The 5th International Forum of Forest Biology was recently convened at BFU, bringing together leading scholars from China and abroad to explore new progress in ecological restoration, forest biotechnology, and sustainable ecosystem management.

Vice President Zou Guohui and Zhao Bing, the second-level inspector of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, attended the opening ceremony and delivered opening remarks. The ceremony was presided over by the Forum Chair and Dean of the College of Biological Sciences.

Zou highlighted BFU's contributions over its 73-year history to national ecological initiatives and advances in forestry science and technology. He expressed hope that the forum would further strengthen international scientific collaboration, deepen interdisciplinary integration and support the growth of young researchers, contributing insights to China's modernization vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

In his speech, Zhao called on researchers to align their work with major national priorities, reinforce fundamental research, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, inspire young scholars and accelerate the translation of research findings, thereby providing robust scientific support for the new phase of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program.

The forum featured keynote presentations from renowned scholars, including Academician Yin Weilun, Royal Society of New Zealand Fellow Brent Euan Clothier, and European Academy of Sciences Fellow Thomas Efferth. They were joined by 42 experts from leading universities and research institutions.Their presentations showcased a full spectrum of innovation, from fundamental research to industrial applications, fostering productive academic exchange and laying a solid foundation for exploring new paradigms in forest biology that promote harmonious human-nature relations.

As part of BFU's 73rd-anniversary celebrations, the forum was co-organized by the College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology along with several national key laboratories and research centers. The event drew wide attention, attracting more than 20,000 online viewers and over 300 on-site participants.

Written by Ding Fang
Translated by Wang Yannan
Edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang