On July 27, the “Forum on Women in Sustainability Research,” hosted by Nature Sustainability and the State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), was held in the reception hall of the main building at Tsinghua University. The event was attended by Monica Contestabile, the Chief Editor of Nature Sustainability, Ye Yin, Associate Editor of Nature Sustainability, Liu Shuming, Dean of School of Environment, Tsinghua University, ten outstanding women scientists, and nearly a hundred faculty members and students from both within and outside the university. Ye Gan chaired the meeting.

Group photo of the attendees

In his speech, Liu Shuming remarked that female scientists have made significant contributions to advancing technological innovation in sustainable development, addressing environmental issues, and promoting social justice. He expressed his respect for all the female scientists who have contributed to sustainability research.

Liu Shuming delivers a speech

Ten women scientists from Tsinghua University, Peking University, University of Hong Kong, Nanjing University, Renmin University of China, and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China shared their research on “Women in Sustainability.” Huang Xia, SKJLESPC Director and Professor at the School of Environment, Tsinghua University, first introduced the latest research advancements in combining membrane technology with biological and chemical processes. This research focuses on recovering clean water, energy, and nutrients from wastewater, driving a transformation in wastewater treatment. Subsequently, reports were presented by Zhang Yingying from Tsinghua University, Zhang Xiaoling from the University of Hong Kong, Liu Sitong from Peking University, Liu Beibei from Nanjing University, Liu Huijuan from Tsinghua University, Tong Dan from Tsinghua University, Tao Yuan from Renmin University of China, Zheng Tingting from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and Wang Xiaonan from Tsinghua University. They covered a range of topics, including sustainable materials for smart wearable devices, carbon reduction in wastewater nitrogen removal processes, resource recovery from wastewater, sustainable transformation of global energy infrastructure, and achieving sustainable development through materials innovation in AI.

After the reports, Monica Contestabile led an in-depth discussion on the key roles and contributions of women in the field of sustainable development. Each participant shared their experiences, enriching the discussion with unique perspectives and professional expertise, and offering valuable ideas for achieving sustainability goals.

Discussion session

In her concluding remarks, Monica Contestabile stated that the contributions of women to research and practice in sustainable development should not be overlooked. Their expertise, innovative thinking, and leadership are helping the world move towards a greener, more equitable, and sustainable future. As more women become involved in this field, the sustainable development goals will become increasingly achievable.