**Abstract:** On September 19, 2023, Professor Toru Wakihara from the University of Tokyo delivered a specialized lecture titled "Understanding and Controlling Zeolite Synthesis" at the 86th Tsinghua Chemical Engineering Forum, hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. The lecture was chaired by Professor Yangcheng Lu, the Deputy Director of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and was attended by over 50 faculty members and students from the university. Molecular sieves, known for their catalytic and adsorption properties, play a crucial role in various industries including petrochemicals, energy, and environmental protection. They are essential materials for achieving sustainable development goals. However, the synthesis of molecular sieves is challenging due to the stringent conditions required and the complexity of the mechanisms involved. Existing methods often fall short in meeting the demands for green synthesis and precise control, and they struggle to elucidate the intricate organic-inorganic self-assembly processes that occur during synthesis. During his presentation, Professor Wakihara highlighted the advancements made by the Okubo-Wakihara research group at the University of Tokyo in several key areas. These include the efficient synthesis of molecular sieves, the development of molecular sieve catalysts, and the use of advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray total scattering (XRTS) and pair distribution function analysis (PDF analysis) to study the crystallization mechanisms of molecular sieves in situ. XRTS and PDF analysis are particularly valuable for understanding the dynamic processes that occur at the molecular level during the formation of these materials, providing insights that are critical for optimizing synthesis conditions and improving material performance. The lecture sparked a lively discussion among the attendees, with Professor Wakihara addressing several hot topics related to molecular sieve synthesis and characterization. These discussions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research and the potential for these techniques to revolutionize the field of catalysis and materials science. Professor Toru Wakihara is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently holding positions as a Professor at the University of Tokyo's Institute for Research and Integrated Studies and the Department of Chemical Systems Engineering, as well as Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering. His research focuses on molecular sieve synthesis and application, as well as ceramic processing. Over his career, he has published more than 190 academic papers and filed over 40 patents, many of which have been successfully industrialized. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Academic Progress Award from the Japanese Ceramic Society (2010), the Teaching Award from the School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo (2019), the Fellow of the Japanese Ceramic Society (2021), and the Dean's Award from the School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo (2021). At the conclusion of the lecture, Professor Yangcheng Lu presented Professor Wakihara with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his significant contributions to the field and his engaging presentation. The event was a valuable opportunity for the Tsinghua community to engage with a leading expert in molecular sieve research, fostering knowledge exchange and potential collaboration. This visit and lecture by Professor Wakihara not only provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in molecular sieve synthesis and characterization but also highlighted the ongoing challenges and future directions in the field. The insights shared are expected to inspire further research and innovation in the development of sustainable and efficient materials for industrial applications.