The 24th National Symposium on Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Chen Huagui's 110th Anniversary was held in Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) on July 19.
Over 400 teachers and students from the College of Life Science and Technology and the College of Resource and Environment, as well as family members and students of Chen Huagui attended the event.
Fan Jinfeng, secretary of the Party Committee of the College of Life Science and Technology presided over the symposium.
Participants attend the 24th National Symposium on Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Chen Huagui's 110th Anniversary at Huazhong Agricultural University on July 19.
Chen, a renowned soil microbiologist and educator, was one of the founders of agricultural microbiology in China and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He had served as dean of the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences of Peking University, dean of the College of Agriculture of Wuhan University, president of HZAU, president of the Soil Science Society of China, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Agricultural Science Societies and vice-president of the Chinese Society for Microbiology.
Throughout his life, he was devoted to higher agricultural education and the study of soil microorganisms and the symbiotic nitrogen fixation of rhizobia, and he played a significant role in addressing the soil fertility of double-cropping rice and promoting grain production. He conducted pioneering research on the microbial flora and biological nutrient cycling in paddy fields for wet and dry crops, revealing the causes of significant nitrogen nutrient loss in paddy soils.
Zhang Zhongming, a professor at HZAU and representative of Chen's students, introduced his teacher's life and achievements. Through historical images, he recalled Chen's exemplary teaching style and his disciples' firm determination to advance his career.
Zhang Zhongming, a representative of Chen's students from HZAU, spoke about Chen's life on July 19.
The editorial department of the Journal of Huazhong Agricultural University and the College of Life Science and Technology jointly planned the publication of a special issue commemorating the 110th anniversary of Chen's birth, featuring the latest research progress and results in soil science and microbiology. Additionally, the college organized a photo exhibition at the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement.
Chen's students funded the "Chen Huagui Scholarship" to support and reward outstanding students at the university on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Chen's birth in 2014.
Tang Tang, co-chairman and general manager of Wuhan Metware Biotechnology Inc, and Shi Shijun, chairman and general manager of Wuhan Shijijinhui Agricultural Science and Technology Co Ltd, were invited to receive donation certificates from Yang Renhai, secretary-general of the HZAU Education Development Foundation, in gratitude for their support of the university's development and their care for the students.
Yang Renhai (R), secretary general of the HZAU Education Development Foundation, awards donation certificates to alumni Tang Tang and Shi Shijun on July 19.
Gao Chi, secretary of the CPC HZAU Committee, delivered a speech on Chen's life and spiritual world. He emphasized the importance of promoting the spirit of educators and scientists in HZAU in order to advance the university’s development.
Gao Chi, secretary of the CPC HZAU Committee, emphasizes the importance of Chen's spirit on July 19.
Chen proposed the concept of "sustainable agriculture" and advocated paying attention to both environmental and economic benefits. He was also deeply concerned about local economy.
He was the first teacher at HZAU to use original English textbooks and adopt bilingual teaching. In the 1980s, he also proposed that faculty members should be employed on a contract basis.
Chen believed that talents should not only develop comprehensively but also specialize in their fields and contribute to the discipline development.
He also advocated for expanding basic scientific knowledge and fostering students' innovative thinking and independent working abilities.
