The Aquatic Subcenter of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) hosted an academic exchange at the Poyang Lake Wetland Observatory Station from October 21-22, 2024. (Credit: IHB)

From October 21-22, 2024, the Aquatic Subcenter of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) hosted an academic exchange at the Poyang Lake Wetland Observatory Station, a key event aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing research on aquatic ecosystems. The event, organized by CERN and the Aquatic Subcenter in partnership with the Poyang Lake Research Station, brought together nearly 80 experts from 19 CERN field stations, including the Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems.

The opening ceremony was marked by remarks from CERN Scientific Committee Secretary-General YU Xiubo and XIE Ping, director of the Aquatic Subcenter and professor at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who welcomed participants and outlined the goals of the gathering.

The exchange featured a series of keynote presentations from leading scholars, including YU Xiubo and GAO Yang of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, as well as representatives from 11 aquatic research stations such as Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, and Sanya Station. Their discussions focused on critical issues such as the structural integrity of water ecosystems, the impact of human activities on ecological restoration, and strategies for promoting sustainable, high-quality development in alignment with aquatic ecosystems—aligning with China's broader vision for a "Beautiful China."

In addition to these keynotes, 20 emerging scholars shared their cutting-edge research, exploring a broad range of topics across diverse water bodies—from lakes and wetlands to rivers and coastal zones. Their presentations covered biodiversity conservation, ecological evolution, carbon cycling, and responses to human disturbances and extreme climate events.

The event also provided a platform for in-depth discussions on CERN's 10-year strategic plan, aimed at enhancing monitoring, research, and capacity building across its aquatic stations. These discussions emphasized strengthening inter-station collaboration and leveraging the collective expertise of CERN’s vast network.

Founded in 1988, CERN encompasses 44 ecological stations, five specialized sub-centers, and a central research hub. The Aquatic Subcenter, one of the five specialty sub-centers, plays a pivotal role in ensuring data quality for water ecosystem monitoring and leading comparative research across CERN’s aquatic stations.

The symposium concluded with a strong commitment to furthering cooperation and advancing strategic management in aquatic ecosystem research, laying a solid foundation for the future of environmental science in China.