On March 12, 2025, Academician Liu Congqiang and Professor Zhu Jialei of Tianjin University accompanied by their delegation, visited Tsinghua University's Department of Earth System Science (DESS-THU) upon the invitation of Academician Chen Deliang. The guests were warmly received by DESS leadership including Academician Chen Deliang, Dean Luo Yong, Party Committee Secretary Geng Rui, and over ten disciplinary leaders, who convened in Conference Room 2-1103 of the Ziqiang Science and Technology Building for in-depth academic discussions.

During the meeting, Academician Liu Congqiang delivered a comprehensive presentation on the School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University (SESS-TJU), introducing its establishment context, evolution trajectory, strategic objectives, and future development roadmap. Centered on the core mission of addressing global environmental challenges and serving humanity's sustainable development, SESS-TJU is committed to advancing Earth system science through deep interdisciplinary integration while training high-caliber talents for Earth system science equipped with global perspectives, innovative capabilities, and practical expertise. Academician Chen expressed strong endorsement of SESS-TJU's educational philosophy, engaging in profound discussions with Academician Liu Congqiang concerning foundational concepts such as "complex systems," achieving multiple consensuses on future development prospects and collaborative directions for earth system science.

Dean Luo Yong provided an in-depth overview of the Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University (DESS-THU), including its historical evolution, founding principles, disciplinary development, research breakthroughs, and strategic visions. Since its inception, DESS-THU has been steadfastly pursuing cutting-edge research in Earth system science while addressing critical national strategic needs, establishing a comprehensive interdisciplinary research system. In recent years, the department has achieved a series of internationally recognized breakthroughs across domains including Earth system model development, climate change mitigation strategies, ecosystem evolution mechanisms, and sustainable development pathways, and cultivated a number of outstanding geoscientists equipped to tackle global environmental challenges. By providing innovative scientific solutions grounded in rigorous research, DESS-THU continues to exemplify academic leadership in addressing climate crises and fostering sustainable futures.

A group photo of the meeting. From left to right are Yang Jun, Guan Dabo, Zhu Jialei, Lin Yanluan, Luo Yong, Liu Congqiang, Chen Deliang, Geng Rui, Zhang Qiang, Lu Hui and Yang Kun.

This exchange has established a vital platform for intellectual dialogue and strategic collaboration for the sole two departments of Earth System Science (ESS) in China's higher education landscape. Through intensive discussions, the two institutions have achieved profound alignment on ESS disciplinary development blueprints and forward-looking research directions, while initiating exploratory discussions on innovative talent cultivation models. The two sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaborative ties, vowing to jointly elevate China's international academic standing and impact in ESS domains. Beyond fostering mutual understanding, this engagement has cemented foundational groundwork for future substantive partnerships, marking a transformative stride toward pioneering collaborative innovation in ESS research and education.

Written by Yu Ruiqi

Edited by Wang Jiayin

Reviewed by Geng Rui