The launch ceremony of the 9th China Undergraduate Physics Tournament (CUPT) was convened at Shanxi University (SXU) on Aug 16, attracting over 700 teachers and students from China’s 62 universities to compete.

Jia Suotang, chancellor of SXU, conveyed warm welcome to the contestants and shared his own experience as a physics researcher before.

At present, the new round of scientific and technological revolution in the world urgently calls for the breakthrough of physics workers, said Jia. He hopes more young people can strive for the future development of physics theory and practice and make contributions to scientific and technological innovation.

Wang Xiaomei, deputy secretary-general of China Association of Higher Education, mentioned about the importance of talent cultivation the role of academic competitions among college students. CUPT fills the gap in physics competition of undergraduates in China, added she.

Sun Shixin, inspector from Shanxi Provincial Department of Education, expressed his congratulations on the opening of CUPT. He hoped that the teachers and students participating in the competition would enjoy the game and demonstrate their ability in physics research and practice.

Initiated in 2010, CUPT has been developed from the model of the International Young Physicist Championship (IYPT) and is included in the work plan of the Physics Teaching Steering Committee of the Chinese Physical Society.

Up to now, CUPT has successfully held eight sessions in universities including Nankai University, Beijing Normal University, Lanzhou University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and Harbin Institute of Technology.

The launch ceremony of the 9th China Undergraduate Physics Tournament is held at Shanxi University in Taiyuan on Aug 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

Jia Suotang delivers a speech at the launch ceremony of the 9th China Undergraduate Physics Tournament held at Shanxi University in Taiyuan on Aug 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]