From October 13 to 15, the 2025 Conference of ECUST-UAveiro Joint Research Center for Sustainable Chemistry and Materials was successfully held at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST). The event was hosted by the ECUST School of Chemical Engineering and the Low-Carbon Energy and Chemical Engineering Innovation and Talent Recruitment Base.
Attendees included 14 scholars from four Portuguese universities, nine invited domestic experts, and over 30 faculty members from ECUST, all gathered to discuss topics related to green chemistry, sustainable chemical engineering, and new materials. Distinguished participants included:
· Sílvia Inácio, Consul General of Portugal in Shanghai
· Luís Costa, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Portuguese Embassy in Shanghai
· João Coutinho, International Academic Master of the Low-Carbon Energy and Chemical Engineering Base
· Mara Freire, Member of the European Academy of Sciences
· Tang Jimin, Deputy Director of the ECUST Office of International Cooperation and Exchange
· Ma Xiang, Dean of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
· Lian Cheng, Vice Dean of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
· Duan Xuezhi, Party Secretary of the School of Chemical Engineering
· Zhou Xinggui, Ling Hao, and Song Zhen, Vice Deans of the School of Chemical Engineering
Zhu Weihong, Vice President of ECUST and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attended and addressed the conference. The opening ceremony was presided over by Xu Zhi, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering.
Image Caption: Academician Zhu Weihong, Vice President of ECUST, and Professor João Coutinho from the University of Aveiro jointly celebrating the opening of the conference
Image Caption: Vice President Zhu Weihong delivering the opening speech
Zhu Weihong extended a warm welcome to the domestic and international guests on behalf of the organizers. He emphasized that, in the context of global efforts to address climate change and resource challenges, the development of sustainable chemistry and materials technologies has become an imperative.
Sílvia Inácio highlighted the bridging role of technological cooperation in deepening Sino-Portuguese relations. She noted that science and innovation know no borders, and this conference serves as a perfect example of elite scholars from both countries collaborating to tackle global challenges.
João Coutinho expressed high expectations for the future of the Joint Research Center, particularly in areas such as joint talent cultivation and collaborative applications for international projects.
During the conference, 32 scholars from China and abroad delivered insightful academic presentations, attracting active participation from faculty and students. The atmosphere was lively, engaging, and conducive to intellectual exchange. Following the conference, Professor Qi Zhiwen led a group of Portuguese scholars on visits to the National Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Low-Carbon Technology and the Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center. These visits showcased ECUST’s strong capabilities in cutting-edge and fundamental research in chemistry and chemical engineering, laying a solid foundation for further academic exchanges and collaborative research.
Image Caption: Group photo of conference participants
Image Caption: Group photo of conference participants
Image Caption: Portuguese experts visiting the National Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Low-Carbon Technology
The successful conclusion of this conference marks a new stage in the collaboration between ECUST and the University of Aveiro. Both sides will take this opportunity to continue focusing on the core challenges of sustainable chemistry and materials, integrate their strengths, enhance synergistic innovation, and jointly contribute the wisdom and solutions of the scientific community to building a green, low-carbon, and circular global future.
