Lai Shaocong: Explorer of the Beauty of Geology

Happiest Moment

Born in 1963 in Anyue County, Sichuan Province, Lai gained his master degree from East China Geological Institute in 1988. Three years later, he gained a PhD in science from China University of Geosciences in Beijing. He began carrying out post-doctoral research at Northwest University in 1994, and stayed there to teach.

Lai has been involved in higher education for more than 30 years, and spared no effort in advancing to the forefront of teaching and scientific research.

The professor has guided and fostered a host of master and doctoral candidates. At Northwest University, he successively worked as departmental head of geology, executive vice-director of State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, and director of the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Geology.

Lai Shaocong explains to experts the construction specifics of the State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics.

His undergraduate course on magmatic petrology has been selected as a national level excellent course, and a national level quality resource sharing curriculum. Lai has received subsidization from the Ministry of Education as a core teacher and excellent young teacher, and as an advisor he has guided his doctorial students to produce excellent doctorial papers. In 2014, he was enrolled in the first national high-level talents special support plan.

Lai has made outstanding achievements in talent training and higher education reform.

As famous Chinese geologist Li Siguang said, “The source of geological science is in the outdoors. True scientific problems and theories are only generated in the wild.”

Passionate about field work, Lai loves going out to explore secrets of the Earth that are recorded on rocks. He regards the outdoors both as his classroom and laboratory, where he can find problems and seek clues to solve them.

He has done field practice teaching and guided undergraduate thesis field practice for 12 successive years, and has led field practice teams in Qinhuangdao for four years. Lai is painstaking about the entire process, from preparations, planning field routes, observations, and recording data, to making final reports. He makes constant improvements to ensure teaching quality.

“One’s highest value is dedication to the country, society, and humankind. Through devotion, I gain spiritual purification and a happy life.”

Lai has over the years complemented his dedication with practical action, offering his youth and wisdom to the geology department and his knowledge and loving heart to all his students. He feels happiest when observing his students’ devotion to China’s geological undertakings.

According to famous geologist Lu Yanhao, China’s geological conditions are richly endowed by nature. Advancing to the world forefront starts from our natural conditions and continuous innovation.

Having been involved for several decades in China’s geological science development and talent training, Lai’s love for this science grows stronger. No matter in class, conference room or field work, he finds in it endless pleasure.

“I fell in love with geology since first forming a bond with it. I will keep exploring its beauty and make more contributions to fostering geological talents for our country,” Lai said.