Exploring Sustainable Solutions: Highlights from the 24th Pacific Science Congress

The 24th Pacific Science Congress commenced in Shantou, Guangdong on November 21st, under the theme "Towards a Sustainable Future." The Congress brought together around 800 scientific researchers from over 150 academic institutions and organizations across 18 countries and regions worldwide. The Pacific Science Association (PSA), established in 1920, is a comprehensive international scientific organization spanning fields such as oceanography, environment, climate, health, and society. Its quadrennial Pacific Science Congress serves as a vital platform for global scientists to collaborate and exchange ideas. This year's Congress is hosted by the Pacific Science Association and jointly organized by Shantou University, Xiamen University, and the China Committee of the Pacific Science Association.

Prof. Kenneth Leung, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health (SKLMEH) and director of the Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM) Programme, along with Dr. Chong Chen, a Research Fellow at SKLMEH, and SKLMEH PhD students, Ms. Demilade T. Adedipe and Ms. Ruolan Jia, participated in the conference.

Prof. Kenneth Leung, in partnership with Prof. Wenhua Liu from Shantou University and Prof. Ling Cao from Xiamen University, chaired Session 11 on Coastal and Ocean Health. Prof. Leung presented on "An integrated approach to combating marine biodiversity loss."

Dr. Chong Chen shared insights on "Recent progress of the GEM programme," while Ms. Adedipe presented the latest research findings from the GEM Programme, "Unraveling the chemical profile of emerging contaminants in rivers and estuaries using a novel passive sampler."

Ms. Ruolan Jia's poster, titled "Effects thresholds and predicted no effect concentrations of ten common pharmaceuticals for protecting saltwater organisms," highlighted the latest advancements in toxicological research within the GEM Programme.

During the conference, the GEM Programme showcased its accomplishments over the past five years and engaged in extensive discussions regarding the upcoming phase two. Through these exchanges, the conference facilitated collaborative problem-solving, enhanced regional scientific collaboration mechanisms, promoted international scientific and technological exchanges and trust, and contributed to fostering a shared academic community in the Asia-Pacific region.