By Li Han and Wang Yuan

Dr. Edmund S. Phelps, Columbia University Professor and 2006 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics, and Dr. Richard Zare, Stanford University Chair of the Chemistry Department, were awarded Tsinghua honorary professorships on September 12.

Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe exchanged ideas with Dr. Phelps and Dr. Zare on environmental protection and university cooperation. Vice President Xie later attended the conferring ceremony and awarded letters of appointment to Dr. Phelps and Dr. Zare.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Phelps noted he was impressed by Tsinghua’s vitality and enthusiasm. He said he would like to help to create links between Tsinghua and Columbia University in New York City. In his acceptance speech entitled “My Career” in the Main Building lecture hall, Dr. Phelps shared reminiscences of his rich and long academic experience with Tsinghua students.

Dr. Zare’s speech, entitled “My Thoughts on Global Warming”, discussed the relationship between automotive transportation and climate change. Professor Zare suggested some possible strategies for reducing the problem of global warming. “We have the scientific knowledge to reduce the threat from global warming,” he said. He also conducted informal discussions with Tsinghua’s teachers and students in the Department of Chemistry.

(Photo by Guo Haijun)