Solar energy, with an annual output of 120,000 terawatts, stands as an inexhaustible energy source, largely surpassing global annual energy consumption. Therefore, the development of efficient solar energy utilization technology represents a crucial approach and, even more, it becomes imperative in fostering the sustainable development of human society. On May 7th 2024, in Beijing, China, a thematic symposium on Light Energy Conversion and Bio-utilization convened. The conference was organized by the CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology (CoEBio), which is based at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The symposium attracted over fifty faculty members and students, engaging in enlightening discussions.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Dr. Yanping ZHANG, Director of CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology, delivered an opening speech, elucidating the conference’s significance. She also introduced the event sponsors and outlined the composition of the keynote speakers and attendees. 

In brief, the forum featured academic presentations by Professor Franco M. Cabrerizo, Chair of the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN) and member of the TWAS-LACREP Executive Council, from National University of San Martín (UNSAM) in Argentina and The National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Professor Wolfgang R. Hess from the University of Freiburg, Germany, and Tao HE, a professor from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, CAS.

Professor Franco M. Cabrerizo delivered a presentation entitled "Synergistic Advances in Solar Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation". In this presentation, he highlighted the use of natural pigments to enhance the efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Through in-depth electrochemical and spectroscopic property analysis, he explored their potential in improving DSSC performance. Furthermore, he introduced the development of dual-benefit photoelectrolytic cells, which demonstrate a synergistic effect between solar energy conversion and environmental restoration.

(Pictured: Prof. Franco M. Cabrerizo)

Professor Wolfgang R. Hess presented the academic report "Systematic analyses of cyanobacteria identify novel factors that control the primary metabolism, energy conversion and CO2 fixation." His team systematically studied the molecular regulation mechanisms of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in cyanobacteria under various conditions.

(Pictured: Prof. Wolfgang R. Hess)

Professor Tao HE shared his team's research progress on "Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 into Solar Fuels over Nanocatalysts", discussing the development of semiconductor nanocatalysts that utilize sunlight to drive the fixation and conversion of CO2.

(Pictured: Prof.Tao HE)

During the interactive session of the reports, faculty professors, postdoctoral and doctoral students and scientific staff enthusiastically engaged in discussions on issues related to light energy conversion and bio-utilization within their respective research domains. The subsequent symposium facilitated in-depth exchanges among speakers and the audience across relevant fields, with a concerted effort to explore potential directions and opportunities for collaboration.

Aligned with the mission of continually expanding academic horizons and global influence, the CAS-TWAS CoEBio Centre is dedicated to fostering ongoing academic enrichment. This commitment involves inviting international experts and scholars, with a particular emphasis on engaging TWAS and TYAN researchers from the Global South, to deliver lectures and interact with our scientific and academic community.

(Pictured: A group photo)