The winners of the 14th Liang Xi Forestry Science and Technology Awards have recently been announced, with Beijing Forestry University (BFU) making a significant impact by securing 16 awards. Impressively, BFU was the lead institution in 11 of these awards and collaborated on an additional 5, demonstrating its prominent role and collaborative prowess in the field of forestry science and technology.

Professor Feng Zhongke from the College of Forestry led the awarded project, "Integration Mechanism and Core Equipment Localization for County-Level Smart Forestry," which clinched the first prize in the Technology Invention category. This groundbreaking project tackled pressing challenges in county-level forest management in China, such as inefficiency and subpar integration of modern technology. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like RS, GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and 4G/5G cloud computing, the project significantly enhanced forestry resource management. The successful methodologies have been adopted in smart forestry initiatives across all 31 provinces and regions nationwide, leading to improved forest management practices throughout China.

Professors Chen Zhibo and Xu Fu from the School of Information Science and Technology, Xi Benye from the College of Forestry, and Zhang Junguo from the School of Technology have led crucial projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, IoT, mobile internet, and big data into forestry. Their initiatives, titled "Research and Application of Key Technologies for 'Internet+ Ecological Stations'", "Research and Promotion of Key Smart Forestry Technologies", "Precision Intelligent Moisture Management Technology and Application for Large Diameter Poplar Timber Forests", and "Key Technologies and Promotion of Intelligent Wildlife Monitoring" respectively, encompass areas from internet-based ecological monitoring and smart forestry techniques to precision moisture management for poplar forests and intelligent wildlife surveillance. These innovative technologies have transformed forestry management by ushering in an era of heightened perceptive awareness, efficient management, and enhanced ecological value, while seamlessly integrating internal and external service delivery.

Professor Zhang Chunyu from the College of Forestry led the project "Mechanisms and Synergistic Efficiency Enhancement of Multifunctional Formation in Northeast China's Temperate Forests". Meanwhile, Professor Zhang Deqiang from the College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology took the lead on "Exploration and Targeted Breeding of High-Quality and Highly Resistant Genetic Modules in Poplars, and Their Innovative Applications." In a similar vein, Professor Zha Tianshan from the School of Soil and Water Conservation drove the project, "Mechanisms and Enhanced Techniques for Carbon Sequestration in Beijing’s Forest and Green Lands." Lastly, Professor Niu Jianzhi from the same school oversaw the project, "Comprehensive Techniques for Ecological Restoration in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas." These projects play a significant role in propelling China's forestry science forward, enhancing management practices, and contributing to the sustainable development of the nation's forest resources.

Professor Jiang Jianxin from the College of Materials Science and Technology completed the project "Key Technologies for the Green and Efficient Production and Application of Natural Saponin Surfactants", while Professor Sun Xiangyang from the College of Forestry led "Key Technologies and Industrial Applications for the Resource Recycling and Reuse of Garden Green Waste". These initiatives have not only achieved significant economic gains but also provided considerable social benefits, showcasing the potential of green innovations in forestry.

The Liang Xi Forestry Science and Technology Award, approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology, represents the pinnacle of recognition for achievements in China's forestry sector. It is designed to celebrate individuals and teams who have significantly advanced both the fundamental and applied sciences in forestry.

In recent years, BFU has prioritized scientific research and the development of technological innovations, strategically organizing research teams and key projects to generate top-tier scientific and technological results. As a leader in these efforts, BFU has garnered 85 Liang Xi Forestry Science and Technology Awards, highlighting its role as a primary contributor. These achievements encompass a wide range of fields such as forestry and grass seed production, smart forestry, soil and water conservation, ecological restoration, wildlife conservation, forest-based chemical processing, forest foods, and forestry economics. This broad spectrum of awards underlines the university's pivotal role in advancing ecological civilization and promoting high-quality development in forestry and grassland management.

Written by Xu Linyuan
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang