Jilin University names new president

Zhang Xi, 53, was named president of Jilin University, one of the country's top education institutions on Dec 13. The appointment was recently approved by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council.

Zhang Xi, 53, is named president of Jilin University, one of the country's top education institutions on Dec 13. [Photo/jlu.edu.cn]

Professor Zhang, Doctor of Science, member of Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), succeeds Li Yuanyuan, who led JLU for more than seven years.

"Jilin University is my alma mater, and it will be my honor to give my best and contribute to my alma mater," he said at the announcement ceremony.

Native of Hunan province, Zhang entered JLU in 1982, earning bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in chemistry before starting his teaching career in 1992.

After leaving JLU in 2003, he joined the Department of Chemistry in Tsinghua University, and has since served in a variety of posts: professor of chemistry, head of the Department of Chemistry, deputy dean and dean of School of Sciences of Tsinghua University, and director-general of Department of Chemical Sciences at the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

Professor Zhang delivers a speech at the announcement ceremony. [Photo/jlu.edu.cn]

Zhang's research interests are focused on the construction, regulation and function of supramolecular system, including new method of controlled supramolecular polymerization, super-amphiphilic molecules and controlled self-assembly, supramolecular free radicals, supramolecular chemotherapy, interfacial assembly and ordered thin films, and single molecular force spectroscopy.

The presidency of Jilin University is a vice-minister-level position.