From July 20 to August 5, 2025, the second session of the Peking University UK Campus Summer Programme, "Data Science and Engineering Optimization," was successfully held. The programme brought together 29 outstanding students from PKU's College of Engineering, Yuanpei College, Health Science Center, and Zhejiang University.
Renowned professors from the University of Oxford delivered systematic instruction in cutting-edge fields like data science, machine learning, and engineering optimization. Complementing the theoretical learning, practical visits to Bletchley Park and the BMW MINI Plant in Oxford allowed students to witness technology application in real-world industrial contexts. The programme also included cultural excursions to historic cities like Oxford, Cambridge, and London, with immersive visits to museums, theatres, the Houses of Parliament, and Shakespeare's birthplace, enriching the participants' understanding of British history and culture.
Jointly organized by various PKU departments and supported by the PKU Hai Wen Scholarship Fund, the programme integrated theoretical learning, practical exploration, and cultural experiences to strengthen students' professional skills and broaden their international perspectives.
The academic core was co-taught by Oxford Professors Coralia Cartis and Jared Tanner. Prof. Cartis focused on deep learning and optimization algorithms, while Prof. Tanner provided a comprehensive overview of the discipline. Additionally, specialized lectures covered topics from geometric applications in engineering to active solid dynamics and frontiers in biomanufacturing.
Group photo of teachers and students at the programme opening ceremony
Beyond the classroom, students explored the academic halls of Oxford and Cambridge, absorbing the unique scholarly atmosphere and educational heritage. A visit to Bletchley Park, the WWII code-breaking centre, offered a historical perspective on computational intelligence, tracing a line from early efforts to modern AI. The tour of the highly automated BMW MINI plant showcased the precision and efficiency of contemporary intelligent manufacturing.
Cultural immersion was a key component. Students visited world-class museums, enjoyed a performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing at a historic prison theatre, participated in discussions on Sino-British educational differences, and explored landmarks like the British Museum and Windsor Castle.
Visiting the University of Oxford
Visiting the University of Cambridge
A visit to Bletchley Park, the WWII code-breaking centre, offered a historical perspective on computational intelligence.
Enjoying Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado about Nothing"
Visit to the British Museum
Visit to Windsor Castle
Lively discussion among students at the formal dinner
Alumni sharing sessions and a formal dinner provided valuable insights into study abroad and cross-cultural adaptation. In her concluding address, Professor Duan Huiling, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Director of the Peking University Engineering Division, and Dean of the College of Engineering, encouraged students to dare to step out of their comfort zones and proactively explore the unknown. She urged them to internalize the knowledge, experiences, and insights gained during the summer program as part of their personal foundation, and to strive to grow into future leaders equipped with a global perspective, an innovative mindset, and solid scientific research capabilities, thereby contributing to national and societal development.
Professor Duan Huiling addressing the ceremony
Photo of all programme teachers and students
Student reflections highlighted the unique blend of rigorous data science learning and profound cultural experiences. They spoke of gaining technical knowledge, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the connection between science and the humanities. This summer programme successfully paved a path for growth combining cutting-edge exploration with professional practice, aligning with PKU's strategy of cultivating top-tier innovative talent with a global perspective.
