On December 29, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) held its emerging Interdisciplinary Development Forum at the Liulin Campus, officially launching three research institutes focusing on National Security, Regional and Country Studies, and Discipline Inspection and Supervision. The forum, with the theme “Advancing Interdisciplinary Integration and Platform Upgrades in Finance and Economics for the 15th Five-Year Plan,” set up three parallel forums aligned with the newly established institutes.
In the opening address, President Li Yongqiang highlighted that fostering interdisciplinary integration is essential for the transformation of economics and finance education in the new era. He described the new institutes as a strategic move to meet national priorities, break down disciplinary silos, and drive innovation. President Li called for the institutes to focus on national needs, strengthen SWUFE’s unique strengths in finance and economics, and serve as hubs for academic breakthroughs, talent development, and the translation of research into real-world impact.
He Yu, Director of the Science, Technology, and Graduate Studies Division of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, noted that SWUFE has built strong foundations in economics and management while serving regional and national development goals. She expressed confidence that the new institutes would inject fresh energy into the university’s academic landscape, explore new pathways for interdisciplinary growth in Sichuan’s higher education sector, and support major national and regional strategies.
At the opening ceremony, Sun Dianming, Li Zhisheng, and Wang Qing—co-chairs of the preparatory groups for the three interdisciplinary research institutes—along with Zhang Xiaojing, Professor Luo Lin, and Professor Gao Jinkang, jointly unveiled the plaques for the three new institutes. Zhao Jianjun presented appointment letters to the honorary deans of the newly established institutes, while Wang Qing released the list of key interdisciplinary research projects for SWUFE's 2026 academic year.
Keynote speeches and panel discussions covered topics such as national security theory and strategy, area studies talent cultivation, and the intersection of discipline inspection with other fields, particularly law and forensic evidence. Nearly 40 experts, university leaders, and faculty representatives took part in the forum, alongside SWUFE administrators and student representatives.
