Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

AFTER searching for postdoctoral research positions worldwide, Frenchman Caius Wojcik finally chose one at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ). Nearly two years later, Wojcik says coming to Shenzhen is one of the best decisions he has ever made.

Wojcik arrived in Shenzhen at the end of 2022 — his first time in China — and joined HITSZ as a postdoctoral researcher. Prior to this, he completed his Ph.D. in mathematics at Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, France.

Wojcik believes Shenzhen is an ideal place for postdoctoral researchers like him who are looking to gain experience for their future research or career plans. “Shenzhen is a high-tech city, so you are naturally surrounded by scientific innovation,” Wojcik said. “You can meet many young people from tech companies or startups. I think these are great opportunities for postdoctoral researchers at this stage to find inspiration.”

Freedom to innovate

Wojcik spoke highly of the city’s research environment, particularly emphasizing the role of local universities.

In his opinion, scientific research is all about creativity. He noted that local university campuses provide the freedom for creativity that is needed for research.

Wojcik added that local universities have attracted a group of young, competitive students who are eager to discover new things, innovate, and start new businesses or research projects.

“Local universities are very dynamic, with new ideas constantly emerging. The local government is also very generous in providing financial support for research at these institutions. This will further attract talented professionals and resources to the city,” he said.

Although these local universities are relatively young and may not yet compete with renowned institutions with centuries of history, Wojcik is confident that they will climb the rankings quickly. He cited their abundant resources, ability to attract talent, creative freedom, and efficiency in implementing new ideas as key factors for their future success.

Gaming meets math

Wojcik’s research focuses on mathematics. He explained, “Math is a game. Playing is a way of experimenting. Experimenting is about science. So, playing is a way to train people to develop scientific mindsets.”

With this in mind, Wojcik came up with the idea of creating a mathematical video game about two years ago, hoping to make people play with science through the game. A puzzle-adventure set in a maze-like world, it features 2D top-down pixel art.

According to Wojcik, the game is based on the Ramsey Theorem from mathematics and includes other math-related puzzles, as well as action and platforming elements alongside insightful and enigmatic dialogue. The maze-labyrinth world is mathematically optimized and incorporates results from graph theory. Players progress through various tasks, helping colorful non-player characters (NPCs) unravel the mysteries of the labyrinthine world.

Currently, Wojcik is working on the project alone but hopes to secure funding to form a team of five to six people to develop it further.

“It’s also fortunate that we have tech-focused networks based in the city, such as La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen. They have organized many events to facilitate communication between French startups and those in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which is helpful for my video game project,” said Wojcik.

A blend of culture, nature

Wojcik thinks it is a misconception to say Shenzhen has no culture. “Shenzhen is all about science, and science is a form of culture. Shenzhen rhymes with science,” he said.

From architecture and AI to the video game and robotics industries, all these elements contribute to a unique culture. Wojcik observed that in Shenzhen, people can see science in action, which he considers the city’s defining cultural characteristic.

Beyond its scientific culture, Wojcik vividly described Shenzhen as a “technology playground” where people experiment with new technologies to explore what is possible.

Last but not least, Wojcik appreciates the modern city’s connection with nature, and how much it seamlessly integrates natural elements such as forests, mountains, parks, and coastal bay areas.

As a mathematics enthusiast, his favorite place in the city is the beautiful formula promenade in Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan District. The area features numerous mathematical formulas that highlight the beauty of mathematics.

Wojcik enjoys strolling through the area during his spare time and believes it is an excellent way to inspire young children’s enthusiasm for math and other scientific subjects.

Looking to the future, Wojcik expressed a strong desire to stay in Shenzhen and, if fortunate, bring his video game project to life.