On September 22, Bai Chunli, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former President of the Academy, delivered a lecture at Dalian Maritime University (DMU) titled “Braving the Depths—The Rapid Rise of China’s Deep-Sea Science and Technology.” Wang Qiyao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Dalian Municipal People’s Congress, along with Vice Chaiman Xu Shaoda, Lu Lin, Ai Hua, Liu Shiwu, and Secretary-General Wang Tianwei, attended the event. Members of Standing Committee of Dalian Municipal People’s Congress, members of special committees, all officials of the congress organ, as well as faculty and student representatives from DMU were present for the lecture. The session was chaired by Xu Minqiang, Party Secretary of Dalian Maritime University.

In his lecture, Bai Chunli systematically reviewed the development history and evolution of deep-sea manned submersibles worldwide, and then provided a detailed introduction to the latest breakthroughs and landmark achievements in China’s deep-sea technology sector. Drawing on his invaluable personal experience of participating in deep-sea scientific expeditions aboard submersibles, he vividly illustrated China’s historic leap in deep-sea technology innovation—from “catching up” and “running alongside” to ultimately “taking the lead.” The lecture, rich in content and supported by solid data, was engagingly presented by Academician Bai Chunli, showcasing the unique spirit of scientists. It offered the faculty, students, and officials in attendance an academic feast that combined intellectual rigor with humanistic warmth.

Xu Minqiang extended a warm welcome to Academician Bai Chunli on behalf of the university. He remarked that Bai is both an explorer and an intrepid pioneer in the field of deep-sea technology—a true deep sea warrior. Today’s lecture is not only a lesson of morals and values grounded in the industry and dedicated to serving the nation, but also a popular science lesson focusing on scientific and technological breakthroughs and innovation-driven development. Furthermore, it conveys Academician Bai Chunli's spirit of fearlessly facing challenges and striving for excellence as a scientist. This lecture will surely strengthen our resolve and confidence to advance toward the ocean and the deep sea.

After the lecture, Bai Chunli toured relevant research platforms, including National Center for International Research of Subsea Engineering Technology and Equipment and Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center.