On March 27, the First International Workshop on Surface-Earth System Science hosted by the Institute of Surface-Earth System Science (ISESS) began in Tianjin. The two-day workshop focused on the key challenges in Earth Science and showcased the latest research results.   

Consisting of the hydrosphere, the surface of lithosphere, pedosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and mankind, the surface-earth system maintains the survival of terrestrial biota, and it is a major research focus for modern geoscience. The workshop, taking “surface-earth system science and sustainable development” as its theme, brought together more than 40 academicians and scholars from home and abroad. They conducted extensive and in-depth exchanges on the theme and probed into the positive role of geoscience in addressing the challenges and threats that humans face such as climate change, land use, and water resources scarcity.  

The opening ceremony was hosted by Prof. LIU Congqiang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dean of ISESS. Prof. HOU Zengqian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice President of NSFC, and TJU Vice President Prof. HU Wenping attended the ceremony and delivered speeches. LIU Congqiang pointed out that China's sustainable development is facing challenges such as the excessive use of energy and resources and serious environmental problems. The research on surface-earth system science is of great significance for the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. HOU Zengqian emphasized that basic research is the basis of science and the source of technology. Surface-earth system science is one of the most important basic sciences for human understanding of the Earth. The workshop established a high-level international exchange platform, which will deepen the understanding of surface-earth system science and promote scientific research in related fields. HU Wenping, on behalf of Tianjin University, extended a warm welcome to the participants, and expected them to carry out in-depth exchanges and cooperation and make joint efforts in promoting the development of surface Earth system science.   

The ISESS was established in April 2015, with an aim at moving Tianjin University further towards a world-leading research-led university By applying various cutting-edge technologies, the Institute aims to develop basic and strategic research in the area of global and regional ecological/environmental change, establish a multidisciplinary research program that focuses on the interaction of the Earth’s surface layers with various ecological and environmental impact factors, and pave the ground for scientifically informed decision-making processes and sustainable development. From the outset, the Institute is dedicated to cultivating high caliber talent of international excellence in the areas of Earth Science and associated disciplines and building a world-class research institute in the field of Surface-Earth System Science. 

By: Zhang Yifei, Jin Chunyan, Robert M. Ellam

Editor: Sun Xiaofang