The SJTU team is composed of three University of Michigan- SJTU Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI)students, namely Junyi Xu, Xiahan Li, Jiankan Liao and three students from other schools, led by Chong Wang, JI Communist Youth League secretary.
In the competition, each team has to solve two kinds of problems: the spontaneous problem and the long-term problem. In the spontaneous category, the team has to respond to one random question creatively in five minutes; the long-term category has five types of problem, such as structure, classics, performance, etc. to choose from. The solution often takes months to complete and involves designing, construction, theatrical performance, etc. During the final, team members display and present their solution on site. The scoring criteria include innovation, artistry, etc.
SJTU team not only delivered outstanding performance in terms of device design, use of technology, artistic creativity, live performance and teamwork, but also gave creative answers to spontaneous questions based on solid academic background and broad knowledge. They won high praises from the judges.
Opening ceremony of the 37th Odyssey of the Mind World Final
Members of the SJTU team
Odyssey of the Mind is originated in the United States. It aims to promote young people’s well rounded capabilities in science, art and humanities. It encourages young people to make bold innovations. The China final was held at Shanghai in early spring each year, participated by foreign teams as well as Chinese teams from all over China. This year the SJTU teams won the championship in the classics category as well as runner-up in the technical category. They were praised by Shilie Weng, Chairman of the Chinese Association of Odyssey of the Mind as well as former SJTU president.
Shilie Weng, Chairman of the Chinese Association of Odyssey of the Mind encouraged the SJTU team at the China Final (news)
JI sophomore Xu Junyi with his trophy at the OM World Final award ceremony
