On January 22, 2026, Professor Zhiping Zheng from Southern University of Science and Technology, invited by Professor Wei-Xuan Nie of Westlake University, delivered an academic lecture titled "Rare Earth Clusters: From Serendipitous Discovery to Rational Synthesis and Functional Exploration" at the E10-222 lecture hall of Westlake University's Yungu campus.

In his lecture, Professor Zheng provided an in-depth overview of the research journey and recent advancements in rare earth clusters, sharing his pioneering work in the field of rare earth chemistry. He focused on the structural characteristics, performance, and potential applications of rare earth clusters in catalysis, energy storage, and other areas. Through vivid explanations, he showcased the scientific innovation path from accidental discovery to rational design, while discussing the broad prospects of rare earth clusters in future materials science and functional chemistry.

Professor Zheng has dedicated his career to the study of rare earth chemistry and related fields. He has received numerous accolades, including the "Outstanding Research Award in Rare Earth Chemistry" from the American Chemical Society. He is currently a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science at Southern University of Science and Technology, with numerous high-impact publications in renowned international journals, and serves as an editorial board member for several prestigious academic journals.

After the lecture, Professor Zheng engaged in a lively discussion with faculty and students, sharing his unique insights into the research on rare earth clusters.

This academic lecture provided a valuable opportunity for Westlake University faculty and students to interact face-to-face with an internationally renowned scholar, promoting academic exchange and collaboration in the field of rare earth chemistry.