On December 11–12, 2024, the inaugural meeting of the Autotrophic Microorganisms Division under the Chinese Society for Microbiology (CSM) took place at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB), Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The division, officially approved in August 2024, is hosted by IHB. Prof. ZHAO Jindong, a CAS member, (IHB/Peking University) serves as the honorary chair, and Prof. ZHANG Chengcai (IHB) is the chair. The founding committee comprises 30 members. This milestone event was supported by both the Chinese Society for Microbiology and IHB.

Prof. HU Wei, deputy director of IHB, opened the meeting with a congratulatory address, emphasizing the division’s potential to advance research in the field. Prof. ZHAO Jindong also shared his insights and provided constructive suggestions for the division’s future direction. Prof. YANG Haihua, deputy secretary-general of the CSM and chair of the Public Outreach Committee, gave an overview of the society's history, current initiatives, mission, and key activities.

Chair ZHANG Chengcai elaborated on the rationale for establishing the Autotrophic Microorganisms Division, outlining its objectives and planned activities. He also led discussions on the division’s 2025 academic agenda and nominations for key positions.