Itinerary>>>
Day 1-3
London Heathrow Airport
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Boldrewood Innovation Campus
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National Oceanography Centre
To further strengthen academic collaboration with world-leading institutions, broaden students' international perspectives, stimulate academic enthusiasm, and help students clarify career planning while experiencing advanced foreign teaching concepts and campus culture firsthand, JEI organized an 1-day British Explorer research program.
Following mobilization, project application, and selection processes, 13 students were chosen for this research program. The UK Explorer program was scheduled from February 12 to February 22 (UK time). On February 12 (Beijing time), the study group departed from Beijing Capital International Airport for London Heathrow Airport.
On February 13 (UK time), the group arrived at the University of Southampton's Boldrewood Innovation Campus, warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Xiong Yeping. In the campus teaching building, JEI British Executive Dean Anna Barney hosted a welcome session and briefed safety protocols. Professor Xiong then detailed the Southampton study schedule, accompanying faculty responsibilities, and program significance, ensuring each member's safe and successful overseas learning experience.
Steve Boyd led the group through tours of the National Infrastructure Laboratory (NIL), Testing and Structures Research Laboratory (TSRL), and Large Structures Testing Laboratory (LSTL). During the tour, Steve Boyd introduced various scientific projects and achievements, sparking students' interest in deeper professional exploration.
Maritime doctoral students shared their research experiences, study abroad insights, and career prospects, addressing students' academic concerns and offering advice on study abroad application materials.
In the afternoon, Professor Xiong led the group, divided into two teams, to visit the B185 towing tank laboratory. Under laboratory staff guidance, students conducted hydrodynamics roll and dragging experiments, deepening their understanding of wave effects on ship hulls.
Following the experiments, Professor Dominic Taunton introduced Southampton's MSc Maritime Engineering program content and admission requirements. Professor Alan Murphy presented research group activities and shared team research philosophies.
Subsequently, Southampton doctoral students shared their project directions, study abroad experiences, challenges faced, and solutions, providing valuable advice to the visiting students.
On February 14 (UK time) at 10 AM, the group followed Paul White to the National Oceanography Centre for the day's study visit.
In the NOC classroom, Paul White explained the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project background, current progress, and his research focus.After the presentation, Paul White guided students through the institute's equipment models display.
Following lunch in the cafeteria and a brief break, the group visited the acoustics laboratory. Paul White explained underwater robot experimental operations and structural components.
The group engaged in discussions with MSc students, who shared application essay writing techniques and
study abroad application experiences, encouraging team members to pursue their dreams.
Students then followed Paul White to the acoustics building, observing six-axis vibration platform demonstrations and learning about underwater acoustics experimental conditions, environmental adaptations, and application prospects.
Reflections
These two days of study tours gave me a profound experience of our JEI students' 'second home' - the University of Southampton's natural environment, academic atmosphere, humanistic care, and historical heritage. Through in-depth discussions with Professors Xiong Yeping, Paul White, and senior students, I gained detailed understanding of Southampton's MSc and PhD programs. Interactions with Professor Paul White taught me the scholarly spirit of maintaining humility, avoiding utilitarianism, and pursuing excellence, strengthening my determination to progress with an open learning attitude and try to make the world a better place.
Wang Yichen
Class of 2022, Automation 1
The 135-meter towing tank laboratory and ISVR laboratory equipped with advanced acoustics and vibration equipment left deep impressions. Through interactions with professors and local students, I experienced world-leading marine engineering research atmosphere, understanding that solid foundations are essential. Only with thorough preparation can one access better research resources and advance in their chosen field. I've gained clearer vision for my undergraduate years and future path.
Cui Yuntian
Class of 2024, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering 1
Editor: Mo Wanxin, Ren Xiaotong, Zhang Xinze
Layout: Cui Yanming
Executive Editor: Zhao Donglei
Review: Wang Qiuying