Life on Science Island: A Novel Experience from the Other Side of the Earth
Dario Mitnik
To relate my life experience on the island, I need first to tell some things about my origin.
I am a research visitor coming from Argentina, a very distant country. When we learn Geography as kids, we use maps in which America is besieged in the center, and then you see the rest of the world heading east, where China is far away. Looking at Chinese maps in which China is at the center, I become aware of how far away Argentina is, in the last corner, below and right. If you want to get there from here, get ready because, between one thing and another, you'll need about 40 hours to travel.
I live in Buenos Aires, the capital of the country. Despite nothing being produced there, it's a big city that concentrates the government and most of the economy. While it officially has about 3 million inhabitants, more than 10 million people come to work from the suburbs during the day. It is chaotic, intense, and demanding. It has a hellish rhythm of life. There are very few green spaces, and getting anywhere requires a lot of time because public transportation is terrific, and there are always problems in the street.
But it also has extraordinary things. You can eat pizza any time (for example, at 3 in the morning!). On practically every block, there is a bar (or several). I live in a street with over twenty theaters within 3 blocks of the round. Cultural life is impressive. There are countless proposals, many shows, and of course, that includes that you can see a good football game every weekend.
Imagine the tremendous contrast between that concrete jungle (to take my dog out, I need to travel 25 minutes by car!) and getting to this island where nature overwhelms you everywhere. The first few days when I arrived, I walked at night to see the sky and hear the noises of bugs. I also see many Chinese who come on weekends to take pictures on the bridge, so not only me dazzles this landscape.
The other big contrast has to do more with the image of China in general than with the island itself.
I am shocked to see happy people and so many children walking on Sundays or to meet friendly people who want to talk or take pictures with me. It should be an expected normal thing, but in Argentina (and any other country in the West), we live bombarded by negative and constant propaganda. The media tells us that the Chinese are harmful and dangerous daily. Even for people who are politicized, enlightened, and immunized to such stupidity, some of these constant messages penetrate us in some way.
That is why I am amazed to find such a climate of enormous tranquility and security here. A motorcycle can pass any time and make you fly through the air, even if you walk placidly through the park. You can indeed meet a massive crowd in the city's center, and a guy screaming wildly at his phone at any time will likely pass by you. It is frustrating to see millions of posters, of which you can barely recognize one or two characters. It is stressful that everything is digitized, but you can not use almost any phone application. It is difficult to read a map, choose a plate of food, or play football with exotic rules (there are no goalkeepers, and only goals are valid from within the area!).
But still, I find this chaos pleasant and fun. This is a beautiful place to live and to work. Thanks for Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO)'s fellowship, I get chances to know this island.
Negative propaganda is associated with another devastating action, which is disinformation. Therefore, among so many things that we need to learn about the Chinese reality, we need to know the efforts they make to integrate the world, to make a positive collaboration, and to establish genuine ties of cooperation in which all the parties are favored. Even well-informed people don't know what Hefei is; my physics colleagues have never heard of this scientific complex or the technological pole that has emerged in this city.
I never thought I would receive so much help here; that people would take care of my stay, accompanying me at all times and providing me with restraint. I have phoned and bothered many people in their offices and even at their home, and they helped me solve problems enthusiastically. While there are institutional channels set up to serve foreign scientists, the personal predisposition of people is impressive. I do not want to name the persons because it would be unfair to forget someone.
This picture was taken in front of EAST Tokamak, with Santiago, my son (right) and Dr. Zhang Ling (left), my host scientist, who welcomed me under the support of ANSO Fellowship (Image by Dario Mitnik)
I could list many more things that amaze me, but this text would be extended.
Chinese culture holds enormous respect for its traditions and history, and it is impressive how scientific and technological progress is integrated into it. I was present at a historical moment, a significant step in research related to thermonuclear fusion, and I know that it will be remembered in the future.
I was standing in front of a 1/8 Vacuum Chamber of China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). The image in the background is from Chinese mythology, depicting Kuafu chasing the sun, symbolizing humanity's continuous pursuit of solar energy. (Image by Dario Mitnik)
It is admirable to see people's sense of belonging in their work. On the one hand, it is necessary to highlight the enormous capacity of work (you can pass very late by the island, and surely you will see several windows with the light on, or you can see the students in my work building who continue studying, even after 11 or 12 at night). All this would not be possible without a commitment to institutions that go beyond their own personal individual purposes. Another incentive comes from feeling part of something that is the product of shared efforts.
My initial motivation for working in the EAST Tokamak lies in excellence. Indeed, this is one of the best places I have ever worked. Likewise, it is also one of the places that has made me feel the best.
I had the opportunity to witness the Pilot Programme for Open Innovation (PPOI) ceremony that took place at ASIPP, HFIPS. (Image by HFIPS)isiting fellowship program from The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO).
Life on Science Island: Myriad Experiences That Have Enriched my Life
Sajid ur Rehman
When you are given the opportunity to work as a foreign expert in the prestigious Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), you take it with both hands and never look back. As a native Pakistani, who had just completed his Ph.D., the transition into a postdoctoral position at the Institute felt like a dream come true. Subsequently, I am fortunate to receive visiting fellowship program from The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO).
The ANSO fellowship is not just a stepping stone in my professional journey; it is a golden gateway. The prestigious ANSO fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the mega- scientific facilities. This program granted me access to state-of-the-art mega-science facilities, such as the Steady High Magnet Field Facility (SHMFF) on Science Island. Such unparalleled resources offer best solutions to pressing scientific challenges that academia and society face, ones that cannot be addressed elsewhere on the planet earth.
Let’s see my story as an ANSO fellowship holder on Science Island together.
My journey began in 2020, and three fulfilling years later, I am still captivated by the allure of science, culture, and family that I have found and built here in Science Island. Nestled beside a picturesque lake, the campus is an oasis of serenity that coexists with groundbreaking scientific research. I find myself continually inspired by the harmonious blend of natural beauty and cutting-edge scientific exploration that surrounds me. Within this remarkable setting, I am engaged in the field of Cancer Drug Delivery, employing the innovative realm of Biological Metal Organic Frameworks (bioMOFs). This emerging field is a beacon of hope in the realm of oncological treatment, holding the potential to revolutionize how we can combat cancer. Our research is specifically dedicated to pioneering novel methodologies for the precise and targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs to malignant cells. The work we undertake here is not just a job; it's a vocation fueled by the promise of saving lives and alleviate suffering.
The collaborative atmosphere within our research community fosters an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. Working in interdisciplinary teams, we unite our diverse expertise to unravel the intricacies of cancer drug delivery. As we strive together to decipher complex problems, we are driven by the shared mission of advancing the frontiers of science and improving the lives of those affected by cancer. These four years have been a remarkable journey, one that has allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact that dedicated research can have on our understanding of cancer and our ability to combat it effectively.
I also want to thanks our group leader and my ANSO supervisor Professor Junfeng Wang, who believe in me from the very outset. Professor Wang's unwavering support, insightful guidance, and persistent encouragement have been instrumental in every milestone I've achieved. His ability to see potential where others might see limitations, and to foster growth in areas where one might feel challenged, has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Beyond the technical insights, it's his mentorship, rooted in genuine care and a deep-seated commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, that has truly set him apart. His dedication not only to the field but to each individual's personal and professional development is unparalleled. For all these reasons and many more, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Junfeng Wang. Under his guidance, I have not only grown as a researcher but also as an individual who now views challenges as opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Thank you, Professor Wang, for believing in me and for lighting the path forward with wisdom and compassion.
·My Life on Science Island: A Day's Odyssey
Every day is a juggle between family and work, a tightrope walk that keeps life exciting. My family is my support system, and I am blessed to have them here with me. Both of my daughters were born in Hefei, so for them Science Island is the only home they know of. My wife is also a postdoctoral researcher, making us quite the scientific duo!
One of the biggest blessings we have on Science Island is the kindergarten for my daughter. So, every morning we wake up early, drop our elder daughter Inayah for kindergarten, and then head to the office. The first thing I do upon reaching my workspace is to have a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a simple ritual but serves as a mental cue to start the workday.
The majority of my day is dedicated to research: preparing drug delivery carriers, attending meetings, and analyzing data. A significant portion of my time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work, where I meticulously prepare and test drug delivery carriers. But it's not all work; the day is often punctuated by light-hearted conversations with colleagues and moments of serendipitous discovery.
·Interesting Anecdotes
Living on Science Island offers unique experiences and opportunities. We have many sports centers here like badminton court, indoor and outdoor gyms, coffee shops, bookstores etc. Under the International Collaboration Division of HFIPS, we get to enjoy many get together events cultural exchange programs. Life here is a blend of research and community service. One of the most endearing things about living here is the strong sense of camaraderie among the foreign experts who, like me, have made this place their second home.
The International Collaboration Division holds many cultural events that not only give us the opportunity to meet in a while but also gives us an insight to different cultural aspects of China. From visiting cultural museums to seeing traditional tie and dye techniques and from celebrating moon festival together to having pot-lucks, they intrigued a confidence to understand, explore and enjoy China more. Because of this surge of cultural curiosity, I decided to travel to the far northwest side of China as it is so diverse in culture. I had travelled to a lot of cities before like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Yantai, Harbin to name a few, but it was always through airplanes or trains. But this time we drove thousands of miles from Hefei to Xi’an to Lanzhou then all the way to Qinghai to see Chaka lake and Qinghai lake, this was an experience that I will never forget. This crazy trip is only possible from the confidence of having a happy, secure homeplace at a foreign country.
As I reflect on my time here, I am grateful for the myriad experiences that have enriched both my professional and personal life. Science Island has become more than just a place where I work; it’s a community that I am proud to be a part of and as I continue to make strides in my research and as a family man, I carry with me the richness of two diverse cultures that make me who I am today.
Join to get more discoveries, more friendships, and more moments
that make life worthwhile in this extraordinary island of science.
SAJID UR REHMAN
Post Doc
Hefei Institutes of Physical Science,
Chinese Academy of Sciences,
P.R. China.
Source:Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences.