Hangzhou hosted the 4th International Symposium on Biomass Utilization Technologies from March 22 to 24, 2024. Organized jointly by Zhejiang University's Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering and College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, along with several other prominent organizations, the event gathered top experts and scholars from across the globe to delve into the latest advancements and future prospects of biomass utilization technologies.
The symposium, centered on 4 key themes — "Biomass Chemical Conversion," "Biomass Bioconversion," "High Value-added Utilization and Processes of Biomass," and "Bio-based Materials" — served as a platform for discussing and sharing cutting-edge research and insights.
The opening ceremony kicked off with captivating speeches by Professor WANG Jingdai, vice-president of Zhejiang University, and Academician TAN Tianwei, representing Zhejiang University and the organizing committee respectively. Their words set the tone for the symposium, highlighting the importance of biomass utilization in sustainable development. With unique advantages of renewability, degradability, and low-carbon environmental protection, biomass resources are becoming an important supplement to fossil resources. Breakthroughs in innovative utilization technologies of biomass will provide new avenues for the production of chemicals and energy in China and globally.
Following the opening remarks, 9 renowned domestic and foreign experts took the stage to deliver keynote speeches. They explored various aspects of biomass chemicals, including the groundbreaking construction and application of whole-genome digital cell factories and the pivotal role of biomass conversion in achieving the strategic goals of "double carbon." These presentations not only showcased the latest advancements in the field but also painted a vivid picture of its future trajectory.
On March 24, the conference divided into 4 sub-venues for specialized reports. 30 keynote reports, 27 invited reports, 59 oral presentations, and 39 posters were presented, showcasing the latest research achievements and technological advancements in the field of biomass chemicals.
The symposium concluded with a sense of optimism and excitement, leaving participants with a renewed enthusiasm for the potential of biomass utilization technologies in driving sustainable development. The event was a testament to the global efforts in promoting innovation and collaboration in this crucial area.
Guests of Honor:
Professor REN Qilong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering (Zhejiang University), chairman of the conference
Professor TAN Tianwei, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, the honorary chairman
The conference invited over 300 scholars from home and abroad, including
Professor SHU Xingtian, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Sinopec Corporation,
Professor HOU Li’an, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering,
Professor HAN Buxing, academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Chemistry,
Professor Brent H. Shanks, Iowa State University,
Professor XU Chunbao, academician of the Canadian Engineering Institute from the Hong Kong City University,
Professor Karen Wilson, Griffith University,
Professor Mahdi. M. Abu-Omar, the University of California, Santa Barbara.
