#China #Hangzhou #Astronomy #Westlake University #Shude Mao

Westlake University: A New Era for Astronomy

On October 18, 2025, Westlake University in Hangzhou, China, inaugurated its Department of Astronomy at the Yungu Campus, marking the first such department at a fresh type of research institution in the country. The founding ceremony attracted prominent scholars from around the globe, most notably Professor Shude Mao, a well-respected astrophysicist, who assumes the role of the department's inaugural chair.

Among the distinguished guests were Nobel laureate Professor Brian Schmidt from the Australian National University, molecular astrophysicist Professor Ewine van Dishoeck from Leiden University, and University of California astrophysicist Professor Douglas Lin. All three have been appointed to the International Advisory Committee of the department. Professor Schmidt remarked, "Building an astronomy department from scratch is not easy. However, under Shude's leadership and with the support from his colleagues across China, I have no doubt that you will cultivate a dynamic department capable of making extraordinary discoveries."

The establishment of the Department of Astronomy is seen as a unique opportunity to deepen humanity's understanding of the universe. As Westlake University's President Yigong Shi stated, this department not only bolsters the university's foundational sciences portfolio but also serves as a key element for promoting extensive interdisciplinary collaboration.

During the ceremony, Chair Professor Mao expressed his ambition for the department to evolve into a leading global center for astronomical research, excelling in both scientific innovation and talent development. With a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton University, Professor Mao has an impressive background, having held significant positions at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and even chairing the Department of Astronomy at Tsinghua University. His research, particularly in gravitational microlensing, has led to the detection of over 200 exoplanets—a groundbreaking milestone in the field.

The new department will focus on several key themes:

• - Refinement: Targeting cutting-edge disciplines like exoplanets, cosmic phenomena, AI, and computational astrophysics, along with time-domain astronomy.
• - International Collaboration: Building partnerships with research teams globally for data sharing and talent development.
• - Frontier-Driven Approach: Aiming to attract outstanding scholars dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge regarding the cosmos.

To ensure an educational richness, the department is adopting best practices from leading institutions worldwide, integrating training in theory, observation, and computational methods. The anticipation builds as the Yungu Campus prepares for the construction of a small observatory equipped with an 80-cm telescope, set to open for educational purposes post-Spring Festival in 2026.

Furthermore, starting in 2026, Westlake University plans to admit Ph.D. students specializing in astronomy, expanding from its existing physics program. The academic journey begins with an engaging undergraduate course, 'Celestial Questions,' already underway.

The establishment of this department is not merely an academic advancement for Westlake University but a significant step forward for astronomical studies in China. As the nation continues to enhance its scientific research ambitions, the Department of Astronomy at Westlake University is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future landscape of astrophysics.