CIBR 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony

The 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony of CIBR was held on the morning of June 24. Twenty-six young researchers graduated here.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by Wei Xiong.

Mentor Speech

Woo-ping Ge delivered a speech.

Hu Zhao delivered a speech.

Students' Speech

Three graduate representatives, Xinfeng Chen, Fengjun Ma, and Lebo Zhou, took the stage to deliver speeches, reflecting the thoughts and insights of CIBR's students on scientific research from different perspectives:

Xinfeng Chen

—Gaining Insight into the "True Nature" of Disease Through the Lens of AI

Having witnessed the profound impact of mental illness on individuals and families, he resolutely shifted his research focus from plant molecular studies to neuroscience. Addressing the critical challenge of the lack of quantitative analysis in diagnosing mental disorders, he developed an AI and big data-based behavioral diagnostic tool, validated on rat disease models. He aspires to transition to clinical hospital research in the future, transforming laboratory achievements into effective tools for solving practical clinical problems. Reflecting on his years of work and study at CIBR, he is most grateful for its inclusive research environment, which allowed him to maintain a stable mindset and firm belief under pressure, returning to his original aspiration for research and persistently pursuing "meaningful studies."

Ma Fengjun
—From “Sci-Fi” Dreams to Master of the “Puzzle”

She transitioned from developmental biology, drawn by the profound mysteries of brain science. At CIBR, she shed her previously idealized “sci-fi romance” view of research and learned to be down-to-earth, using experimental “puzzle pieces” to approach the truth. Refining questions, building equipment, solving bugs, overcoming mathematical and programming challenges… She candidly admits that the greatest gains from her years of training at CIBR were the honing of systematic research skills, the courage to reformulate hypotheses after facing failure, and a solid confidence in “believing in herself.”

Zhou Lebo
—Explorer and Guardian of the “Three-Pound Universe”

As both a physician and researcher in neuroscience, her dual roles give her the dual mission of “explorer” and “guardian.” Amid the tremors of Parkinson’s patients and the memory fog of Alzheimer’s patients, the dull data in the laboratory is imbued with the weight of life; the three-pound brain tissue inside the skull carries the most complex miracle in the universe. She encourages her peers that graduation is not an end but a new beginning. The world needs neuroscientists who combine research capability with humanistic care, and she hopes everyone’s exploration will ultimately contribute to curing brain diseases.

Straightening the tassels & Memorial photo

Then, the mentors personally straightened the tassels for the graduates. The moment the tassel was gently moved from right to left symbolized the complete conclusion of one identity and the solemn beginning of a new chapter of exploration.

As the exploration of the mysteries of the brain continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge, the world needs this group of people more than ever—those who carry the sharp edge of scientific rationality while preserving the warmth of humanistic care. Equipped with the broad vision and deeply rooted spirit of exploration bestowed by CIBR, the 2025 graduates will be like sparks of light, merging into the boundless galaxy of science. Their expedition is gradually illuminating the opening chapter.

Memorial Video: