The 4th International Conference on Anaerobic Biological Dehalogenation (DehaloCon IV) and the Halogenated Organic Compound Pollution Remediation Symposium were held from September 26-28, 2024. Jointly organized by the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Sun Yat-sen University, the conference was chaired by Researcher YAN Jun and Professor WANG Shanquan.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Researcher SUN Tao, Head of the Science and Technology Division at IAE, Professor SUN Lianpeng, Dean of the School of Environment at Sun Yat-sen University, and Professor Lorenz Adrian from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany.

Attracting over 200 experts and scholars from 73 institutions across eight countries, including China, Singapore, the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Australia, the conference featured prominent figures such as Elizabeth A. Edwards, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and professors from renowned universities worldwide, including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Professor Stephen H. Zinder from Cornell University, USA.

Themed “Dehalogenation and Remediation of Halogenated Organic Pollutants for Global Sustainable Development,” the conference delved into the latest research and cutting-edge technologies in the field. It included 87 academic presentations and 29 posters, with 12 keynote speeches and 24 invited talks, showcasing advancements in microbial reductive dehalogenation mechanisms and site remediation.

Participants praised the conference for its valuable insights and contributions to the global effort in halogenated organic pollutant remediation. The event significantly enhanced China’s international influence in this domain and fostered opportunities for international collaboration, highlighting China’s commitment to environmental science and technology.