IHB hosted its 2025 graduate commencement and Yunshui Scholarship awards on June 16, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

Under the summer sun at East Lake, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences hosted its 2025 graduate commencement and Yunshui Scholarship award on June 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone for 300 graduates, faculty, and families. 

The event opened with an emotional video montage showcasing students' research journeys—late nights in labs, field expeditions, and celebratory moments—interspersed with heartfelt messages from mentors and families. 

Prof. XIAO Wuhan, representing faculty, commended graduates for their growth from "curious beginners to accomplished researchers." He encouraged them to carry forward three core values: "an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to societal impact." 

Ph.D. graduate WANG Zixuan spoke for her peers, recalling "the sleepless nights troubleshooting experiments and the euphoria of breakthroughs." Leading a bow to their mentors, she expressed profound gratitude: "You measured our progress not just in data, but in character." Wang, whose groundbreaking work on fish hypoxia tolerance earned her the Yunshui Scholarship, urged classmates to stay adaptable in an AI-driven world while upholding IHB's rigorous standards.

Deputy director LIANG Qiong announced Wang as the Yunshui Scholar for her seminal publications in Nature Communications and PNAS, with director MIAO Wei presenting the award. 

Director Miao reflected on shared memories—from holiday gatherings to predawn lab sessions—noting how these "ordinary yet extraordinary moments" define IHB's legacy. He affirmed each graduate's place in the institute's story. "Ordinary is not mediocre," he emphasized, urging them to contribute to China's ecological vision through steady, purposeful work. 

The ceremony closed with lighthearted games, followed by the traditional tassel-turning ritual and group photos by East Lake. As they embark on new journeys, these young scientists carry forward IHB's tradition of rigorous aquatic research for sustainable development.

 MIAO Wei, director of IHB, presented the Yunshui Scholarship award to WANG Zixuan. (Credit: IHB)

Heartfelt moment (Credit: IHB)

A group photo of the graduates (credit: IHB)