The 7th China Chem-E-Car Competition® was successfully held at Tsinghua University - Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University
The Seventh China Chem-E-Car Competition, organized by the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China and hosted by Tsinghua University, took place successfully on July 29-30, 2023. This international competition, which focuses on the application of chemical engineering skills, saw participation from over 350 faculty and students from 30 universities across China. **Opening Ceremony and Welcome Addresses** The competition kicked off with an opening ceremony, where Tsinghua University Vice President Wang Hongwei welcomed the experts, faculty, and students. He highlighted Tsinghua's commitment to a holistic educational approach, blending Eastern and Western knowledge, historical and contemporary perspectives, and interdisciplinary studies. The university's Department of Chemical Engineering, established in 1946, has made significant contributions to national needs in areas such as nuclear fuel reprocessing, petrochemicals, coal chemical engineering, and biochemical engineering. Wang emphasized the importance of the Chem-E-Car competition in fostering research innovation, practical application skills, and the development of innovative and versatile chemical engineering talent. Hu Jie, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, also addressed the gathering. He congratulated the 30 participating teams and noted that the Chem-E-Car competition integrates chemical engineering theory with practical applications, requiring the use of multidisciplinary knowledge and methods. This competition helps students develop the ability to solve complex problems, fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, encourages teamwork, and promotes cross-disciplinary learning and ethical engineering practices. Hu highlighted the success of teams from previous competitions in international contests, which has broadened the international horizons of chemical engineering students in China. **Representative Oaths** Professor Xie Jingshan, representing the competition's expert committee and affiliated with the Emergency Management Ministry's Cadre Training Institute, took the oath on behalf of the judges. He pledged to uphold objectivity and fairness in the evaluation process, ensuring a level playing field for all teams. Tsinghua University student Zhu Yi, representing the participants, pledged to adhere to the competition rules and participate with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. **Video and Poster Competition** The video and poster competition segment allowed teams to present their miniature car designs through introductory videos and posters. The expert committee conducted detailed inquiries and reviews of the designs, focusing on scientific principles, safety standards, and engineering innovation. **Performance Competition** In the performance competition, teams calculated the required amounts of chemicals to propel their cars for a target distance of 27.30 meters. After preparing and measuring the reagents, the teams competed in two rounds on a designated track, following a random draw for the order of participation. The competition was narrated by Tsinghua University chemical engineering Ph.D. graduate Bi Xiaotian and Ph.D. student Lu Guangshu, whose engaging commentary and the cars' precise braking performances captivated the audience, earning enthusiastic applause. **Summary and Awards** David Evans, a member of the competition's expert committee, provided a summary and feedback on the competition. Awards were then presented to the winning teams by the attending leaders and experts. Tsinghua University's team secured the first prize, the "Outstanding Sportsmanship Award," and the "Best Poster Award." **Closing Remarks and Student Forum** Following the award ceremony, Professor Wang Tiefeng, the head of Tsinghua University's Department of Chemical Engineering, delivered closing remarks. He congratulated all 30 teams on their high-quality performances and achievements, aligning the competition's goals with the objectives outlined in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which emphasizes the foundational and strategic importance of education, science, and talent in building a modern socialist country. Wang encouraged students to continue engaging with cutting-edge technology and national strategic needs, fostering their ability to innovate independently. On the morning of July 30, the 2023 Chinese Chemical Industry and Engineering Society Student Forum and the China Chem-E-Car Competition Exchange Meeting were held at the Tsinghua University Auditorium. Experts and participating teams discussed various aspects of the competition, including pre-competition preparations, the writing of engineering documentation, and performance on the competition day. The forum also included discussions on future improvements and expectations for the next Chem-E-Car competition. **Background of Chem-E-Car Competition** The Chem-E-Car competition, initiated by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), is designed to enhance the research and innovation capabilities of chemical engineering undergraduate students. It aims to develop innovative and comprehensive talent in the field of chemical engineering. The first China Chem-E-Car competition was held in 2017, and it has since been conducted annually, now reaching its seventh iteration. **Conclusion** The Seventh China Chem-E-Car Competition at Tsinghua University not only showcased the technical prowess and creativity of the participating students but also underscored the university's and the society's commitment to advancing chemical engineering education and practice in China. The event provided a valuable platform for students to apply their knowledge, collaborate, and compete, all while adhering to ethical standards and safety protocols. The success of this competition highlights the potential of chemical engineering students to contribute to national and global challenges, fostering a new generation of skilled and innovative engineers.
