A delegation of the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASAD) recently visited France, the Netherlands, and Germany to exchange ideas on strategic planning, academic collaboration, and international cooperation, with an emphasis on climate change and energy challenges. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. BAI Chunli, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Honorary President of the Presidium of CASAD.

The delegation visited the University of Orléans in France and held a colloquium on the first day. Both sides expressed a willingness to collaborate in the fields of atmospheric environment and atmospheric chemistry. Prof. Dr. WANG Dujin, Director General of the Bureau of CASAD, emphasized that CASAD will strengthen communication with international counterparts to jointly advance progress within the global scientific community.

In the Netherlands, the delegation visited the University of Groningen to see the Energy Academy Europe, designed as a zero-emission building. During the visit, the delegation and Dutch representatives discussed potential future cooperation in areas such as carbon dioxide conversion and utilization as well as the manufacturing of green chemical products. They also reached a consensus on the importance of enhancing the cultivation of international talent.

CAS and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina have jointly signed the Berlin Declaration: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality at the opening of the Science for Future conference. Before the technical sessions began, chemist and Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr. Benjamin List from the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research and BAI Chunli gave keynote speeches that discussed the role of basic research as a source of innovation, the current status of the path to carbon neutrality, and new technologies aimed at achieving climate targets.

Prof. Dr. ZHANG Tao, CAS member, stated that the declaration symbolizes the joint vision of both parties to enhance cooperation in achieving carbon neutrality. He emphasized that reaching carbon neutrality requires a seamless integration of fundamental research and technological innovation. This objective relies on the collaborative efforts of the international scientific community and the active involvement of various sectors of society.

Notably, the visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of collaboration between CAS and the Max Planck Society (MPG). During the visit, the two institutions agreed to grant mutual access to major scientific research facilities and to enhance the exchange of young scientists and graduate students.

The visit also strengthened interactions between CAS and UNESCO. During the meeting, the delegation and representatives from UNESCO exchanged views on the participation of the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) in the preparations for the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, which will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. They also discussed ANSO's involvement in the initiatives of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD).

Prof. Dr. BAI Chunli gave a keynote speech at the Science for Future conference

The Science for Future conference venue

The Science for Future conference venue