IHB organized a comprehensive training session for its young researchers and post-doctoral fellows on Dec. 26, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

On December 26, 2025, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) organized a comprehensive training session for its young researchers and post-doctoral fellows. The program, blending expert lectures, field visits, and team-building exercises, aimed to equip over 100 early-career scientists with professional skills and a stronger sense of mission.

During the opening session, Prof. XIE Shouqi, IHB’s deputy director, reviewed the institute’s historic contributions and highlighted the core values of Chinese scientists: patriotism, innovation, integrity, dedication, collaboration, and mentorship. Xie encouraged young researchers to align their personal aspirations with national development goals. In a follow-up lecture on research integrity, IHB’s deputy director LIANG Qiong elaborated on national and CAS policies concerning academic ethics.

The training also featured practical insights from Prof. YANG Liandong, an outstanding young PI. Sharing his journey from early career uncertainties to establishing a research niche, Yang offered advice on paper publication, grant applications, and teamwork. Additionally, WEI Ke from the Office of Personnel and Talent Management outlined talent support policies and career development pathways available at IHB.

In the afternoon, participants visited the Shaojihu Lake pilot zone of the Donghu Lake water ecological restoration project. Guided by Prof. ZHANG Yi, they gained firsthand understanding of IHB’s applied research in lake ecosystem restoration. The day concluded with outdoor team-building activities, including collaborative games such as "Energy Transfer" and "Drumming Hearts," designed to enhance communication, trust, and cohesion among the young scientists.

Through its combination of indoor learning, field observation, and outdoor collaboration, the program sought to deepen participants' connection to IHB's legacy and research direction, reinforce academic ethics, and foster a supportive professional community. Many attendees expressed motivation to apply insights from the training to their future research, contributing to the institute's innovative momentum.

The trainees visited the Shaojihu Lake pilot zone of the Donghu Lake water ecological restoration project. (Image by IHB)

 Outdoor team-building activities (Image by IHB)