One part of the mathematics and science class design of Beijing-Dublin International College is “Renowned Teachers in Class”, which is also a feature of the College. Every semester, many visiting professors and distinguished professors are invited to teach the basic courses to undergraduates, freshmen in particular. Some of them are nationally outstanding teachers. Some are academicians of Royal Irish Academy, and some are experts who graduated from and lectured in famous western universities. They share with young students their profound thoughts on mathematics and science in a clear way which is easy to understand. Their teaching will help students capture the essence of science and be in line with international education. The teaching of “Renowned Teachers in Class” is a beneficial supplement to routine teaching with an effect of “improving, instructing and broadening horizon of students”.

In the morning of Sept. 13, Professor Renzo L. RICCA from University of Milano-Bicocca gave the first class of “Renowned Teachers in Class” program by delivering a wonderful presentation named “Forfront of Mathematics in University” in the linear algebra class for freshmen. From the viewpoint of freshmen, he explained the differences between mathematics in university and in high school, and made an overview of the background and main content of the following courses, emphasizing what problems they can solve.

After class, on behalf of BJUT, Professor Cai Lijia, Vice Dean of Beijing-Dublin International College, announced and delivered the letter of appointment of hiring Professor Renzo L. RICCA as a visiting professor. Cai said that having Professor RICCA as a visiting professor is of great significance. It will not only benefit the mathematics and science pedagogy and the scientific research of the college and the university, but also will play a great role in foresting international talent students. He also expressed his expectation that Professor RICCA could enhance academic exchange and scientific cooperation with BJUT and promote the mutual development. Professor RICCA said it is a great honor to be a visiting professor of BJUT and he will work closely with the College and the university to make a contribution to the disciplinary development and international talent cultivation in the near future.

Renzo L. RICCA is Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Application of the University of Milano-Bicocca and a full-time professor of National Scientific Rejuvenation Project of Italian Education Department. He obtained his master and doctoral degree of applied mathematics in Trinity College, Cambridge. He used to be a visiting professor or senior researcher in many universities and institutes such as University of Cambridge, Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), University College London (ULC), Ecole normale supérieure, UC Santa Barbara, Kyushu University, Université de Genève and European Commission Joint Research Center. In addition, his academic services include project reviewer for several famous international foundations, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the US and the UK, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), project coordinator of the EC-FET Big Open Scientific Projects of the European Union, senior development consultant of the National Ministry of Science and Technology of Greek, and also editor of Physical Review Letters and other top academic journals.