Tianjin University Hosts Nature Conference on Chemical Processes for Net-Zero Emissions

Tianjin University successfully hosted the Nature Conference: Chemical Processes towards Net-Zero Emissions from September 20 to 21, 2025, as part of celebrations marking its 130th anniversary and the 100-year milestone of its Chemical Engineering discipline. The event was co-organized with Tianjin Normal University, Xinjiang University, the Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, and supported by Springer Nature Research Journals—Nature Chemical Engineering, Nature Energy, Nature Catalysis, and Nature Sustainability.

The conference focused on pioneering research in chemical engineering aimed at supporting a sustainable, net-zero future, covering topics such as green hydrogen production, alternative fuels, sustainable reaction engineering, and carbon capture and utilization.

The two-day event welcomed 24 renowned academics, 7 editors from Nature journals, and over 300 attendees, including researchers, students, and industry professionals from around the world. Leading chemical technology enterprises also presented their sustainable solutions in exhibitions during the conference.

Keynote presentations were delivered by prominent international figures in chemical engineering, including:

Prof. Jennifer Wilcox, University of Pennsylvania, USA

Prof. Christos Maravelias, Princeton University, USA

Prof. André Bardow, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Prof. Marianthi Ierapetritou, University of Delaware, USA

Prof. Laura Torrente-Murciano, University of Cambridge, UK

Prof. Ib Chorkendorff, Technical University of Denmark

Prof. Zheng Nanfeng, Xiamen University, China

Prof. Andrew Livingston, Queen Mary University of London, UK

These experts shared cutting-edge insights into low-carbon chemical engineering and explored strategies to transform the global chemical industry toward sustainability.

The conference began with an Opening Ceremony chaired by Professor Fan Xiaobin, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University.

Professor Chai Liyuan, President of Tianjin University and an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered the opening address. He emphasized the conference’s role as a platform for collaborative innovation, bridging academia and industry to promote green, low-carbon, and high-quality development.

Professor Gong Jinlong, Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, welcomed participants and highlighted the event’s purpose of fostering inclusive academic exchanges to drive progress toward a zero-carbon future.

A key highlight of the conference was the focus on fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. Experts and participants engaged in thought-provoking dialogues on topics such as sustainable chemical process design and the practical implementation of reaction and separation systems. These sessions emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex challenges and showcased the value of bridging academic research with real-world engineering applications.

Another significant element was the “Meet the Editors” session, where editors from Nature Chemical Engineering, Nature Catalysis, and Nature Sustainability shared valuable insights into the publication process. They provided guidance on submission criteria, publication strategies, and ways to enhance the global impact of scientific research. Young researchers actively participated, exchanging ideas and discussing emerging trends in sustainable chemical engineering, making the session highly interactive and enriching.

The conference also featured a vibrant poster session, where early-career researchers presented their innovative work. Among the 60 posters displayed, the Nature editorial team selected 10 for the Best Poster Awards, celebrating the creativity and research potential of the next generation of scientists. This part of the event reinforced the conference's commitment to nurturing young talent and driving innovation in the field.

In his closing remarks, Professor Fan Xiaobin expressed gratitude to all speakers, editors, participants, and volunteers for their contributions. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to advance the global transition toward sustainability.

The Nature Conference: Chemical Processes towards Net-Zero Emissions served as a critical platform for academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to share insights and strengthen partnerships. It is expected to play a significant role in advancing global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable development.

By the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology

Editor: Eva Yin