On June 3, 2008, he was officially nominated as the president of Oxford University. On June 6th, 2008, he became the successor of Dr. john hood (former president of Oxford University). On June 65438+1 October1day, 2009, he officially became the President of Oxford University.
Hamilton's main research fields are porphyrin, biomacromolecule, bioinorganic chemistry, clinical medical inorganic chemistry and chemical biology. "We encourage students to ask questions"
International Herald Tribune: Oxford University is the originator of English-speaking countries. What kind of Oxford spirit do you think guides the prosperity of Oxford University?
Andrew Hamilton: Yes, as you said, Oxford University is the oldest university in English-speaking countries, and we can't even find the exact date of its establishment. Speaking of Oxford spirit, I think Oxford spirit contains the spirit needed by a top university. If we sum up, I think there may be two points: pursuing Excellence in teaching and scientific research; At the same time, it encourages freedom and the spirit of challenging.
In teaching, adhere to the tutorial system, have a good research environment, and provide students with the best possible teaching environment. These are the places that Oxford is proud of and the essence of Oxford spirit.
Oxford University is also an open university, where any issue can be discussed, whether academic or administrative. The continuation of tutorial system is a good example. Students can exchange views with their tutors face to face on any issue, and we encourage students to ask questions.
So in my opinion, Excellence and free and open discussion are two important aspects of Oxford spirit.
Q: The "college system" is a common internal management system in modern universities, but how to divide colleges varies from country to country. Colleges and universities in China are generally classified according to major categories, but the "college system" of Oxford University and Cambridge University is different, which is classified according to students' residence, teaching residence and subject direction. Can you talk about the characteristics of the "college system" of Oxford University?
A: The college system has a history of more than 800 years in Oxford University, and it is an important part of Oxford University. There are 38 colleges, each with a population ranging from 500 to 700. Among them, 30 are mixed universities, with both undergraduates and postgraduates; Seven colleges only recruit graduate students; There are 1 colleges that have no students and only accept visiting scholars.
In my opinion, the college system has many advantages. First of all, these colleges, like different societies, provide a small teaching and social environment under the background of Oxford University, making it easier for freshmen to integrate into it. Secondly, it is very important for the college system to achieve interdisciplinary and pluralistic disciplines. Our college is not divided according to professional fields. We don't have a college of physics or chemistry. On the contrary, each college has a wide range of disciplines. This is very important. Anyone who comes to Oxford to study physics will find that students who live and study in the same college may study philosophy, French, engineering or other subjects. This provides students with a good opportunity to understand and be familiar with the viewpoints and thinking methods of many other different disciplines. Students in the same college have the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss issues from their respective professional perspectives every morning, noon and evening.
Q: Almost all colleges and universities in China are classified according to professional disciplines. Which organizational structure do you think is better?
A: I will not simply judge which is better or worse, because the organizational structure chosen by each university is a reflection of its unique history. At Oxford, we believe that the structure we choose is the most suitable and the best. Although there is a college system, there is also a division of departments, and students and faculty are related to both.
Q: What are the main difficulties faced by the expensive tutorial system adhered to by Oxford University so far?
A: Yes, the tutorial system is very expensive. Now, always. I am convinced that economic factors are the biggest obstacle that the tutorial system will face.
We have estimated that although each subject varies greatly, such as medicine and natural science, it may be more expensive, but on average, the cost of tutorial system for an undergraduate at Oxford University is about 6.5438+0.7 million pounds per academic year. At present, the British government provides a subsidy of 5,000 pounds for each student, and the tuition fee for tutorial system is 3,000 pounds, so there is still a big gap. Schools have to find sponsorship and subsidies from other channels, which is quite difficult for us to adhere to the tutorial system. Economic factors were a big challenge before, and this challenge will continue after the British government cuts spending.
The criteria for judging academic achievements are by no means unique.
Q: You are both the president of Oxford University and a chemist. In your opinion, what is the scientific research environment of Oxford University?
A: Very good! Oxford University has an outstanding science department, which has made many very important contributions in the fields of natural science and medicine, and we are very proud of it. Personally, I am also very happy to undertake the work of chemistry professor while serving as the principal. In the latest academic evaluation of British higher education, Oxford University ranks second in scientific research. In scientific research and biomedicine, we are an important institution with strong strength and vitality.
Q: Chinese universities often evaluate the scientific research level of teachers and students according to the number of papers. What do you think of this? What are the standards of Oxford University?
A: I don't think there can be only one standard when evaluating academic research and academic achievements. Oxford University will weigh many different factors when judging scientific research results. The number of published papers is one of the criteria, but we will also judge the importance of the content of the paper and make a horizontal comparison in the same field. In the field of relatively fierce competition, whether we can attract and retain scientific research funds is also an aspect of our concern. In addition, we also pay attention to the innovation and creativity of scientific research. The standards of Oxford University are diverse.
Q: We know that the Isis Center of Oxford University is mainly responsible for the transformation of scientific research results. Can you specifically talk about the experience of Oxford University in the transformation of scientific research results?
Yes, you know our situation very well. We are proud to establish Isis Innovation Co., Ltd., which has played an important role in transforming the scientific research achievements of Oxford University. (Isis Innovation Co., Ltd., founded in 1988, is a technology transfer company wholly owned by Oxford University)
Oxford has played an important role in British economic life, both in the past and now. The role of Oxford University cannot be underestimated. Isis is mainly to discover and improve the scientific research achievements of Oxford University, explore the parts that are beneficial to society, and transfer and transform them through various forms. They assist researchers in Oxford University to commercialize the intellectual property rights of their research results, including patent applications, licenses, derivative companies, etc. In the past few years, Isis has set up a spin-off company every few weeks on average. We are very proud that Isis has established many successful spin-off companies in more than 30 countries and regions. The transformation of scientific research results will still be a work that we attach great importance to in the future.
Q: You are about to leave for China, where you will attend the centenary of Tsinghua University. What do you want to say to the students in China?
A: I am very much looking forward to this trip to China. This trip has many purposes. Most importantly, I will join my colleagues from many world-famous universities in celebrating the centenary of Tsinghua University. I am honored to receive the invitation.
Oxford University and China have a long history of more than 400 years. Nowadays, this relationship has extended to many fields such as language, culture, economy and health. As early as the17th century, there was no one who knew Chinese at Oxford University, but now, I am happy to say that there are nearly 750 China students studying at Oxford University. The China Center of Oxford University is developing and playing an increasingly important role in the study of China. Oxford University Press also plays an important role in English teaching. I will also go to Hong Kong to attend the 50th anniversary of the operation of Oxford University Press in Hong Kong.
In addition, Oxford University will set up a new program to promote exchanges between Chinese and British students, sponsor more China students to study in Oxford, and promote Oxford students to study in China. The project is called "Li Feng Scholarship" and is funded by the Hong Kong-Hong Kong Charity Fund. Starting this summer, it will sponsor some China students to study and research at Oxford University every year, and promote Oxford students to study in China.