On April 15, 2026, the Zhiyuan College’s signature academic exchange program, ChalkTalk@ZIRC, successfully held its 100th session at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The centennial session featured Dr. Xiangdong Guo, Tenure-Track Associate Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, who delivered an insightful talk on "The Computing Power Revolution in the AI4Science Era and the Development of Optoelectronic Chips."

In the AI4Science era, the fundamental challenge of the optical diffraction limit prevents traditional photonic chips from replacing electronic chips, but polariton materials offer a breakthrough by compressing light to the nanoscale. Guo Xiangdong has pioneered "phonon engineering" and "optical transistors" using polaritons, enabling dynamic light-by-light control and overcoming the size mismatch between photonic and electronic components. This research lays the critical groundwork for optoelectronic fusion chips, which promise drastically higher energy efficiency and computational speed, representing the next-generation logic for post-Moore's law computing.

Since its inception in 2018, ChalkTalk@ZIRC has remained committed to its core philosophy of being "intimate, face-to-face, and thought-provoking." Departing from traditional lecture formats, each session invites only about 15 undergraduate students to engage in in-depth lunch discussions, fostering high-quality academic dialogue in a relaxed and open atmosphere. To date, the program has engaged over 1,300 participants.

Focusing on three major themes—depth in basic disciplines, cross-disciplinary innovation, and national strategic needs—the platform has brought together over 100 leading scholars. It serves as a vital window for undergraduates to explore cutting-edge research, cultivating critical thinking, problem-awareness, and innovative capabilities. Over eight years, ChalkTalk@ZIRC has effectively supported students’ transition from knowledge learners to active explorers and creators.

Looking ahead, Zhiyuan College will continue to enrich the program’s educational impact, expand interdisciplinary boundaries, and foster an academic ecosystem that inspires future talents with patriotism, global vision, and a pioneering spirit.