On the morning of November 2, 2025, Professor Mao Haoran, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at China University of Petroleum (East China), was invited to speak at the Northwest University Distinguished Lecture. He delivered a thematic lecture titled “Ten Synergies, Six Transformations, and Six Coordinations: Strategic Transformation and Ecological Restructuring for High-Quality Development in Foreign Language Disciplines.” The lecture was presided over by Professor Cao Ruonan, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Northwest University, and attended by hundreds of faculty members and students.
At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Mao engaged the audience with an interactive “research magic” session, using a card-sorting game to vividly demonstrate the critical role of “classification” in research innovation and disciplinary planning. He then systematically elaborated on the strategic framework for high-quality development in foreign language disciplines, focusing on the “Six Transformations” (survival, vitality, ecology, productivity, generation, and growth) and the “Six Coordinations” (categorization, interdisciplinary integration, digitalization, internationalization, service orientation, and strategic alignment). He emphasized that for foreign language disciplines to achieve a leap from “knowledge input” to “knowledge creation,” it is essential to break traditional boundaries and establish an open, symbiotic academic ecosystem.
Furthermore, Professor Mao shared insights from his own management and research practices, introducing innovative measures implemented at the School of Foreign Languages of China University of Petroleum in disciplinary construction, research incentives, team cultivation, and talent development. He proposed the developmental philosophy of “earning respect through strength and seeking support through contributions,” stressing that foreign language disciplines must proactively align with national strategic needs and achieve breakthroughs in critical areas such as energy cooperation, international communication, and language services.
During the Q&A session, Professor Mao patiently addressed questions from faculty and students on topics such as “how foreign language teachers can expand into new disciplinary fields” and “how minor languages can serve national strategies.” He encouraged young scholars to “leverage strengths while addressing critical weaknesses,” exploring research opportunities through interdisciplinary pathways, and shared efficient learning methods like “mastering the basics of a new discipline in seven days,” creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
In conclusion, Professor Cao Ruonan delivered a closing remark, noting that Professor Mao Haoran's lecture was visionary and rich in content, providing valuable insights and strategic inspiration for the development of foreign language disciplines at Northwest University. Attendees expressed that the lecture not only broadened their academic horizons but also inspired a sense of mission and motivation to engage in research innovation and contribute to national development.
Professor Mao Haoran
Host: Professor/Dean Cao Ruonan
Lecture Hall 2
Group photo
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