On the afternoon of September 1, the 2018 first-class think tank freshmen forum and opening ceremony of the Institute of International Law was held in the multi-function lecture hall. Professor Li Gongzhen, who is known as one of the “Four Great Names” of Wuhan University, was invited to give a new forum for our students，the first lecture on ‘The History of Wuhan University’. Professor Xiao Yongping, the director of the International Law Institute, presided over the forum. 

From Ziqiang School to Wuchang High School, Wuchang University, then to Wuhan University, and finally to the establishment of the new Wuhan University, Professor Li Gongzhen detailed the history and development achievements of Wuhan University, and painted a vivid and brilliant image of Wuhan University for the students. .

He focused on the construction of school buildings, the changes in disciplines, and the humanities and anecdotes of Wuhan University. He talked about the school-running thoughts of Wang Shijie and Wang Xinggong, and the outstanding contributions of Li Siguang and Ye Yage in the construction of the school,the story of Wen Yiduo and other scholars ,which showed the culture and spirit of Wuhan University. He also eloquently told the origin of the school motto "self-improvement, broad and strong mind, seeking truth, and newness."

In more than four hours of lectures, Professor Li screamed, like counting a few treasures, humorous, make everyone listen with gusto, from time to time with warm applauding. The students felt that they have experienced the vicissitudes of Wuhan University during the century from the report, and felt the rapid development of the school. From the back of history to the real and warm Wuhan University, they also felt the pride and historical mission of being a student of Wuhan University..

In the evening, the opening ceremony and the mentor meeting were held in the multi-function lecture hall. Professor Feng Jiehan from the Institute of International Law of Wuhan University presided over the opening ceremony. Professor Xiao Yongping, Director of the Institute of International Law of Wuhan University, Professor Xu Qianfei, Professor of the Yaomei Town Foundation of Wuhan University, and Professor Wang Wei from Northwest University of Political Science and Law attended and delivered a speech. Professor Yang Zewei, Professor Zhang Hui, Professor Qi Tong and Professor Huang Deming from the Institute of International Law attended the ceremony and had in-depth interaction with the students.

At the opening ceremony, Zheng Wei, a doctoral student from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, spoke on behalf of the freshman. He said that it is glorious to become a doctoral student in the first think tank of the Institute of International Law. Meanwhile they are confronted with many challenges and opportunities in the development of the law. The responsibility is great. The students will definitely cherish this hard-won opportunity and be grateful. Wind and rain with chickens, Qi Qi journey, everyone will work hard to add glory to the development and construction of the Institute of International Law of Wuhan University

On behalf of the on-campus’s mentor,Professor Xu Qianfei, spoke. He pointed out that the predecessor of Wuhan University has made great contributions to the development of China's international law. Doctoral students of think tanks must inherit the fine tradition and complete the historical mission. He suggested that Dr. Think Tank should not only pay attention to innovation theory, improve legislation, but also pay attention to problems in judicial practice. Issues such as the protective jurisdiction of the Mekong River and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments based on the principle of reciprocity require us to use international law to provide theoretical support and guidance to demonstrate the image of a responsible big country and better safeguard national interests.

Professor Wang Han spoke on behalf of out-campus tutors. He encouraged doctoral students in think tanks. Studying is not an easy task so it is necessary to overcome difficulties, complete studies, and forget to invest, especially paying attention to time management. And he also recommended everyone to read "Great Country’s Think Tank.". He hoped that students will recognize the difference between ordinary doctors and think tanks, and support the construction of think tanks. As a think tanker, you must first have a basic theoretical level and then a level of specialization. To understand the culture of think tanks, we must also understand the dynamics of foreign think tanks.

Finally, Professor Xiao Yongping made a concluding speech. He hoped that Doctor of  think tank should have independent thinking and independent suggestions and must complete the transformation from professionals to elite leaders in the industry. It must not only have a global vision, comprehensive quality, but also strategic thinking, and also cope with four contradictions: contradictions in working and learning, contradictions in family and learning, personal conflicts in the team, and contradictions in academic policies. He pointed out that only by being a good person, learning well, thinking wisely, and having a sense of well-being can he learn better, serve scientific research, and achieve new glory in life.

Professor Yang Zewei, Professor Zhang Hui, Professor Qi Tong, Professor Huang Deming and other instructors attended the meeting and had a lively interaction with the students.