US-China Joint Symposium on Science for Enhancing Climate Resilience and Promoting Planetary Health Held in San Antonio

Group photo of the working meeting (©SSSC)

From November 10 to 13, 2024, the 2024 International Annual Meeting of American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) convened in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The meeting featured an academic symposium co-hosted by SSSC and SSSA, under the theme of “Enhancing Climate Resilience and Promoting Planetary Health”. Prof. Jiabao Zhang, SSSC President, led a delegation to the event including Prof. Song Xin, SSSC Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Jianming Xu from Zhejiang University and Prof. Bingzi Zhao from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. These two societies have maintained a strong connection since they signed a MoU and established joint working group in March 2021. Over the past three years, two joint online seminars have been conducted and this symposium marks their first in-person event, underscoring its significant importance.

On November 10, the working meeting took place where working group members collectively acknowledged the successes of their cooperation. They expressed confidence that this effective model of bilateral collaboration could serve as a benchmark and potentially act as a significant catalyst for enhancing multilateral cooperation. Furthermore, they also emphasized the importance of nurturing young researchers, with plans for additional forums aimed at graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the future. The academic symposium was held on November 11. Prof. Zhang Jiabao, and Prof. Michael Thompson, SSSA President, delivered their welcome speeches, highlighting the significance and promising vision of bilateral cooperation. Invited experts showcased their research in soil science related to climate change and public health. A notable feature of the symposium was the involvement of young scholars who shared innovative topics and advanced research findings.

This symposium holds considerable importance, serving as a vital platform for researchers from both nations to exchange insights and pursue collaborative growth. Through ongoing enhancement of bilateral partnerships, these two societies aim to offer the knowledge and solutions derived from soil science to promote sustainable development for humanity.