The 4th Carbon Neutrality Forum for Doctoral Students, permanently organized by Tsinghua University and the Association of Chinese Graduate Education (ACGE), with East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) serving as the annual host, successfully concluded in Baoshan District, Shanghai. Held from December 3 to 6, the forum attracted over 260 experts, scholars, and young students from more than 60 universities, research institutes, and enterprises nationwide, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University, delivering a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovations.

Parallel Academic Sub-Forums and Poster Sessions

Poster exhibition

Sub-Forum 1: Future Energy and Power

Sub-Forum 2: Future Resources and Materials

Sub-Forum 3: Future Manufacturing and Transportation

Sub-Forum 4: Future Space and Cities

Sub-Forum 5: Future Health and Environment

Sub-Forum 6: Future Information and Economics

To provide high-level professional guidance, the forum invited a distinguished panel of senior experts to critique and mentor participants on their oral presentations and posters. The panel included Professors Song Hongwei (Shanghai University), Bai Zhishan (ECUST), Peng Linfa (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Zhang Xiaoling (University of Hong Kong), Li Hui (Shanghai University), Zhang Hongliang (University of Shanghai for Science and Technology), Song Shaojie (Nankai University), Cao Shijie (Southeast University), Researcher Chen Weiqiang (Institute of Urban Environment, CAS), Professor Yang Xuejing (ECUST), Professor Wei Wendong (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Researcher Deng Hang (Peking University), and Assistant Professor Chen Bin (Fudan University).

Closing Ceremony: Keynote Insights and Awards

The closing ceremony featured inspiring keynote addresses. Researcher Chen Weiqiang from the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a talk titled “Coupling of Metal Energy and Carbon Neutrality.” He analyzed the concept of strategic critical metals, introduced his team's research in digital intelligence and low-carbon cleaning, and called for China to lead the establishment of a Critical Metals Alliance.

Professor Zhang Xiaoling from the University of Hong Kong focused on “Systems Engineering Thinking Driving Sustainable Development Transformation.” She reviewed the history of technological innovation driving socio-economic transitions, emphasized the pivotal role of cities, and used coastal regions as a case study to analyze biogeochemical cycles and the impact of human activities on land-sea environments.

The ceremony was moderated by Professor Yang Xuejing, Executive Dean of ECUST's School of Carbon Neutrality Future Technology.

A highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, where certificates for First, Second, and Third Prizes in both oral presentations and poster exhibitions were conferred to encourage young scholars to strive for excellence. The awards were presented by Professor Bai Zhishan (ECUST), Professor Song Shaojie (Nankai University), Assistant Professor Chen Bin (Fudan University), and Ms. Zhong Yijing, Director of Science Communication at Tsinghua University’s Institute for Carbon Neutrality.

The evaluation process was rigorous: oral reports in academic sub-forums were scored jointly by expert reviewers and presenters; those in the Industry-Academia Special Forum were scored by industry and academic experts; and posters were evaluated by the forum’s expert panel.

Award Winners:

First Prize (Oral Presentations): Li Jinze, Chen Yanqi, Liu Mengqiao, Peng Fei, Tang Han, Feng Yan, Huang Jinyang, Yang Wanning, Xia Chengqi, Wang Penglin, Wu Guoqing.

Second Prize (Oral Presentations): Liu Kai, Deng Sixing, Lin Zewei, Yan Hainan, Wei Jie, Huang Jiaqi, Zhou Jie, Di Jingxian.

Third Prize (Oral Presentations): Zhang Lizhi, Liu Ya, Yang Luming, Wang Qiang, Zhang Meng, Xu Shengshuo, Wang Yijing.

First Prize (Poster Exhibition): Chang Xiaomin, Yangpu Kaiyuan, Bi Jinghao, Xu Xikai.

Second Prize (Poster Exhibition): Jia Tingwen, Yang Lei / Huang Qiuyue, Zhang Ziyou, Dai Enze, Xu Mengyao, Li Ya.

Third Prize (Poster Exhibition): Zhao Ziyi, Sun Tao, Zhang Tianle, Zhang Xuwei, Guan Wei, Ye Rongxin, Xu Dong, Liu Zuxin.

The 4th Carbon Neutrality Forum for Doctoral Students has injected strong momentum into talent cultivation, scientific innovation, and industry-academia synergy in China's carbon neutrality sector. Many young scholars expressed that the deep exchanges with seasoned experts and outstanding peers broadened their interdisciplinary horizons, clarified frontier challenges, and strengthened their resolve to dedicate their careers to the carbon neutrality cause.

As the forum concluded, participants looked forward to future editions continuing to link institutions nationwide, fostering hand-in-hand collaboration between industry and academia, and walking steadily and far on the road to a zero-carbon future.

Organizational Structure:

Permanent Organizers: Tsinghua University, Association of Chinese Graduate Education(ACGE).

Annual Host: East China University of Science and Technology(ECUST).

Organizer: ECUST School of Carbon Neutrality Future Technology.

Co-organizers: Institute for Carbon Neutrality (Tsinghua University), ACGE Engineering Work Committee, ACGE Engineering Professional Degree Work Committee, Tsinghua Student Association for Carbon Neutrality Research, ECUST Graduate Student Union, and the journal Technology Review for Carbon Neutrality .