Prof. De Philippis visited IHB on Nov.28

Prof. De Philippis has outstanding achievements and rich research experience in the structure, function and ecological effect of exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria. He also serves as secretary of the Executive Committee of the International Society for Applied Phycology and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Phycology.  

Prof. De Philippis has maintained a close relationship with the principal investigator of the Research Group of Environmental Biology of Algae for years. This is his fourth visit to IHB where the two sides had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on the restoration of desertified land by making use of exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria.  

During his stay at IHB, Prof. De Philippis made a presentation on “Exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria: nature, role and applications”, introducing in details the nature of exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria and its role in resisting various environmental stresses such as drought, radiation and heavy mental injury. He said, "exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria has a promising future in that it can be applied to the fields such as the production of health care products, medicine exploitation, sewage treatment, and the restoration of desertified land.” Prof. De Philippis’ presentation was simple in language and vivid in style so that none of the attendees would like to miss such a good chance to interact with this influential scientist.  

On Dec.1, Prof. De Philippis had a field survey with Prof. Liu at the Field Experimental Base of desert algae located in Dalate Qi, southwest part of Inner Mongolia.  

Prof. De Philippis’ current visit at IHB was greatly supported by Italian Embassy in China. After the field survey in Dalate Qi, the two experts will meet with counselors for scientific and technological affairs in Italian Embassy and negotiate with them on issues of mutual interest.