From May 8 to 9, members of Prof. Zhang and Prof. Hao’s research groups visited Runyu New Materials Co., Ltd. in Xinxiang, Henan Province. The visit aimed to broaden students’ research perspectives and help them better understand the connection between scientific research, technology transfer, and industrial development.

        Runyu New Materials was co-founded by Dr. Weizhi Geng and Dr. Heng Li, two former PhD students of Prof. Zhang and prof. Xi. After years of development, the company has grown into an influential new materials enterprise in Xinxiang, with established platforms for R&D, production, and industrialization.

        After arriving in Xinxiang, the group first visited Baoquan Gorge, where students enjoyed the natural scenery and strengthened communication in a relaxed atmosphere. Later, Dr. Geng warmly welcomed the visiting faculty and students and shared his experience from doctoral research to entrepreneurship. He noted that Runyu’s development originated from a research project during his PhD study, showing the students how rigorous scientific training can lay the foundation for solving practical problems and pursuing industrial innovation. During the exchange, Prof. Zhang encouraged students to think beyond publications and consider how their research can serve real industrial needs and national development.

        The next day, the group visited Runyu’s newly built production base, where Dr. Geng introduced the plant layout, production process, equipment improvements, and safety management. The visit gave students a direct understanding of the challenges involved in translating laboratory research into industrial production. Later, Dr. Li guided the group through the company’s R&D facilities and delivered a presentation on Runyu’s history, industrial scale, research directions, and future plans. Faculty members and students then held in-depth discussions with the two alumni on technology transfer, industrial R&D, and talent development.

        This visit helped students realize that scientific research and industrialization are closely connected. Fundamental research provides innovation for industry, while industrial needs inspire new scientific questions. The students will take this visit as an opportunity to broaden their vision and contribute their knowledge to the development of chemistry and chemical engineering