The Curtain Descended on China's University Challenge Race: Tongji University Team Won the First Prize

The 4^th China's University Challenge Race, co-hosted by German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste Treatment(DWA), College of Environmental Science and Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control, Tongji University was held in Shanghai New International Expo Center on 17^th April, 2019. Supported by Undergraduate College of Tongji University, as well as organized by Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security and Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, 18 teams from 14 universities(including Tongji University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, East China Normal University, Donghua University, Shanghai Electric Power University, Beijing University of science and technology, Chongqing University, Hubei University of technology, Jiujiang College, Shanghai University of technology, Nanjing University, Wuhan University and Yibin College) around the country took part in the competition.

There are two tasks in this challenge race: Task 1 is Integrated Water Resources Management(IWRM). It required students to design water, waste and energy management infrastructure using DWA environmental card, combined with the actual geological topography and population resources of a mining area in Germany given by the sponsor. Three students in each group gave an oral report in English for 90 seconds, and then they obtained an comprehensive score according to the completion of each group. Task 2 is to do a survey in German Pavilion of Environmental Protection Meeting. It needed participants to collect and sort out information on enterprise and equipment of German exhibition area through information collection, and the teams were evaluated by writing an English research report. The winner selected by comprehensive score of the two tasks will be fully funded to participate in the International University Challenge Race in Germany in 2020.

The 18 teams completed their tasks excellently after a one-day fierce competition. Finally, the second team of Fudan University, Jiujiang University and Chongqing University won the third prize; the first team of Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University won the second prize; The super prize was won by Yubo Li, taoqin Chen and Haobin Wang of Tongji University. All the participants said that the University Challenge Race had taught them a lot, here are some of the participants' sentiments:

Yubo Li, Tongji University:” The University Challenge Race is under the background of the Environment Expo. 18 teams from different universities gathered together to have a competition and discussion on knowledge about environmental management and environmental technology. This activity broadened students' practical knowledge and had profound educational significance. The team members have thoroughly practiced for this activity. During the pre-competition training, we collected a lot of information  on new technologies and new energy in water supply and drainage as well as mastered the basic knowledge of district management. During the training, we encouraged each other, supported each other, made up for each other's weaknesses, and gave play to the team's advantages. Therefore, we had good results with team cooperation after full preparation and gained solid friendship at the same time.”

Zhaolu Huang, Donghua University:” For me, this university challenge race inspired me to actively learn the knowledge in the field that I am unfamiliar with(water supply and drainage and energy supply). I constantly expand the knowledge and dig deeper as well as learn to think in defferent roles and perspectives. I had more opportunities to see exhibitions of enterprises, which provided a new idea for the combination of industry and research. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the process of teamwork, which is of great help to my growth and future employment.”

Wenjie He, Tongji University:” This university challenge is a very special experience for us. In the process of group preparation, I unconsciously learned a lot of new knowledge beyond our common sense. Also, I learned how to work as a team with my partners. My ability of oral speaking has been improved. It's an experience worthy of cherishing and reflecting.”

Nishuai Yu, Shanghai Jiaotong University:” the university challenge race of Tongji University is a rare practice competition in the area of environmental protection. It led us to actively apply the knowledge learned in the classes to practice. Under the background of beautiful China's green water and green mountains construction, it plays a role in guiding the value of college students and cultivating professional environmental knowledge, which means a lot to the contestants like us.”

Group Photo of all Contestants with Teachers and Experts 

Group Photo of Winners with Teachers and Experts

First Prize Winner, Yubo Li, Taoqin Chen and Haobin Wang’s Tea