In 1917, the presidency was taken up by Cai Yuanpei, another outstanding educationist, scientist and democratic revolutionary, who played an active role in the reform and development of the university during his tenure of office.

• 1917年，著名的科学家、教育家、民主主义革命者蔡元培出任校长。 他任职期间对推动北京大学的改革和发展起了重要作用。