On November 21st 2025, the Sino US Polymer Academic Salon was successfully held at South China University of Technology. The theme of this event is Polymers and Circular Economy, aiming to gather top scholars and industry experts worldwide in the polymer field to explore innovative applications and cutting-edge technologies of polymers in sustainable development, and to build a high-end exchange platform for promoting the development of the polymer industry under the circular economy model.
Speech by Wu Bo, Vice President of South China University of Technology
Speech by Stephen Z.D. Cheng, Dean of the School of Emergent Soft Matter, SCUT
At the opening ceremony, Vice President Wu Bo of South China University of Technology warmly welcomed the attending guests on behalf of the university. He briefly introduced the profound background and outstanding achievements of the university in the field of polymer research, emphasizing that South China University of Technology, as a Double World Class Category-A university, has performed excellently in several world university rankings, and our polymer science ranks among the top in the world. He pointed out that the theme of this event is timely and critical. He hopes all participants to engage actively, forge new connections, and inspire one another.
Stephen Z.D. Cheng, Dean of the School of Emergent Soft Matter, welcomed American scholars and stated that this academic salon is of great significance, which not only helps to rebuild the relationship and cooperation between the two sides, but also symbolizes the future of technology. In his speech, he recalled his previous work experience with his American counterparts, which, although long ago, was still fresh in his memory. He encourages young scholars to take this activity as an opportunity to strengthen in-depth exchanges, believing that it will be of great benefit to everyone's future and career. In the end, he wishes the visiting scholars a pleasant time in Guangzhou.
In the keynote speech section, renowned scholars from the United States and outstanding young scholars from China brought exciting academic exchange. Cristina Urdaneta Thomas, Chair of the American Chemical Society – Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering Division, presented the strategic direction and leadership ideas for sustainable development in the polymer field at a macro level under the title Driving Sustainable Innovation: The Leadership Perspective of ACS PMSE Chair 2025. Professor Bradley D. Olsen from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology presented a talk titled New Methods for Classifying Recyclable Polymers, providing new insights into addressing the challenges of polymer recycling. Professor Orlando J. Rojas from the University of British Columbia, Professor Jessica D. Schiffman from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Dr. Yuanqiao Rao from Dow Chemical Company also shared their latest research results on topics such as multiphase systems and biomanufacturing of nano polysaccharides, design of polymer membranes for next-generation liquid separation, and polymer microbe interactions from molecular structure to microbial evolution.
Professors Wang Haobing, Tang Wen, Dong Xuexue, Lin Zhiwei, Jiang Lingxiang, Huang Mingjun, Zhou Jiajia, Zhang Zhen, and others from South China University of Technology also conducted in-depth discussions on topics such as sphere stacking in block copolymers, unlocking single chiral carbon nanotubes using DNA, controllable emulsification of condensed systems, development of new ferroelectric polymers, capillary filling of polymer chains in nanopores, and synthesis and application of biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates.
This event has not only provided a platform for global polymer scholars to exchange ideas and collaborate, but also infused new vitality into industry’s sustainable development. We are confident that with the joint efforts of all parties, the polymer sector will embrace a greener, more innovative, and sustainable future.