AP Students from the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University Win Outstanding Project Award at CTB Global Station

The Global Youth Research and Innovation Forum of CTB (China Think Big) encourages every participating student to conduct interdisciplinary academic research during high school, combining it with real-world social issues to foster scientific innovation and practical ability.

In late April, after months of research, data collection, and paper writing, three students from our school — Hou Yuting, Luo Hanfei, and Wu Yilin — ranked among the top 10% of all submissions and were invited to participate in the Harvard Global Forum. During their short yet fulfilling five days at Harvard University, they completed a 48-hour high-speed hackathon challenge, faced individual academic challenges that tested their knowledge and analytical skills, and delivered an English project presentation that showcased their team’s academic creativity. Ultimately, they were awarded the Outstanding Project Award.

Let's take a look at their reflections and key takeaways!

In this competition, I deeply experienced the power of teamwork and the courage to challenge myself. Exploring and solving problems with my teammates brought me growth and joy.
This experience not only honed my academic research skills but also taught me how to face difficulties and challenges.
I feel truly honored to have participated in such a meaningful competition, and I want to thank my teachers for their continuous support and guidance, which helped me become a better version of myself.
— Hou Yuting

When I had no experience, CTB gave me an opportunity to develop my academic skills. It felt like being trapped under the ice of a frozen pond, slowly losing my breath. Under the sunlight, my classmates and teachers pulled me up to the surface — though for those three minutes beneath the ice, I almost lost a leg.
The process and results were far from perfect, but I survived, and through failure, I completed my first academic research project. Facing my fears this way gave me courage and calmness in the cold of winter.
This silly but true story will continue to drive me to become one of the hands that pull others onto the ice. Experience will guide me and others to keep researching.
The most important thing is not to give up stepping onto the ice just because of the ice holes. Failure in academic research is perfectly normal — as long as we face it and overcome it, we can breathe freely again on the surface.
— Wu Yilin

Group photo of students Hou Yuting, Wu Yilin, and Luo Hanfei at the CTB China Station

CTB Global Station Academic Writing Lecture — students Wu Yilin, Hou Yuting, and Luo Hanfei from our school (first to third from the left)

The three students and their advisor discussing project topics

CTB Global Station Outstanding Project Award Ceremony — award-winning students from our school (second to fourth from the left: Wu Yilin, Hou Yuting, and Luo Hanfei)