To further refine the independent talent cultivation system, explore new approaches for fostering top-tier innovative talents, and enhance undergraduates’ academic innovation capacity and comprehensive qualities, Beijing Normal University Business School (BNUBS) hosted the 12th Undergraduate Academic Forum. The event was held at Jingwen Lecture Hall on July 8, 2026. Jiang Jie, Associate Dean of BNUBS; Han Lili, Associate  Party Secretary; Xu Zhixing, Chair of the Human Resource Management Department; together with faculty members including Yang Chengyu from the Economics Department, Lin Yongsheng from the Finance Department and Sun Changling from the Accounting Department, attended the forum alongside more than 200 first-, second- and third-year undergraduate students.

 

Figure 1: Venue of the Academic Forum

A total of 64 undergraduate academic papers were submitted to this year’s forum. Following an initial online peer review, 22 outstanding papers were selected for presentation at sub-forums. Based on both written submissions and on-site defense performance in sub-forums, experts conducted comprehensive evaluations, and six high-quality research works were chosen for presentations at the main forum.

During the presentation session, six students — Li Xinmiao, Zhang Yanyu, Liu Yu, Qi Meiran, Zheng Yi and Mao Jiayi — took the stage in sequence. They systematically shared the research background, theoretical analyses, empirical methodologies, core findings and practical implications of their papers. Associate Professor Sun Changling, Professor Lin Yongsheng and Professor Yang Chengyu delivered detailed comments respectively, offering professional guidance and suggestions covering research topic selection, logical frameworks, theoretical modeling, empirical design, interpretation of regression results and academic writing.

 

Figure 2: Display of academic papers

  

Figure 3: Expert comment session

 

This forum innovatively introduced an interactive Q&A segment. Audience students raised questions actively, and presenters responded thoroughly. The exchange of ideas deepened participants’ understanding of relevant research topics, fully demonstrating the strong critical thinking and academic communication capabilities of BNUBS undergraduates.

 

Figure 4: On-site Q&A session

In her concluding address, Associate Dean Jiang Jie spoke highly of the outcomes achieved by the forum. She noted that after twelve years of continuous development, the Undergraduate Academic Forum has evolved into a vital platform within the School’s framework for cultivating innovative talents. While carrying forward the rigorous, truth-seeking and exploratory academic ethos of economics and management students, the forum continues to demonstrate renewed vitality and distinctive features. She remarked that submissions this year reflect remarkable contemporary characteristics. Students’ research focuses increasingly on frontier areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, green development and financial innovation. Proactively responding to national strategic priorities and social challenges, the works demonstrate solid academic foundations and prominent innovative awareness. Looking ahead, the School will further integrate academic research with practical exploration and improve the system for nurturing innovative talents. It will guide students to identify research directions from real-world issues, strengthen capabilities through academic inquiry, and achieve personal growth by serving social progress. BNUBS strives to cultivate a new generation of economics and management professionals equipped with broad academic vision and practical competence.

Figure 5: Associate Dean Jiang Jie delivered concluding remarks

 

An award ceremony was held at the closing segment. Following panel evaluation, 1 first prize, 5 second prizes and 6 third prizes were awarded. In addition, one participant received the Most Popular Presentation Award via on-site voting by teachers and students. Present leaders and faculty conferred awards to winning students.

 

 

Figure 6: Group photo at the award ceremony

With this, the 12th Undergraduate Academic Forum of BNUBS drew to a successful close. Over twelve years of consistent efforts, the forum has grown into a regular, branded platform for undergraduate academic exchange. It plays an irreplaceable role in nurturing elite innovative talents and systematically upgrading undergraduates’ research literacy.

Going forward, the School will continue to organize the annual academic forum, perfect the undergraduate research training system, and vigorously promote interdisciplinary collaborative research. It will boost participation across all grade levels and disciplines, encouraging lower-year undergraduates to engage in research and academic activities at an early stage. The School will strengthen coordination between the academic forum and practical platforms, facilitate research rooted in authentic social contexts, and foster innovative economics and management talents with profound academic insights and social awareness. These efforts will write new chapters for the high-quality talent education of BNUBS.

 

Contributed by Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office

Edited by Yang Haijia

Reviewed by Jiang Jie