On March 3, Pooi See Lee, Vice President of Nanyang Technological University and President’s Chair Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, visited the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and delivered a lecture at the 49th session of the “Academic Master Forum.” The lecture was chaired by Ke Chen, Vice Dean of the School. Faculty members and students attended the event enthusiastically, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere.

During the lecture, Pooi See Lee presented her group’s latest research progress in programmable functional nanocomposites. She explained that, inspired by biological systems in nature, innovative design strategies and synthesis approaches can enable flexible composite materials that respond to multiple stimuli such as light and electricity. These advances make it possible to develop high-performance soft actuators and sensors with broad potential applications.

In the discussion session, Pooi See Lee patiently answered questions from faculty members and students on topics including materials design, optimization strategies, and the expanded applications of sensors. She also encouraged young scholars to actively explore interdisciplinary frontiers and pursue innovative research directions. Participants noted that the lecture broadened their academic perspectives and offered new inspiration for future collaborative research.

During her visit, Pooi See Lee also participated in a number of academic exchanges and cooperation discussions. She toured several laboratories at the School and observed an English-taught course of the Xu Zuyao Honors Class, speaking highly of the School’s quality of talent cultivation. In addition, she visited the Zero Bay Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, the Tongxiang Advanced Research Institute, and the Zhangjiang Advanced Research Institute to learn more about the university’s achievements in research platform development, technology transfer, and university–local government collaboration.

The “Academic Master Forum” is an international academic exchange platform established by the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to enhance disciplinary influence and broaden the academic horizons of faculty and students. The forum regularly invites overseas academicians and distinguished professors from leading universities to share frontier developments and innovation stories in materials science.This visit not only delivered a high-level academic event for the School’s faculty and students, but also further strengthened exchanges between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Nanyang Technological University in the field of materials science, laying a solid foundation for future collaborative innovation in talent cultivation and scientific research.