The event was co-organized by Beijing Forestry University, Hebei University, the Institute of Plant Protection at CAAS, and the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, CAAS. Zhang Zhiqiang, Vice President of BFU, attended the symposium and delivered a speech.

In his remarks, Zhang Zhiqiang highlighted that since the founding of the Sino-French Joint Laboratory (IRP/LIA), it has not only facilitated significant advancements in scientific and educational collaboration between China and France but has also fostered a deep friendship between the scientists and research institutions of both nations. He reaffirmed the university's strong support for the Sino-French-Eurasian Joint Laboratory on Forest Invasive Species and expressed hope that research institutions from both countries will continue to collaborate on interdisciplinary studies, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence, to tackle challenges like pest prediction, detection, and biological control. Zhang stressed that in the context of global climate change and growing environmental challenges, such exchanges and dialogues are crucial for driving green development forward.

Hélène Berges, the Science and Technology Attaché at the French Embassy in China; Professor Luo Youqing, the Chinese representative of the Sino-French Joint Laboratory; and Researcher Alain Roques, the French representative, each delivered remarks at the symposium.

The two-day symposium included three parallel sessions: the first on anticipation, including prediction of invasions and modeling of population dynamics on geographical and climatic gradients; the second on early detection of pests, including trappings and remote sensing, and rapid identification; and the third focused on optimization of pest insect biocontrol approaches. Scientists from China and France delivered 26 insightful presentations throughout the symposium.

The symposium provided a platform for Chinese and French scientists to exchange innovative ideas and share their latest research, yielding positive results. It will pave the way for long-term collaboration between BFU and French institutions in pest control. Seizing this opportunity, BFU aims to create a multidimensional and comprehensive framework for cooperation, further driving the development of top-tier disciplines and enhancing its global scientific service capabilities and international reputation.

The symposium was attended by representatives from five Sino-French International Joint Laboratory (IRP/LIA) teams, including teams from BFU, INRAE, CNRS, CAAS and HBU. Also in attendance were the Science and Technology Counselor from the French Embassy in China, Dean of the School of Forestry,BFU, Director of the International Relations Office of BFU, faculty and student representatives, as well as scientists from related research fields in both China and France.

Written by Liang Te, Shi Juan
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang