Prof. GUI Jianfang (2nd L), a CAS member, presented letters of appointment to Journal editor-in-chief MIAO Wei, and deputy editors-in-chief XIE Shouqi(R) and XU Jun (L). (Credit: IHB)

The Acta Hydrobiologica Sinica marked its 70th anniversary with a symposium and editorial committee meeting on September 17, 2025, bringing together senior experts and young scholars in the field of hydrobiology from across China. The gathering reviewed the Journal's seven-decade journey and charted a new blueprint for future academic communication and disciplinary development. 

Since its inception in 1955, the Journal has grown in parallel with China's hydrobiology sector. Evolving from its initial pioneering phase into an authoritative academic publication in the field, it has consistently adhered to the principles of "quality as its lifeblood, innovation for development, and uniqueness for excellence." Over these 70 years, the Journal has both witnessed and propelled the vigorous growth of hydrobiology in China, reflecting a history of dedication by generations of researchers and their ongoing contributions to the global field of hydrobiology.

The symposium began with XIE Shouqi, deputy director of the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, announcing the members of the 13th Editorial Board and the 2nd Youth Editorial Board.

Prof. GUI Jianfang, a CAS member, presented letters of appointment to Journal editor-in-chief MIAO Wei, and deputy editors-in-chief XIE Shouqi and XU Jun. The editorial leadership then issued appointments to new editorial and youth editorial board members. "This certificate is not just an academic responsibility, but also a solemn commitment to the development of the discipline," noted a senior participant. Honorary certificates were also presented to representatives of previous editorial board members, recognizing their contributions that have supported the Journal’s growth over the decades. 

Deputy editor-in-chief XU Jun opened the discussions by emphasizing a balanced development strategy that prioritizes academic quality, disciplinary uniqueness, and publishing standards. Representatives from former editorial boards, responsible editors, and current editorial and youth editorial boards followed, with three generations of scholars painting a vivid picture of academic tradition and succession.

In his keynote report on the 70th anniversary, editor-in-chief MIAO Wei reviewed how the Journal has documented the progression of hydrobiology in China from its early stages to today’s flourishing state. "These seventy years represent a persistent commitment to serving national strategic needs and advancing alongside China’s scientific enterprise, upholding academic quality to promote disciplinary prosperity, and honoring the collective work of its generations of researchers.," Miao stated.

During the group discussion, participating editors freely shared insights on the Journal’s positioning and development, topic selection, impact enhancement, and team building, contributing ideas to shape the Journal’s course for the next seventy years. 

In his concluding address, Prof. GUI Jianfang highly commended the Journal’s contributions to hydrobiological research in China over the past seventy years. He stressed the imperative to "stay true to the academic mission, lead disciplinary progress, and serve national strategies," aiming to establish a top-tier scientific journal.

The Journal editor-in-chief MIAO Wei gave a keynote speech. (Credit: IHB)

Prof. GUI Jianfang, a CAS member, delivered the closing remarks. (Credit: IHB)