Professor Elizabeth A. Edwards, a distinguished member of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering, visited the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences from September 22 to 23, 2024. Invited by Dr. YAN Jun, Professor Edwards’ visit aimed to enhance the research capabilities of young scientists at IAE through international collaboration and to advance the application of environmental microbial remediation technologies.

The visit featured an academic symposium themed “Anaerobic Biodegradation & Bioremediation,” attended by over 50 participants, including IAE researchers, young scientists, and graduate students.

On September 22, Professor Edwards delivered a lecture titled “The Complex Microbiology of Pilot and Full-Scale Anaerobic Digestion Systems.” She discussed the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion in converting organic matter into methane and carbon dioxide and proposed solid-state anaerobic digestion as a cost-effective alternative for waste treatment. The lecture highlighted the importance of digestion time for microbial community adaptation and response to disturbances.

The following day, Professor Edwards presented another lecture, “Adventures in Anaerobic Bioremediation,” which attracted a large audience. She explored the latest advancements in anaerobic bioremediation, showcasing the practical applications of anaerobic microbes in remediating complex polluted environments. Her insights sparked lively discussions.

Both IAE and Professor Edwards expressed strong interest in future collaborations, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research projects to address complex environmental issues. This international cooperation is expected to deepen research in anaerobic bioremediation and offer new solutions to global environmental pollution challenges.