Guiding Principles in Developing World-class Disciplines at the University of Science and Technology of China: A Case Study of the Development and Innovation of Quantum Information Science

Abstract

In developing world-class disciplines, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has made swift progress in the field of quantum information, which is an all-new and non-mainstream discipline in physics. From a cultural perspective, this paper analyses the construction of the academic–research–production–application chain of USTC's quantum information discipline. It also explores the values and implementation schemes adopted in the development of a leading and open scientific research platform and a high-calibre research team. Based on the analysis, it summarizes the features of scientific culture in this discipline, such as an emphasis on basic education, the integration of research institutes with teaching departments, inclusiveness to cater for various interests, and persistence in serving the country through science.