Professor LIU Niancai is a Distinguished Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), the founding Dean of SJTU's School of Education, and Director of the Ministry of Education's Strategic Research Base, the Center for World-Class Universities. Since joining SJTU in 1993, he has advanced through the academic ranks to become Professor and Doctoral Supervisor. In 1999, he joined what is now the School of Education, focusing his research on world-class universities and academic rankings, excellence in secondary education, and global trends in education internationalization. He also serves on the editorial boards of leading journals.
Trained as a materials scientist, Professor LIU transitioned into education research, bringing a rigorous, evidence-based approach to the study of higher education. He led the team that developed the world's first multi-indicator global university ranking, the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), which established a "Chinese standard" in the global landscape. Over the 40-year journey of rebuilding education studies at SJTU, Professor LIU has been a driving force in its growth, helping shape the discipline from the ground up through collaboration and committed leadership.
Professor LIU's shift to education began as a response to a national calling. After earning a chemistry degree from Lanzhou University and a Ph.D. in Polymer Materials from Queen's University in Canada, he returned to China in 1992 as one of the early overseas-trained scholars and joined SJTU. By 1997, at age 32, he became one of the youngest full professors at the university.
When China launched the “985 Project” to advance its top universities, Professor LIU was invited to help draft SJTU's strategic plan. Immersing himself in the challenge, he came to see education research as essential to institutional development and national strategy.
“Honestly, I wasn't sure at first,” he recalls. “But with the university's trust, I took it as a challenge, a chance to learn through exploration.” That step not only reshaped his career but also the future of education research at SJTU.
Professor LIU has been at the heart of the discipline's rebuilding at every stage. In 2007, he was appointed Dean of the newly established Graduate School of Education. Faced with the dual tasks of program development and faculty growth, he led strategic planning and focused the school's research agenda.
“We started late and had limited capacity. Spreading ourselves too thin would have weakened our impact,” he explained. “We chose to concentrate on two key research areas, aiming for academic excellence and international influence.”
In 2020, the School of Education was formally established, along with a master's program, a doctoral program, and a postdoctoral research station. As the founding Dean, Professor LIU focused on building a strong faculty team, developing innovative programs, and establishing the school's academic identity.
Under Professor LIU's leadership, SJTU became known for pioneering research on world-class universities. The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), first released in 2003, broke new ground with the world's first multi-indicator global university ranking. His team also produced influential book series, hosted international symposia, and established a globally recognized platform for research exchange.
PART 04 Looking Ahead: New Challenges, New Vision
As the discipline marks its 40th anniversary and the School of Education its 5th, Professor Liu looks forward with vision and purpose. He envisions the school becoming a world-class institution grounded in the values of inquiry, practice, interdisciplinarity, and compassion. His own research will continue to strengthen the study of world-class universities while expanding into new areas, such as excellence in secondary education, contributing SJTU's insights to education in China and beyond.
Reflections
“Individual strength may be modest, but together, we become a powerful force,” Professor LIU often says. He is deeply grateful for the opportunities at SJTU, the trust of its leaders, and the dedication of colleagues and students who have shared this journey.
From materials scientist to education leader, Professor LIU has navigated a path defined by purpose and perseverance. His story is not only one of personal commitment but also a reflection of a generation's dedication to advancing education in China.
Translated and Edited by CHEN Ruoxi
Proofread by LIU Niancai & ZHANG Xiaoqiao
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