Lecture by Academician Wu Fengchang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Successfully Held

On May 21, 2024, Academician Wu Fengchang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Foreign Member of the European Academy of Sciences, Director of the National Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and Researcher at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, was invited to visit Tongji University. He delivered a lecture titled "Analysis of National Major Scientific and Technological Needs for Emerging Pollutant Management" as part of the International Masterclass Series for Peak Disciplines. The lecture was hosted by Professor Wang Zhiwei, Dean of the College. Over 150 faculty members and students also attended.

Academician Wu’s lecture addressed the strategic importance of managing emerging pollutants to meet national needs. He elaborated on the definition and scope of emerging pollutants, their potential threats to ecological environments and human health, and provided a comprehensive summary of the current research status in this field in China. He also analysed the technological challenges associated with managing these pollutants. Building on this foundation, he identified key scientific questions and technological challenges that urgently need attention and solutions in China.

The lecture emphasized that managing emerging pollutants is crucial not only for safeguarding public health but also for promoting green, low-carbon economic and social development, facilitating industrial transformation, and advancing global environmental governance. Academician Wu's insights provided important guidance for understanding the demands of emerging pollutant management, conducting scientific research in this area, and effectively mitigating risks associated with these pollutants.

Following the lecture, Academician Wu engaged in active discussions with attendees, answering questions about the necessity, urgency, and critical technologies related to emerging pollutant management. His responses greatly benefited the faculty and students, deepening their understanding of this critical field.