Introduction of the narrator: Stephen C. McClure was research associate at LIESMARS; the State Key Laboratory for surveying, mapping, remote sensing, and software engineering at Wuhan University, China. He helped authors prepare papers for submission to SCI journals and taught course in scientific writing and methods.
Universities around the world function as communities of scholars pursuing a common objective, transcending the boundaries of knowledge. These academic institutions act as nodes within a vast global network of researchers, focusing on field-specific issues. Scholars and researchers communicate across time and distance through conferences, meetings, journals, and books. However, universities are more than just research hubs; they are primary centers where individuals interact daily, engaging in discussions about scientific and real-world challenges. Research questions emerge at the intersection of reading, experimentation, and lived experience. Happenstance meetings and exchanges between scholars and scientists, whether over lunch, at presentations, or on a sports field, serve as incubators for new ideas and solutions to both old and new problems. International students play an indispensable role in the scientific ecosystem because they break through disciplinary and cultural boundaries that inhibit creativity.
The State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping, and Remote Sensing (LIESMARS) is focused on geoinformatics; the study and application of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and related technologies for mapping, navigation, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. The laboratory conducts research, provides education and training programs, and collaborates with international partners to advance the field of geoinformatics.
At LIEMARS, international students from diverse countries are creating a vibrant tapestry of ideas and culture. Hailing from Africa, Asia, and Europe, they represent a new generation of researcher-scholars who share a goal: contributing to global scientific and engineering dialogues. These students are at the center of the scientific ecosystem, fostering a global community of knowledge and collaboration, even as they strive to fulfill their personal aspirations. Simultaneously, they enrich the university community by building bridges of understanding through casual friendships and collaborations. In a more formal setting, the Student Office encourages sports events, cultural exchanges, and excursions. The English Language Geoscience Café has organized a series of talks on a wide variety of topics of interest to many in the Geoinformatics community. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute, albeit in a small way, to this incredible journey.
The world is a community with a shared destiny. The planet constitutes a single interconnected whole, where the survival of any nation relies on the survival of all. Climate change disregards borders. Railroads, roads, telecommunications, pipelines, and container ships now connect the world in unprecedented ways. Compared to half a century ago, when most of humanity was involved in subsistence farming and small commodity production, today the majority reside in mega-cities. Production chains span the globe, and satellites gather an array of data. The smooth functioning of these large-scale systems depends, in part, on geoinformatics, facilitating complex logistics behind the scenes and enabling us to connect with individuals across the earth. While we are interconnected, the question arises: How do we communicate?
For now, English serves as the language of scientific communication across borders—a legacy of the past shared by much of the world. However, this might change as the momentum of scientific and technological advancement shifts towards the global South. This new era represents a return and a rebalancing of what once was. For a thousand years, China was one of the great centers of technology and development. Trade flourished along the old Silk Road. In my country, Chinese farming practices and Confucian thought inspired the founders of my country, and trade with China was a preoccupation of the United States since its founding.
In 1784, Thomas Jefferson proposed a diplomatic mission to China, aiming to establish commercial ties and expand American trade opportunities. This led to the first official American voyage to China in 1785, with the American ship Empress of China setting sail for what is now Guangzhou. The Empress of China transported American trade goods. This mission was a milestone in early efforts to establish direct trade links with China, driven by Jefferson's recognition of the economic potential in engaging with China and its highly sought-after goods like tea, silk, and porcelain. Moreover, the influences of Chinese culture on American culture are striking; Benjamin Franklin was attracted to Confucian principles of moral conduct and social harmony. His interest in China extended beyond philosophy to encompass its technological advancements and potential for mutually beneficial interactions with the United States.
Today, China is undergoing a great rejuvenation, and international students are first-hand witnesses to that process and contributors as well. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the BRICS are facilitating opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit. The productive capacity of China now surpasses that of the United States and the European Union combined, putting the Pearl River Delta at the center of global supply chains, connecting here, there, and everywhere else. By working together, engaging in cultural exchanges and coursework, foreign and Chinese students enhance their ability to communicate across domains and cultures, fostering deeper understanding and win-win partnerships towards an increasingly interdependent future.
International students can observe first-hand how China charts its development path and, through their studies at LIEMARS, acquire the skills to drive their home country's progress and fulfill their aspirations. China has been at the forefront of modernization, aligning it with its unique history, culture, and traditions. High-speed rail, smart cities, and ubiquitous computing are lived realities in China, against the backdrop of an ancient civilization. Researchers at LIESMARS contribute to this effort. Teams are working to solve problems of indoor navigation, pollution monitoring, traffic optimization, satellite navigation, historic preservation, and even data security. At LIEMARS, students not only learn to utilize software packages but also gain expertise in designing, building, and implementing their own solutions. International students gain the confidence and the skills to contribute to their own country's development as well as the ability to participate actively in scientific conversations, as exemplified by the numerous articles and papers published by international students studying at LIESMARS.
Over the past decade, I have assisted LIEMARS authors in preparing their papers for submission to IEEE and SCI-listed journals. Additionally, I have taught a scientific writing course to MS and Ph.D. students, including both Chinese and international students. Many have gone on to exciting careers in their home countries or have become prolific writers and researchers in their respective domains. This work has been exhilarating, witnessing authors and students navigate the challenging writing and peer review process, ultimately realizing their hard work through published articles in high-impact journals. LIEMARS is a special place where learning extends beyond classrooms and labs, thriving through dynamic relationships among students, faculty, and the world around us.
