sen University MARINE 2026 International Summer School
Beyond rigorous academic coursework, the summer school curated a rich array of cultural activities. Participants attended the opening ceremony of the broader SYSU International Summer Program, explored Guangzhou's historical and cultural landmarks, engaged in marine science outreach, and visited the Geological and Mineral Museum. Experiencing the pulse of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the unique appeal of traditional Chinese culture allowed students to gain a deeper, firsthand understanding of Chinese modernization. Chinese and international peers built lasting friendships through mutual learning, achieving a harmonious balance between scientific rigor and cultural connection.
The other activities photos except academic coursework
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Wang Dongxiao, Dean of SYSU’s School of Marine Sciences, presented Prof. Giovanni Coco with an official appointment certificate as a Visiting Professor at SYSU, further solidifying the institution's international talent partnerships. Vice Dean Prof. Zhao Jun presented certificates of appreciation to the guest experts. Assistant Dean Prof. Luo Yiming and Academic Secretary Liu Yating awarded completion certificates to all participants, as well as service awards to outstanding teaching assistants and group leaders. Guests warmly congratulated the students on their accomplishments and expressed shared optimism for deepening future multi-party collaborations.
The closing ceremony of Sun Yat-sen University MARINE 2026 International Summer School
Taking good care of, further understanding, and managing the ocean, and achieving high-level self-reliance in marine technology requires strong human capital and deep international cooperation. As a flagship global education initiative developed by SYSU's School of Marine Sciences, the MARINE International Summer School has now been successfully hosted for four consecutive sessions.
Looking ahead, the School will stay true to its vision of "Openness, Sharing, Innovation, and Excellence," continually elevating its international profile to cultivate high-caliber marine professionals with a global vision and to contribute actively to sustainable ocean governance and global collaborative research networks.
