To promote exchanges and collaboration among algebraists in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and cultivate the next generation of academic talent, the First Greater Bay Area Algebra Conference, hosted by the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University, was successfully held at Shenzhen University from December 6 to 9. Co-initiated by Shenzhen University, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and The University of Hong Kong, the conference aimed to focus on cutting-edge developments in algebra and establish a high-quality, specialized academic exchange platform for regional scholars. The preparation and organization received strong support from Academician Zelmanov and Professor Futorny of the International Center for Mathematical Sciences at SUSTech. Their contributions spanned scientific agenda planning, finalizing the invitation list, and personally leading their teams to attend, providing solid support for the conference's success.
The conference officially commenced on the afternoon of December 6. It attracted over 40 experts and scholars from institutions including the Southern University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen University, South China University of Technology, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shantou University, the University of the Greater Bay Area, and the University of Macau. The majority of attendees were dynamic mid-career and young scholars.
At the opening ceremony, Wang Yu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University, delivered a welcome address on behalf of the host institution. She first expressed sincere gratitude to all attendees. Secretary Wang Yu noted that against the backdrop of the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the heightened emphasis on foundational disciplines, the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University taking the lead in organizing this conference—with strong support from top teams at sister institutions—vividly exemplifies regional collaboration and shared development. She emphasized that hosting such a high-caliber regional conference aims to provide scholars within the region, especially young talents, with a platform for in-depth dialogue and close collaboration. Wang Yu also briefly introduced the School's rapid development in recent years in terms of discipline construction, faculty development, and scientific research. She expressed hope that this conference would serve as a starting point for establishing more regular talent exchange and research collaboration mechanisms with colleagues in the Bay Area.
Prof. Futorny from Southern University of Science and Technology, Prof. Huang Jinsong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Prof. Jing Nai-Huan from North Carolina State University delivered opening remarks. The experts unanimously acknowledged the remarkable progress made by Shenzhen University, particularly its School of Mathematical Sciences, in recent years, as well as the outstanding organizational capabilities and academic enthusiasm demonstrated by the host institution. They agreed that specialized conferences like this—characterized by close regional collaboration and a focus on young scholars—are crucial for nurturing academic ecosystems and supporting the growth of emerging researchers. They noted that compared to over a decade ago, the Greater Bay Area has now gathered a cohort of outstanding scholars in algebra who are both innovative and academically dynamic. The present moment is a critical period for integrating regional research strengths and forming a more powerful synergy. They also expressed hope that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will gradually evolve into a robust center for algebraic research.
The conference was concise yet substantive. Over three days, scholars engaged in multiple intensive plenary lectures and thematic workshops centered on core frontier areas of algebra, thoroughly exchanging the latest research findings and exploring disciplinary trends. The academic atmosphere was vibrant, with frequent interactive discussions during sessions. Numerous outstanding young scholars from universities across the Bay Area presented cutting-edge work, demonstrating solid research foundations and innovative thinking. They became the most dynamic highlights of the conference, showcasing the vibrant new generation of algebraic researchers in the Greater Bay Area.
The conference not only provided participants with valuable opportunities for academic presentation and exchange but also began to weave a tighter, more pragmatic collaborative network within the Bay Area's algebraic community. It laid a solid foundation for deeper future research collaborations and joint talent cultivation, while further enhancing the cohesion and influence of our university's mathematics discipline within the regional academic community.
The School of Mathematical Sciences at Shenzhen University will continue to collaborate with sister institutions across the Bay Area, supporting and organizing diverse high-level, distinctive academic activities. Together, we will contribute to strengthening the foundations of fundamental disciplines, fostering academic innovation, and nurturing the growth of young talent.
