From March 26 to 28, the Satellite Navigation 2025 – International Workshop for Young Scientists was successfully held at the conference center of Beihang University. Organized by the journal Satellite Navigation and co-hosted by Beihang University and State Key Laboratory of Spatial Datum, the event gathered over 370 young researchers from 87 institutions across China, including top universities and research institutes. The workshop served as a dynamic platform for exchanging cutting-edge ideas in satellite navigation and showcased the vibrant momentum of innovation in China’s navigation science and technology.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Shi Chuang of Beihang University. Academician Cao Jinbin delivered a welcome address, encouraging young scholars to tackle critical technological challenges with bold thinking and pioneering spirit. Academician Yang Yuanxi highlighted the journal’s rising international influence in Earth sciences and called on young scientists to contribute their creativity to advancing China’s integrated PNT infrastructure. Academician Liu Jingnan emphasized the goals of “inheritance and innovation,” encouraging participants to uphold the Beidou spirit while embracing emerging technologies such as AI and quantum sensing.

The keynote session was moderated by Professor Jin Shuanggen, Vice President of Henan Polytechnic University and Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences. Professor Zhao Feng, Fellow of the International Association of Geodesy, gave a compelling talk titled “Spacecraft Navigation for Earth and Planetary Gravity,” highlighting the role of gravitational science in future navigation systems. Professor Washington Y. Ochieng, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), spoke remotely on “Resilient PNT: Effect, Attention, and Action,” sharing insights on GNSS integrity monitoring, machine learning integration, quantum PNT, indoor positioning, and vision-based autonomous navigation. Professor Matt King (Australian Research Council) also joined online, presenting “GNSS Observations of Solid Earth Deformation from Tidal to Millennial Timescales,” offering a detailed look at GNSS applications in geophysical research.

The workshop featured four thematic sessions: “Resilient PNT and Beidou Augmentation,” “Space Environment Monitoring and Applications,” “Multi-source Fusion and Intelligent Navigation,” and “Geodesy and Geoscience Applications.” A total of 38 oral presentations were delivered, with each session chaired and reviewed by leading academicians who provided in-depth commentary. Thirteen presentations were selected as Outstanding Young Scientist Talks based on their innovation and application potential. Among the 39 poster displays, nine were recognized as Outstanding Posters for their originality and audience engagement. Young researchers actively engaged with experts through Q&A sessions and critiques, gaining new perspectives and building academic consensus.

Companies such as Beijing UniStrong and Guangzhou Geoelectron announced seven technical requirements, reaching cooperative R&D agreements with universities to drive innovation through joint efforts. “This in-depth dialogue between young scientists and academicians not only carries forward the Beidou spirit but also signals a paradigm shift in navigation technologies,” said Professor Jin Shuanggen, Executive Editor of Satellite Navigation.

Through a rich mix of academic presentations, poster exhibitions, and industry matchmaking, the workshop provided an innovative platform integrating interdisciplinary research and collaborative development. As China incorporates Beidou-based large-scale applications into its strategy for new quality productive forces, young scientists are driving advancements in spatiotemporal information services, contributing to China’s vision as a global aerospace leader.

Editor: Tian Zimo