On the afternoon of November 14, 2025, the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University successfully convened the 2025 Mathematical Modeling Course Development Symposium in Shenzhen. This conference primarily focused on teaching reform for mathematical modeling courses and the optimization and innovation of mathematical modeling competition organization. It brought together 16 external experts and nearly 20 core faculty members from Shenzhen University.

The symposium commenced with Professor Hu Yaohua, Vice Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University, introducing the attendees. Professor Xie Jinxing from Tsinghua University, Secretary-General of the National College Students Mathematical Modeling Competition Organizing Committee, then delivered an opening address. Drawing on the development trends of the national mathematical modeling competition, he emphasized the pivotal role of mathematical modeling courses in cultivating students' innovative thinking and practical abilities. He acknowledged Shenzhen University's pedagogical explorations in this field and offered guiding suggestions for future course development. Professor Wang Qiru, President of the Guangdong Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and Professor at Sun Yat-sen University, then delivered remarks. From a regional disciplinary development perspective, he elaborated on the close connection between mathematical modeling courses, industrial demands, and disciplinary integration. He expressed hope that this symposium would serve as a bridge to deepen collaboration among provincial universities in mathematical modeling education and advance the high-quality development of applied mathematics education in Guangdong. Finally, the Dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University delivered closing remarks. He extended a warm welcome to the visiting experts and participating faculty members, introduced the disciplinary foundation and commitment to mathematical modeling education at the School of Mathematical Sciences, expressed earnest hopes that the symposium would address teaching challenges and enhance course quality, and wished the conference every success.

During the keynote lecture segment, Professor Chen Shuping from Zhejiang University delivered a presentation titled “Staying True to Core Objectives While Advancing with the Times: Building Mathematical Modeling Courses.” Drawing on Zhejiang University's extensive experience in mathematical modeling curriculum development, he shared insights on optimizing course structures, updating teaching content, and designing practical components. His approach emphasized the philosophy of “adhering to core objectives while keeping pace with the times,” offering both theoretical depth and practical details. Subsequently, Professor Lu Xiwén from East China University of Science and Technology delivered a lecture titled “Insights and Reflections on Mathematical Modeling Course Development and Classroom Instruction.” Focusing on practical classroom teaching, he shared valuable frontline teaching experiences and profound insights from perspectives including pedagogical innovation, stimulating student interest, and overcoming key challenges. This provided attending faculty with actionable ideas for optimizing classroom instruction.

Following the lectures, Associate Dean Han Yu from Shenzhen University's School of Mathematical Sciences delivered a report titled “Shenzhen University's Mathematical Modeling Course Development,” outlining the university's progress in mathematical modeling course development, competition organization, notable achievements, and challenges encountered in both areas. The final segment featured 16 external experts who engaged in a lively discussion based on their institutional experiences. They addressed the issues raised by Vice Dean Han Yu and common challenges in mathematical modeling competitions, offering diverse insights and solutions to enhance Shenzhen University's course development and competition organization.

The successful convening of this symposium established an efficient communication bridge between Shenzhen University and external institutions, effectively integrating high-quality inter-institutional teaching resources and injecting new momentum into the enhancement and upgrading of mathematical modeling courses. Moving forward, the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University will leverage this conference as an opportunity to deepen teaching reforms, strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, and continuously improve the teaching quality and educational effectiveness of mathematical modeling courses.