I was awarded a three year Visiting Professorship through the prestigious programme of the Chinese government, titled "Thousand talents", aiming at attracting high calibre international academics to Chinese universities. This appointment is the result of a highly completive process whereas the applications are assessed both by the university (Nankai University) and the local government (Tianjin municipality). The position carries the responsibilities of contribution to Nankai University's PhD training, collaboration with host academics, mentoring, joint grant applications and others.