A farewell ceremony was held at the assembly hall of the School of Mathematics on July 17 for Professor Izumi Takagi, who is a Japanese scholar specialized in mathematics and was introduced to Renmin University of China (RUC) seven years ago.
In 2016, Professor Takagi joined the biomathematics team of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences of RUC from Tohoku University. He has grasped the cutting-edge academic issues, and carefully taught and committed to showing the biological picture with mathematical formulas and maps, and to establishing the connection between biology and mathematics so that more people can understand biological mathematics. He is also the donor of “Mathematics Breeding-trees Fund”, who generously funding 1.2 million yuan (167, 956 $) for the youngsters to continue the mathematics career.
Focusing on the teaching of fundamental knowledge of mathematics, he said that only researchers with a solid academic background can make a significant contribution within the interdisciplinary scientific field, hence that it is essential to develop a substantial mathematical foundation——the basic knowledge of algebra, analysis and geometry.
(Professor Izumi Takagi giving a lecture)
During the past seven years in RUC, Professor Takagi taught Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) and Partial Differential Equation (PDE) for undergraduates. In class, he paid great attention to cultivating students’ mathematical foundation and stimulating their interest by using practical cases. When teaching the Reaction-Diffusion System for graduate students, he explains the basic knowledge as well as the advanced theories in the field of biomathematics, allowing students to understand the frontier academic information and to have a deeper understanding of this interdiscipline.
(Professor Izumi Takagi actively interacts with the students in class)
(Academic conference organized by Professor Izumi Takagi)
In terms of international exchanges, he has sent several students to well-known foreign research institutions, hoping that young researchers can have international thinking and vision, becoming pioneers in industries, and leading a more prosperous development of mathematics and biology.
In addition, when confronted with problems in life, Professor Izumi Takagi is always reluctant to trouble others; Yet in the face of teaching details, he is not sloppy at all. He would patiently and actively communicated with his students about their questions, including students’ graduation progress, the textbook version used and other issues.
(Professor Izumi Takagi and two of his students: Zhang Conghui and Hou Lingling (in video))
Professor Izumi Takagi is not only active in the scientific research, teaching and academic exchanges, but also actively participates in all kinds of activities of RUC.
(Attended the founding meeting of the Alumni Association of the School of Mathematics, the first from the left is Professor Izumi Takagi)
Zhang Donggang, Chairman of the University Council, paid a special visit to Professor Izumi Takagi and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the university upon hearing of Takagi’s continuous contribution to the development of mathematics and his generous donation to the establishment of the fund. He stressed that it is because of a group of teachers such as Professor Takagi Izumi who love the school and devote themselves to their work that we are full of confidence in building a world-class university on schedule.
Du Peng, Vice President of RUC said that education is the foundation of a centenary plan, and teachers are the foundation of education. Professor Takagi Izumi is a good teacher with ideals and beliefs, solid knowledge and love. It is having teachers like Professor Takagi Izumi that the university can be more confident in achieving its goals and pursuing high-quality development of higher education.
Zheng Zhiyong, Dean of the School of Mathematics, expressed his gratitude to Professor Takagi. He said that as a foreign talent, Professor Izumi Takagi is one of the leading figures in the biomathematics research team. The “Mathematics Breeding-trees Fund” donated by Professor Izumi Takagi not only promotes the construction and development of mathematics, but also inspires the younger people to devote themselves to their favorite mathematics cause.
Gong Xinqi, a professor from the School of Mathematics, recalled the touching memories created with Professor Izumi Takagi, saying that Professor Izumi Takagi always cares about students. Gong has great respect for Takagi’s kindness and humility, and he also thanked Professor Izumi Takagi for his selflessness.
Zhang Conghui, a graduated PhD student of Professor Izumi Takagi, recalled the studying experience with him. Professor Izumi Takagi’s strict academic requirements helped her progress rapidly. She sent the best wishes to Professor Izumi Takagi.
In his speech, Professor Izumi Takagi recollected the stories happening in RUC, saying he was very happy to work here for seven years, where he was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, activeness, intelligence, and diligence. He sincerely hopes that the university can be built into a world-class university as soon as possible.
He emphasized that educating people is just like breeding trees. The first few years of planting would see nearly no differences, because the saplings need to take root first. It is the same with math education. He is eager to encourage and supports graduate students to explore their way forward.
(Vice President Du Peng presented a commemorative gift to Professor Izumi Takagi, and Yan Fang, Secretary-General of RUC Education Foundation, presented a donation certificate to Professor Izumi Takagi)
(Ke Yuanyuan, the Party Secretary of the School of Mathematics, presided over the ceremony)
At the end of July, Professor Takagi, 73, is expected to return Japan. The “Mathematics Breeding-trees Fund” he donated will become another important bridge to support the cultivation of young talents in mathematics.
