IEM TSU PhD Student Zhang Jie: "To Become a Scientist, You Just Need to Be Observant and Not Be Afraid to Change Your Path"

Zhang Jie, a PhD student at the Institute of Economics and Management (IEM) of Tomsk State University (TSU) fr om China, is a prime example of how a change in career path can lead to a successful scientific career. After working as a developer for a major logistics company in Shanghai, he witnessed firsthand the negative impact of business on the environment, which prompted him to search for a balance between economics and ecology.

"I entered the science sphere not from a laboratory, but from the IT business. As an engineer, I saw that modern companies don't think about finding a balance between economy and ecology, and this has a bad impact on our planet. And so, I ended up in Tomsk, wh ere I transitioned fr om a software engineer to a manager, and then to a researcher. My research focuses on the impact of corporate environmental responsibility on a company's sustainability—a topic at the intersection of economics, ecology, and management. Why is this important? In my work, I try to find and to put forward not just abstract ideas, but concrete tools that will help companies remain profitable without harming the environment," says the PhD student.

Zhang Jie graduated from the IEM master's program in "International Management" in 2022 and immediately enrolled in a PhD program at TSU. Under the scientific supervision of IEM Professor Olga Nedospasova, he studies case studies of companies from his native country of China, wh ere, he says, environmental issues are particularly acute. However, the solutions he develops, he hopes, will be relevant not only for China but also for Russia and the entire world. Zhang Jie also emphasizes the importance of international exchange of experience, believing that his work can be useful for those seeking best practices from abroad.

"You don't have to dream of a Nobel Prize since childhood to start doing research. Science is not a closed caste; it's a free space for curious and persistent people. To become a scientist, it's enough to be attentive to global challenges, ask questions, and not be afraid to change your trajectory, as I did by moving from Shanghai to Tomsk for knowledge that can make our world better," says Zhang Jie.

The PhD student has 18 scientific articles to his name, including publications in Web of Science journals. Last year, he won a competition for an enhanced PhD stipend at TSU for high achievements in research, including publications in leading journals and participation in conferences.

Zhang Jie is currently preparing for his PhD thesis defense, which will take place at the dissertation board of the National University of Science and Technology MISiS. Alongside his research, he holds the position of International Exchange Manager at IEM TSU and teaches there.

"I don't regret moving to Tomsk and consider Russia my second home," admits Zhang Jie. "I plan to continue my research activities, studying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, including in China and Russia. There are many questions in the legislative sphere here, in particular. I think there are still many questions in science that young researchers should seek answers to. Therefore, my advice to all students is: be curious, pay attention to current agendas—and it will be much easier for you to find an exciting topic and a good research supervisor.”