LIFE Hosts Cross-Campus Recognition Ceremonies, Honoring Contributors to Co-create a Learning Innovation Ecosystem

The Learning Institute for Future Excellence (LIFE) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University recently held the LIFE Recognition Ceremony across both SIP and Taicang campuses. The events honored educators who have made outstanding contributions to cross-university collaboration and student development while fostering dialogue on building a future-ready learning ecosystem.

The ceremony took place on December 9, 2025, at the IR building on the SIP campus, bringing together faculty representatives from various academies and schools to reflect on the year’s innovative practices in research-led learning and lifelong competency development. Hosted by Ms. Zhulin Han from LIFE, the event was structured around three key themes: “Reflections and Visions for Cross-College Collaboration,” “Co-creating the Future Learning Ecosystem,” and “Honoring Educators: Celebrating Excellence.”

Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel, Dean of the School of Design, emphasized the educational philosophy of “learning through play and real-world problem-solving,” advocating for the establishment of an interdisciplinary “Learner Community.” Professor Xiaojun Zhang, Chief Education Officer of XJTLU and Executive Dean of Academy of Future Education, elaborated on LIFE’s vision of promoting lifelong learning from the perspective of higher education’s core mission. He highlighted three directions for future education: connecting learning with the real world, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspiring students to become lifelong explorers. Dr. Yan Huo, Director of LIFE, introduced the initiative’s current key focuses, including supporting students’ transition, fostering cross-college and industry collaboration, implementing innovative pilot projects, and building dynamic learning communities. She also invited faculty to continue participating in next year’s Research-led Learning Summit and the development of the LIF001 course module.

During the award segment, Dr. Nimesh Salike, Associate Dean of the International Business School Suzhou, and Dr. Yan Huo presented certificates of “Learning Innovation Ambassador” and “Excellent Research-led Learning Supervisor” to faculty members who have excelled in teaching innovation, student mentorship, and cross-university collaboration.

On December 17, the recognition event extended to the Taicang campus. During the XEC All-Staff Gathering, Dr. Yan Huo presented “Learning Innovation Ambassador” certificates to nearly ten faculty members, expressing her anticipation for diverse and meaningful collaborations with XEC academic units.

LIFE’s vision is to promote and develop lifelong learning capabilities among students and the wider community, enabling them to respond to the challenges and opportunities of future society. Its mission focuses on supporting students’ transition to a research-led, interest-driven learning mode, integrating disciplinary knowledge with real-world practices, nurturing global citizenship, and contributing to a future-oriented learning society.

Moving forward, LIFE will continue to collaborate with academic units across the university, industry partners, and the iLearn student community to advance project-based learning, research-led teaching, and interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems—creating more opportunities for students to engage with and learn from the real world.

By Learning Institute for Future Excellence