State Key Laboratory of Loess Science Successfully Holds 2025 Annual Meeting

On July 18, the 2025 Annual Meeting of the State Key Laboratory of Loess Science was held in the Geoscience and Technology Building on the main campus of Chang'an University. Attendees included An Zhisheng and Zhou Weijian, Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and researchers from the Institute of Earth Environment, CAS; Peng Jianbing, CAS Academician and professor at Chang'an University; and over 100 researchers from the laboratory.

Group photo from the meeting

Li Shutao, President of Chang'an University, attended the meeting and delivered a welcome address. He emphasized the importance of the State Key Laboratory to the university and stated that it must fully leverage its key role in leading organized research and talent development. The goal, he noted, is to genuinely build the laboratory into a source of original innovation and a hub for attracting top-tier innovative talent. Academician Zhou Weijian pointed out that in this new era, the State Key Laboratory of Loess Science must become a vital force for safeguarding national ecological security. Academician Peng Jianbing added that the Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, and Chang'an University must continue to capitalize on their respective strengths to contribute to building a national strategic scientific and technological force and supporting the nation's drive for scientific and technological self-reliance.

President Li Shutao delivering his address

CAS Academician Zhou Weijian delivering an important speech

CAS Academician Peng Jianbing delivering an important speech

Yan Hong, the Laboratory Director, presented the operational requirements and evaluation goals set by the Ministry of Science and Technology for State Key Laboratories. The meeting was presided over by Li Zhenhong, Vice President of Chang'an University.

Laboratory Director Yan Hong speaking

Vice President and Deputy Laboratory Director Li Zhenhong presiding over the meeting

Following the opening remarks, 12 laboratory teams, including those focused on "Loess and Climate Change," "Climate Change Integration-Simulation-Assimilation-Prediction," and "Extreme Climate Events and Their Impacts," delivered systematic and detailed work reports. They provided a comprehensive overview of their key research tasks, interim results, current challenges, and future work plans, offering a crucial basis for the overall coordination of the laboratory's efforts.

To effectively advance the laboratory's integrated development and research activities, the meeting also included a discussion on several specific topics:

1. How can the two partner institutions (Chang'an University and the Institute of Earth Environment) integrate more effectively to build a successful State Key Laboratory?

2. What aspects require special attention and advance preparation for next year's official review?

3. How can the Yellow River Scientific Expedition be conducted in a more meaningful and forward-looking manner? Attendees actively contributed suggestions and insights, eager to offer their wisdom for the laboratory's development.

This meeting not only systematically summarized the interim achievements of the State Key Laboratory of Loess Science but also laid a solid foundation for future scientific collaboration through in-depth exchange. The laboratory will continue to uphold the "Loess Spirit"—embodying cautious diligence and a commitment to progress—to contribute to the advancement of Loess Science and the development of the nation's ecological civilization.