The 2nd China-France Academic Symposium on Carbon Neutrality was held at Beihang University from October 27 to 29. The event was jointly organized by the Sino-French Engineer School of Beihang University and the Beihang-Centrale Group Joint Lab on Carbon Neutralization (BCC Lab).

The symposium attracted over 70 experts and scholars from leading Chinese and French academic and industrial institutions, including Tsinghua University, Beihang University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Civil Aviation University of China, École Centrale de Lyon, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), COMAC, China Aviation Supplies, Schlumberger, among others.

The proceedings commenced on October 27 as a delegation of Chinese and French experts visited Beihang University's Shahe Campus. The visit featured in-depth tours of key laboratories and research platforms dedicated to low-carbon energy and green aviation. Guests observed demonstrations of cutting-edge research facilities and innovative achievements, gaining a comprehensive and practical understanding of Beihang's research capabilities, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation models in carbon neutrality. The visit served as a crucial component of the symposium, fostering deeper interaction between scholars and laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.

On October 28, the core academic agenda commenced at Beihang University's Xueyuan Road Campus. The opening session was co-chaired by Professor Geng Lisheng, Chinese Dean, and Professor Adnane Boukamel, French Dean of the Sino-French Engineer School.

In his opening address, Professor Zhao Weisheng, Vice President of Beihang University, emphasized that in-depth research on carbon neutrality is pivotal for global sustainable development. He highlighted Beihang's commitment to staying at the forefront of science and technology and its significant contributions to the field. Professor Mohamed Ichchou, Head of the CSC-École Centrale Doctorate Program, provided a systematic overview of the program's history and current status. Subsequently, Professor Jérôme Boudet and Professor Fang Le delivered detailed presentations on the construction progress and future plans for the BCC Lab.

The symposium featured keynote speeches from distinguished experts, including Professor Mohamed Ichchou, Dr. Yan Zhenjun, Professor Chen Liming, Professor Pascal Yim, and Associate Professor Huang Xingrong. Their addresses covered critical topics such as low-carbon technologies, the application of artificial intelligence in the low-carbon sector, and the development of the low-carbon industry.

The academic program was further enriched by five parallel sessions focusing on specialized areas: Information Technology, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Advanced Energy & Low-Carbon Technology, Smart Healthcare, and Carbon Neutrality Technology & Policy. More than twenty invited speakers presented their research in these sessions, facilitating vibrant and in-depth discussions among university and industry experts on frontier technologies and application scenarios for achieving carbon neutrality.

Throughout the conference, Chinese and French representatives engaged in strategic discussions to deepen existing collaborative achievements and explore future joint research initiatives. They deliberated on long-term cooperation mechanisms within the carbon neutrality domain.

This symposium holds significant importance for consolidating and expanding China-France scientific and technological cooperation in carbon neutrality. It serves as a vital platform for promoting collaborative innovation, industrial application of relevant technologies, enhancing the global influence of both sides in this critical field, and cultivating cross-cultural, interdisciplinary talent dedicated to carbon neutrality solutions. Looking forward, the organizers will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to make greater contributions toward achieving global carbon neutrality goals.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun