Mr. Ma Zifeng: An Integral Bridge Connecting Government, Industry, Academia, and Research in the Field of Electrochemistry in China

Within China's esteemed electrochemistry academic community, one encounters numerous scholars known for their knowledge and modesty. Yet, in discussions about individuals who excel at integrating diverse resources within international academic exchanges, bridging government, industry, academia, and research institutions, the name of Mr. Ma Zifeng invariably surfaces.

Mr. Ma Zifeng, who also assumes the role of Dean at the Sinopoly Battery Research Institute, serves as the Chief Scientist of the Key National R&D Plan (973 Program) and holds the distinguished position of Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. A native of Zhejiang, Mr. Ma is an alumnus of Zhejiang University's Department of Chemical Engineering. Observers at academic seminars often spot him as a slender figure wearing glasses, fluently exchanging ideas in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese with scholars hailing from various countries. While English serves as the lingua franca in international academic circles, Mr. Ma Zifeng consistently chooses to honor speakers by engaging in discussions in their native language. His respectful demeanor is apparent when he greets fellow attendees.

Many industry insiders attest to Mr. Ma Zifeng's proactive approach of getting acquainted with and seeking counsel from top experts in diverse research fields during these seminars. His enduring curiosity and willingness to learn across various professional domains have endeared him to peers in academic circles. Thanks to his genuine humility, he has cultivated widespread popularity and forged potent personal connections within the academic realm.

Mr. Ma Zifeng has played a pivotal role as a crucial bridge for technical exchanges between Chinese and international experts. His contributions were instrumental at events such as the 3^rd Fuel Cell Science and Technology Symposium held in Hong Kong, fostering dialogue between China and North America in 2011, and the 2^nd Technology Innovation Forum hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Sinopoly Battery in Shanghai in 2012. On multiple occasions, he has extended invitations to scholars from across the globe, including eminent figures from China, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Canada, South Korea, and other nations, underscoring his remarkable prowess in international networking.

Mr. Ma Zifeng's journey has been marked by steady, down-to-earth progress, from his early days in fuel cell research as a Ph.D. student to his current roles as Chief Scientist of the National 973 Program, Shanghai Outstanding Subject Leader, and recipient of the Baosteel Outstanding Teacher Award. In recent years, he has once again broken new ground in the industry. As Director of the Sinopoly Battery Research Institute, he has generously donated numerous R&D patents to Sinopoly, thereby enabling his cutting-edge technologies to be integrated into battery products and enter the commercial market.

Under Mr. Ma Zifeng's leadership, the Sinopoly Battery Research Institute has not only provided battery technical services to Sinopoly but has also spearheaded battery technology innovation. It has accelerated the transformation of power battery R&D achievements into commercial products, making them accessible to the public, particularly in the realm of EV power batteries. Within China's industrial landscape, the Sinopoly Battery Research Institute stands out as an organization that collaborates with academia and other pertinent research entities on R&D projects. It is highly likely that Mr. Ma Zifeng has invested significant efforts in persuading corporate executives to support cooperation between subsidiary companies and other industrial units in R&D initiatives.

Mr. Ma Zifeng has articulated his vision on the Sinopoly Battery Research Institute's website, emphasizing goals that include advancing battery technology innovation, enhancing the efficiency of collaboration among government bodies, industry, academia, and research institutions, and nurturing exceptional talents. Internationally, only esteemed scholars occupying key positions in major companies possess such formidable capabilities to orchestrate resource integration and serve as vital conduits for international academic exchanges among government, industry, academia, and research institutions. Mr. Ma Zifeng, a respected member of China's electrochemistry academic community, willingly assumes the role of a communication bridge among all stakeholders. It is believed that China's electrochemistry industry, academia, and research sector hold a brighter outlook for development with his dedicated involvement.

——Excerpt Refined from the China Economic Net