Introduction to the Lecture

Geoscience is a discipline dedicated to studying the formation and evolution of the Earth, encompassing both fundamental and applied dimensions. Research in geoscience not only deepens our understanding of profound human questions such as "Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?" and advances foundational theories like plate tectonics to elucidate the Earth's dynamic processes, but also consistently addresses the fundamental needs of human survival. Consequently, geoscience is intricately interwoven with the progression of human civilization. The author introduces three criteria for assessing contributions to the advancement of human civilization and, based on these, explores the historical impact of geoscience on the development of human civilization, uncovering the underlying logical principles. This analysis aims to further enhance the societal relevance of geoscience, enabling it to assume an even more significant role in shaping the future of civilization.

This report consists of three parts:

(1) The historical contributions of geoscience to human civilization

(2) Reflections and insights to share with the audience

(3) The role of geoscience in future societal development

Profile of the Speaker

Researcher at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Geological Society of America, Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, and Fellow of the Geochemical Society. Currently serving as the President-elect of the Chinese National Committee for International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, and Supervisor of the Chinese Society for Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry; Member of the Expert Advisory Committee of the Geosciences Division of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Member of the Specialized Committee on Resources, Ecology, and Environment of the Academic Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Member of the First Chang'e-5 Lunar Sample Expert Committee of the China National Space Administration, and Field Scientist for the Phase IV Lunar Exploration Program. He is mainly engaged in research on mantle petrology and Earth's habitability, with innovative insights into the destruction of the North China Craton, the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, the East Asian mantle wedge, and studies of lunar samples from Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6. Honors include the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award (2011, 2020) and the 2023 Guangdong Provincial Outstanding Contribution Award in Science and Technology.