With support from the alumni-funded Future Computing Elite Program, the 2025 “Kuande Mathematics+” Summer International Visiting Program of the School of Mathematics, Renmin University of China, has progressed smoothly. From August 3 to August 16, ten students visited the University of Oxford to participate in the Interdisciplinary Maths Program, gaining valuable experience in cross-disciplinary mathematical exploration, academic skill development, and research presentation. The program has injected new momentum into the cultivation of globally oriented talent.
The core curriculum focused on the practical application of mathematics across multiple fields. All lectures were delivered by senior professors at the University of Oxford and covered cutting-edge areas such as quantitative finance, biomedical modelling, AI algorithm optimization, and geoscience data processing. Through this series of thematic lectures, students gained a systematic understanding of how mathematical tools function in diverse disciplinary contexts and developed a deeper appreciation for the cross-sector value of “Mathematics+.”
In addition, Oxford offered a set of dedicated academic skills workshops for the program, structured around three key modules: Academic Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking, and Public Speaking. Conducted in small-group training sessions, the workshops provided one-on-one guidance on each student’s presentation content, logical structure, and language delivery. This enabled students to overcome language barriers, acquire essential competencies for international academic communication, and build a solid foundation for their final project presentations.
Student Short Films Win First and Second Place
The program introduced an innovative Cross-Cultural Short Film Production module, inviting internationally renowned drama education expert Tom Brooks as the instructor. Under his systematic guidance—from script development and storyboard design to on-site filming and post-production—students engaged deeply in every stage of the creative process, fully demonstrating their creativity and teamwork. After an intensive week of production, the ten participating students formed two teams, and both produced high-quality short films. In the program’s film competition, the two entries, Stare Back and The Rings, led by students from our school, stood out and won first place and second place, respectively.
Academic Presentation Wins “Best Performance Award”
As a core assessment component of the program, the Group Academic Presentation required each team to analyze canteen food-waste data provided by the University of Oxford, conduct data analysis and draw conclusions, and deliver a formal presentation. The ten participating students were assigned to two groups (Group 6 and Group 7). Among them, Group 7 was recognized in the award session as delivering the Best Academic Presentation for its innovative analytical perspective, rigorous application of mathematical methods, and outstanding teamwork.
Student Reflections
Zhou Mengxiao:
Every day at Oxford felt like an adventure full of surprises. From initially feeling a bit uneasy in a cross-cultural academic environment to later being able to participate confidently in group discussions, film production, and presentations, I could clearly sense the rapid growth of my communication skills and critical thinking. What touched me most was the silent understanding and warmth I felt when working with my fellow students from the School of Mathematics—natural and reassuring, like gathering around a winter fireplace for late-night conversations. When our group’s short film finally won an award, the sense of achievement born from collaboration made me realize that true learning always happens outside the comfort zone. This experience not only brought me knowledge and friendship but also convinced me that embracing different roles is the key to discovering more of my own possibilities.
Zhu Yixuan:
The Oxford visit was a forging of the mind. From ancient collegiate traditions to cutting-edge academic discussions, I could deeply feel the fusion of cultural heritage and innovative spirit. The unease I felt at first gradually transformed into confidence through rounds of teamwork and challenges, and the synergy built with my peers in our intellectual exchanges became especially precious. This experience made me believe that real growth begins the moment you step out of your comfort zone—by embracing difference, you encounter a broader version of yourself and a wider world.
Hu Yuying:
This summer program at Oxford allowed me to immerse myself in the thousand-year academic spirit of Britain. Walking through the ancient stone corridors, I could feel the pulse of knowledge passed down through generations. As we learned about the evolution of Western culture, we also became more keenly aware of the importance of cultural subjectivity—only by rooting ourselves deeply in the rich soil of Chinese civilization and refining our cultural confidence through dialogue and mutual learning can we truly build the spiritual foundation for national rejuvenation. This, perhaps, is the deepest insight I gained from this cross-cultural experience.
This “Kuande Mathematics+” Summer Visiting Program at Oxford represents an important step in the School of Mathematics at Renmin University of China’s efforts to advance the cultivation of internationally oriented talents. Looking ahead, the School will continue to leverage high-quality programs such as “Kuande Mathematics+” to build more platforms for global engagement, empowering students with broader perspectives and stronger academic and professional capabilities.
