Technological innovation—on our journey...

On January 9, the annual National Science and Technology Awards Ceremony was solemnly held in Beijing. The Ministry of Natural Resources had three projects awarded the 2016 National Natural Science Award and the National Science and Technology Progress Award, and one collaborating expert received the People's Republic of China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. This recognition from the CPC Central Committee and the State Council for the innovative achievements in natural resource science and technology not only highlights the vigorous vitality of scientific and technological innovation in the field of natural resources within the nation’s innovation-driven development strategy but also underscores its significant contributions to the country’s overall progress.

For a long time, innovation in geological science and technology has been an essential component of the nation’s overall scientific and technological innovation. It has played a vital role in areas such as the exploration of energy and mineral resources, understanding and mitigating natural disasters, and protecting the geological environment. Moreover, it has an irreplaceable contribution to humanity’s quest to unlock Earth’s mysteries and promote its own sustainable development. The award-winning projects and individuals we’re introducing today are no exception: some have tackled the world-class challenge of the Yanshanian magmatic eruption during the intra-plate period in eastern China, powerfully driving breakthroughs in the exploration for copper and polymetallic deposits in eastern China; others have broken through technical barriers in whole-crust exploration and deep-level metallic ore prospecting, conducting deep subsurface exploration for the first time in China’s metallogenic belts and ore concentration zones, thus achieving breakthroughs in deep-sea mineral exploration; still others have filled several domestic technological gaps, including in airborne gravity measurement, marking a leap forward in China’s core airborne geophysical technologies; and yet others have given concrete substance to Sino-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation, facilitating the establishment of the UNESCO International Karst Research Center in China...

Every innovation is the fruit of wisdom—born from the dedicated practice and continuous exploration of countless science and technology professionals. Even more admirable, however, is the scientific spirit that scientists have consistently upheld and steadfastly maintained throughout their careers. Today, as the nation’s call for technological innovation rings out loud and clear, and as the “Three Deep and One Soil” banner flies high within the land and resources sector, geoscientists across the board must firmly raise the banner of independent innovation and forge ahead with high spirits and unyielding determination.

Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award

Large-Scale Mineralization Dynamics Model of the Yan Shan Period within the Eastern China Plate Interior

Principal Contributors and Affiliations

Mao Jingwen (Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences), Chen Bin (Peking University), Xie Guiqing (Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences)

Chief Scientist: Mao Jingwen

Project Overview

Addressing the world-class challenge of the massive Yanshanian magmatic event and associated mineralization in the intra-continental region of eastern China, this project has achieved innovative results through 15 years of research, developed new mineralization theories, and significantly boosted major breakthroughs in mineral exploration and prospecting.

It is well known that intraplate mineralization on a global scale is typically small in size and usually associated with rift zones and mantle plume structures. However, during the Yanshan period in eastern China, neither such tectonic settings nor the narrow, elongated ore belts characterized by “trench-arc-basin” configurations were observed. Instead, extensive, large-scale intraplate mineralization occurred over an area exceeding 1,000 kilometers. This project has broken through the conventional understanding that intraplate mineralization is driven solely from within the plate itself, revealing that the Yanshan-period intraplate mineralization in eastern China was controlled by interactions among lithospheric blocks at the plate margins. As a result, a dynamic model of intraplate mineralization during the Yanshan period in eastern China has been established and has been internationally recognized by peers as the "Mao et al.’s Model."

Main innovation points

Multi-stage superposition: The large-scale, intra-plate mineralization event during the Yanshan Period exhibits a multi-stage character. Specifically, the timing of mineralization in South China and North China is broadly consistent, spanning two distinct stages: the Middle to Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (165±5 Ma to 135 Ma) — hereafter referred to as the Early Stage — and the Late Early Cretaceous to Early Late Cretaceous (135 Ma to 80 Ma) — hereafter referred to as the Late Stage. In addition, a mineralization event dating from 180 Ma to 165 Ma has also been identified in the northeastern region.

Superposition of multiple tectonic regimes: In the early stage, mineralization formed under a compressional tectonic regime, controlled by the low-angle oblique subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate beneath the continental margin. Within the continent, porphyry copper systems developed along various block-boundary zones, associated with crust-mantle hybrid magmas triggered by slab tearing. In the back-arc extension zone along the continental margin, tungsten-tin-molybdenum-lead-zinc polymetallic deposits were formed, closely related to crustal-derived granites induced by bottom-up intrusion of asthenospheric mantle-derived magmas; the ore-controlling structures are located at the intersections of east-west and northeast-trending faults. In the later stage, mineralization occurred under an extensional tectonic regime, linked to the north-northeast-directed strike-slip motion and subsequent lithospheric thinning of the Paleo-Pacific plate during its post-subduction phase. The mineralization types exhibit great diversity, with massive mineral deposits forming in extensional basins. Between 180 Ma and 165 Ma in Northeast China, mineralization responded to the southeastward subduction and collision of the Okhotsk Ocean plate.

Mineral-forming materials originate from multiple sources: The sources of these minerals have been identified as mantle-derived, crust-mantle hybrid, or crust-derived. Spatially, the sources exhibit zonal and band-like distributions. Moreover, it has been found that mantle fluids play a role in the formation process of some ore deposits. Additionally, a novel approach has been proposed: the Re content in molybdenite can serve as an effective indicator of material sources.

Mineral deposits are concentrated in limited geological units: Large-scale mineral clusters have been identified, accounting for approximately 5% of the area within metallogenic belts yet holding as much as 95% of the total resource endowment. These mineral clusters occur precisely in the structurally favorable zones mentioned above. Based on a detailed analysis of the spatiotemporal structure and material composition of these mineral clusters, eight ore deposit models have been established, which can serve as valuable guidelines for mineral exploration and prospecting.

Application of Results

The China Geological Survey has carried out mineral exploration deployments using the intra-plate metallogenic dynamic model of the Yanshan Period in eastern China and ore deposit models for eight mineral-concentrated areas, achieving a major breakthrough in the exploration for copper and polymetallic deposits. The Mineral Exploration Technology Guidance Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources has leveraged scientific findings—including the intra-plate metallogenic mechanical model, mineral-concentrated area ore deposit models, and key exploration indicators—to conduct systematic exploration in integrated exploration zones, resulting in significant breakthroughs in deep and peripheral exploration around existing mines. Based on new discoveries made in 2006 under this project, the Henan Provincial Institute of Geology has confirmed the Yiku ultra-large molybdenum deposit (with metal reserves totaling 1.71 million tons, equivalent to 17 large-scale molybdenum deposits). Moreover, by applying the Luanchuan mineral-concentrated area model, the institute has discovered and confirmed a series of large and ultra-large molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, and silver deposits in western Henan Province.

Chief Voice

Intraplatic large-scale mineralization represents a world-class scientific challenge. Our research team has conducted long-term, in-depth studies on the large-scale Yanshan-period intraplatonic mineralization in eastern China, an area stretching over 1,000 kilometers wide. We have broken through the traditional view that the driving force behind intraplatonic mineralization originates entirely within the plate itself, discovering instead that the large-scale Yanshan-period intraplatonic mineralization in eastern China is controlled by the interactions among blocks along the plate margins. We have innovatively developed a dynamic model of intraplatonic mineralization, which has been dubbed the "Mao et al.’s Model" by our international peers. These findings have been extensively cited by renowned scientists both at home and abroad, and several of our innovative insights have received high praise.

The project’s research has identified three key characteristics of large-scale, intra-plate mineralization during the Yanshan Period in eastern China: (1) two-stage superimposed mineralization—mineralization occurred in two distinct phases, with the early phase forming under a compressional tectonic regime and involving massive concentrations of minerals at the intersection of NE-trending and E-W-trending faults; the late phase formed under an extensional tectonic regime, with major mineral deposits concentrated primarily in extensional basins; (2) mineralization resulted from the aggregation of materials sourced from multiple origins, exhibiting spatial zoning and zonation in terms of mineral source regions; furthermore, it was found that mantle fluids played a role in the formation process of certain ore deposits; and (3) the Re content in molybdenite can serve as an effective indicator of material sources. The project has developed deposit models for eight mineral concentration zones in eastern China, achieving remarkable success in mineral exploration and prospecting practice.

Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award

Aerogeophysical Exploration Technology System

Principal contributor

Xiong Shengqing, Wang Ping, Chen Bin, Zhou Xihua, Zhou Jianxin, Ge Liangquan, Xue Dianjun, Duan Shuling, Wu Meiping, Lin Jun, Liu Haojun, Fan Zhengguo, Guo Zhihong, Guo Dahai, Ge Xiaoli

Chief Scientist: Xiong Shengqing

Primary completing unit

China National Center for Airborne Geophysical and Remote Sensing, Chengdu University of Technology, National University of Defense Technology of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Jilin University

Project Overview

The focus of energy resource exploration in China has shifted to areas characterized by complex geological conditions, deep subsurface regions, and new exploration frontiers. Existing exploration technologies can no longer meet the growing demands. Enhancing the resolution, detection depth, and efficiency of airborne geophysical exploration systems to enable rapid, high-resolution surveys has become a major theoretical and technological challenge in both domestic and international airborne geophysical exploration fields. Relying on a key project under the “863” Program and in conjunction with geological survey missions, this project brings together industry, academia, research institutions, and the military. A total of 51 research teams have joined forces to independently develop a complete set of advanced and practical airborne geophysical exploration systems and technologies, filling several domestic gaps and achieving engineering-scale applications. This breakthrough has significantly accelerated the leap-forward development of China’s airborne geophysical technology and equipment.

Main innovation points

Four theoretical and principled issues, including the working principle of a new-type airborne gravimeter, have been resolved, providing theoretical support for the development of airborne geophysical exploration instruments, research into related methods and technologies, and their practical applications.

We have broken through 20 key technologies, including high-power electromagnetic transmission in the time domain, and developed nine core instruments and eight supporting instruments. Additionally, we have integrated six airborne geophysical exploration systems based on different single-method techniques.

A GeoProbe geophysical software platform supporting secondary development has been developed. This platform integrates a geophysical data processing and interpretation system that enables the simultaneous handling of gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic, and gamma-ray spectral parameters on a single platform, thus facilitating large-scale engineering applications.

Three integrated multi-method exploration systems, including an airborne gravity/magnetic/remote sensing comprehensive exploration system, have been incorporated to develop a comprehensive airborne geophysical and remote sensing exploration approach, thereby establishing a “air-ground integrated” rapid mineral exploration technology system.

Application of Results

Comprehensive application in geological and mineral exploration: The integrated technology developed for this project has been applied across 26 survey areas—including Qinghai, Hebei, and the Yellow Sea—enabling airborne geophysical surveys covering a total of 1.4549 million kilometers. Exploration expenditures exceeded 530 million yuan. Subsequent follow-up work has led to the discovery of more than 10 large iron and polymetallic deposits, as well as abundant prospecting information.

The airborne gamma-ray spectrometer has achieved mass production and is being applied to environmental radiation surveys and assessments. The product has won bids three times, defeating similar foreign products, and accounted for 80% of the market share for this product in 2013 and 2014. It was also deployed for emergency monitoring following the 2009 North Korean nuclear test and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, making significant contributions to the establishment of China’s comprehensive, multi-dimensional nuclear emergency monitoring system.

Nationwide promotion and application of the software: The GeoProbe Mager software has been deployed in 135 institutions, with a total of 738 sets installed. It is widely used in production, scientific research, and teaching activities, saving over 100 million yuan in procurement and upgrade costs.

Promotion and Application of Technical Standards and Test Sites: The industry standard “Technical Specifications for Aeronautical Magnetic Survey” and 10 other technical requirements, including “Technical Requirements for Aeronautical Gravity Measurement,” have been widely adopted and applied. The geophysical test site developed and established provides a scientific and foundational platform for instrument calibration, testing, methodological research, and integrated applications. The key research outcomes of this project are primarily reflected in significant indirect and potential economic benefits.

Application and Benefit Status: The project’s overall achievements have been fully implemented and widely adopted in geological and mineral resource surveys across the country, becoming a crucial piece of equipment and technology. High-precision airborne geophysical and remote-sensing data covering 780,000 square kilometers have been acquired in 26 regions nationwide, leading to the identification of 6,051 airborne geophysical anomalies, 246 prospective mineral exploration targets, and 55 favorable areas for oil and gas exploration. Subsequent follow-up work has resulted in the discovery of more than 10 large-scale iron and polymetallic deposits—including the Kendekke deposit—in provinces such as Qinghai and Hebei, with proven iron ore reserves exceeding 3 billion tons. This has generated indirect economic benefits of 680 million yuan and potential economic benefits exceeding 1 trillion yuan, thereby supporting the nation’s strategic initiative for breakthroughs in mineral exploration. The software developed under this project has become a standard tool for data processing and quality assessment within the industry. Moreover, the project’s findings have also found applications in other fields, such as radiation environmental assessment and military operations.

Chief Voice

Aerogeophysical exploration is the most efficient, rapid, and environmentally friendly modern exploration technology for achieving breakthroughs in mineral resource discovery. However, due to long-term restrictions and monopolies imposed by foreign countries on sensitive high-tech technologies, the development of this technology has been slow, let alone its large-scale application. To break through this bottleneck, the project brought together 51 domestic research teams to collaboratively tackle key challenges, conducting innovative research across the entire chain—from theoretical foundations and technological advancements to equipment, methods, and practical applications. The project has made breakthroughs in a number of major theoretical and fundamental issues, such as the principles underlying a new type of airborne gravity meter, and has successfully mastered critical technologies for the development of core airborne magnetic, electromagnetic, and gravity instruments and equipment. Moreover, it has independently developed a comprehensive exploration system—including China’s first domestically produced airborne magnetic, electromagnetic, gravity, and radioactivity exploration equipment—as well as the GeoProbe geophysical data processing and interpretation system. This project has filled numerous domestic gaps, obtained 61 independent intellectual property rights, and reached an overall level that is internationally advanced. It has also preliminarily achieved the localization and engineering application of aerogeophysical exploration technology systems, thereby ending the long-standing reliance on imported equipment for airborne geophysical exploration.

Deep Exploration and Mineral Discovery Breakthrough in the Eastern Section of the Dabie Mountains

Principal contributor

Dong Shuwen, Zhang Huaidong, Jiang Qisheng, Wu Ming'an, Zhang Qianming, Xu Xiaolei, Li Jianshe, Lü Qingtian, Zhou Taofa, Lu Sanming, Chen Guoguang, Wang Jionghui, Yu Guangling, Chu Guozheng, Wang Bohua

Chief Scientist: Dong Shuwen

Primary completing unit

Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Anhui Provincial Bureau of Geological and Mineral Exploration, East China Metallurgical Geology Exploration Bureau, Anhui Public Interest Geological Survey Management Center, Nanjing Geological Survey Center of the China Geological Survey, Hefei University of Technology, China Minmetals Exploration & Development Co., Ltd., Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences

Project Overview

The eastern section of the Dabie Mountains—encompassing the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the northern Huaiyang region—is the most important mineral resource base and industrial corridor in eastern China. Due to its complex ore-forming conditions, mineral exploration has long been stalled. Achieving a breakthrough in mineral exploration here poses both significant challenges and great potential for demonstration effects.

Focusing closely on three major challenges—breaking through deep-probing technologies, identifying deep-seated ore-controlling factors, and achieving breakthroughs in deep mineral exploration—the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, together with the Anhui Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, the East China Metallurgical Geological Exploration Bureau, and other institutions, has mobilized hundreds of scientific and technological personnel. Through collaborative efforts among industry, academia, research, and application, and with joint support from the national “973” Program, science and technology support initiatives, and special funds from both central and provincial governments, they have spent over a decade completing deep-probing surveys covering 40,000 square kilometers along the eastern section of the Dabie Mountains, conducting regional geological surveys across 120,000 square kilometers, and drilling 775 medium- to deep-level boreholes totaling 630,000 meters in length, with cumulative investments approaching 1 billion yuan. As a result, they have made new advances in ore-forming theories and exploration technologies, achieving significant breakthroughs in deep mineral exploration.

Main innovation points

We have achieved breakthroughs in whole-crust exploration technology and unveiled multi-level deep-seated ore-controlling mechanisms. By applying an integrated exploration technique led by deep seismic reflection, we have, for the first time in China, conducted crustal structure surveys in metallogenic belts and ore concentration zones, yielding significant scientific discoveries. These findings reveal that regional fracturing at the crust-mantle boundary (the Moho discontinuity) controls metallogenic belts, mantle fluid pathways govern ore concentration zones, and shallow multi-level geological interfaces regulate the localization of ore deposits—unveiling the deep-seated mechanisms underlying these processes. We have also innovated seismic techniques for metallic mineral exploration, developed a new “fluid-alteration mapping” approach, and established a comprehensive deep-exploration technology system featuring “integrated exploration and three-dimensional mapping,” thereby breaking through technical barriers in deep-level metallic mineral exploration.

A new understanding of regional “mineralization transition” has been proposed, enriching the theory of intracontinental mineralization. The dynamic background of regional mineralization has been systematically elucidated, and a novel perspective on two-stage mineralization—characterized by lithospheric delamination and magmatic mineralization occurring against the backdrop of a transition from compression to extension during the Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous and at the boundary between the Early and Late Cretaceous—has been put forward. Furthermore, three distinct mineralization systems and three typical mineralization models have been established for different tectonic settings within continental interiors, laying a solid theoretical foundation for deep-sea mineral exploration.

An effective mineral exploration model and a combination of deep-exploration technologies have been established, leading to the continuous discovery of deep-seated ore deposits. In the fault-uplift zones, the exploration approach—comprising the “Five-Communication Interface—Fold Axial Zone—Porphyry Intrusion,” the “Fluid-Alteration Center,” and the “Overlap of Induced Polarization + Geochemical Anomalies”—has enabled the discovery of the Yaojialing super-large zinc-gold deposit (located at depths exceeding 500 meters). In the fault-depression zones, the exploration technique combination of “Tectonic Uplift + Subvolcanic Rocks” and “Simultaneous High Values in Gravity and Magnetic Data for Precise Location + Reflection Seismics for Depth Determination” has led to the discovery of the Xiaobaozhuang iron deposit (at depths exceeding 1,500 meters). In the northern Huaiyang region, the exploration approach—integrating “Porphyry-Type Deposits,” “Geochemical Mapping + Fluid-Alteration Mapping + Electromagnetic Methods”—has facilitated the discovery of the Shapingou molybdenum deposit, the world’s second-largest deposit at a depth of 600 meters.

A breakthrough has been achieved in deep mineral exploration, opening up a “second exploration frontier.” In the eastern section of the Dabie Mountains, 11 large to ultra-large concealed ore deposits ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters in depth have been newly discovered, including the world-class Shapinggou molybdenum deposit. The proven resource reserves are as follows: 2.63 million tons of molybdenum, 2.82 million tons of copper, 3.04 million tons of zinc, 910,000 tons of lead, 144 tons of gold (including associated gold), 640 million tons of iron, 43,000 tons of silver, 97,000 tons of tungsten, and 140 million tons of pyrite.

Application of Results

In the regions of our country with the highest exploration intensity, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in identifying a “second prospecting space” at depth, which hold great potential for wider application. The findings were incorporated into and applied in the National Deep-Exploration Prospecting Vision Plan formulated by the China Geological Survey in 2007, and subsequently promoted and implemented in pilot deep-exploration projects that were launched. In recent years, the widespread adoption of this deep-exploration technology has facilitated major breakthroughs in deep-prospecting efforts within key metallogenic belts and mineral concentration areas—particularly in South China, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the northeastern old mining regions—leading to a series of significant deep-prospecting discoveries and the identification of numerous deep-seated resources, thereby substantially enhancing our nation’s resource security. The discovery of the Shapingou super-large molybdenum deposit has rewritten the historical narrative that the northern Huaiyang-East segment of the Dabie Mountains had no large-scale mineral deposits, and as a result, this area has become a new, nationally designated integrated exploration zone.

We have deepened theoretical research and innovation on the metallogenic processes in the fore- and back-arc regions of the Dabie orogenic belt, thereby enriching continental metallogenic theory. To date, we have published 145 representative papers, including 50 indexed in SCI, 2 indexed in the CPCI-S database, 15 indexed in EI, and 78 indexed in CSCD—the China Science Citation Database.

Chief Voice

For more than a decade, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the Anhui Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources have been conducting continuous exploratory research on deep-probing technologies. They have achieved a major breakthrough in decoupling the crust-mantle transition zone within large-scale mineralization belts, resulting in innovative theories on deep-seated mineralization processes. This has led to significant progress in identifying a “second exploration frontier” in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River mineral belt. Eleven large- and extra-large metallic ore deposits have been newly discovered at depths ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters, revealing the enormous potential for deep-seated mineral exploration in central and eastern China and marking the beginning of China’s deep-probing mineral exploration efforts.

The core achievement of this project is the elucidation of deep-seated ore-forming patterns governed by multi-level ore-control sequences: the tearing and decoupling at the crust-mantle transition zone controls mineralization belts; mantle fluid channels govern ore concentration zones; and specific geological interfaces control metallic ore deposits. These findings provide a scientific basis for deep exploration and prediction of mineral resources. The project also introduced the concept of “transitional mineralization,” which posits that the main mineralization stage occurs during the transition from compression to extension, concentrated between 147 Ma and 136 Ma (for porphyry–skarn-type copper-gold deposits) and between 133 Ma and 127 Ma (for volcanic-hydrothermal iron deposits), thereby establishing a spatiotemporal framework for mineral exploration and prediction. Furthermore, the project proposed a technical workflow for deep exploration—“integrated exploration and three-dimensional mapping”—and completed China’s first three-dimensional geological map, thus opening up new avenues for deep mineral exploration and prospecting.

China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award

Chris Grieve

Character Profile

Chris Groves, born in 1958 in Kentucky, USA, currently serves as the Director of the Hoffman Environmental Institute in the Department of Geography and Geology at Western Kentucky University in the United States. He is also the Deputy Director of the Environmental Working Group in the China-U.S. Relations Division at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors and an academic committee member of the International Karst Research Center under UNESCO, and Chair of the U.S. National Committee of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).

Professor Chris Gourley’s primary research areas are hydrogeology and karst environments. He has achieved remarkable accomplishments and developed considerable expertise in karst hydrogeological surveys, dynamic monitoring, model development, ecological environments in karst regions, and the study of the relationship between karst systems and global climate change. Over nearly 30 years, he has accumulated extensive theoretical and practical experience.

The Journey of Cooperation with China

Since 1992, Professor Chris Gully has conducted more than 40 field trips and collaborative research projects in China, helping Chinese scholars advance karst research, cultivate talent, establish specialized laboratories, and introduce cutting-edge international instruments and equipment. He has also recommended and facilitated collaborations between Chinese researchers and internationally renowned experts and scholars. As a result, China has successfully transformed its geographical advantages in karst research into academic strengths, placing China at the forefront of the global karst research community. Ultimately, this led to the establishment of the UNESCO International Karst Research Center in Guilin, China.

Since 1992, Professor Chris Grieve has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and related government departments, enabling him to carry out 29 international-funded projects and 22 projects funded by Western Kentucky University. From 2006 to 2011, as the chief scientist, Professor Chris Grieve led and organized the China-U.S. collaborative project “China Environmental Health Project,” which not only gave concrete substance to Sino-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation but also attracted numerous experts and scholars from other countries to participate, thereby making significant contributions to the development of karst science in China.

We have long been committed to promoting academic exchanges and cooperation between China and karst countries in the Americas, Europe, and Africa, as well as with renowned experts from these regions. We actively publicize the unique strengths of China’s karst research, particularly the four distinctive characteristics of China’s karst development: (1) the ancient and robust nature of carbonate rocks; (2) the influence of a monsoon climate that coincides with hydrothermal activity; (3) intermittent uplift of the Earth’s crust; and (4) the absence of erosion caused by the last glacial period. As a result, we have successfully recommended and attracted numerous internationally acclaimed scientists to come to China and engage in collaborative research.

Relying on international collaborative projects, Professor Chris Gully has made outstanding contributions to the development of China’s karst science over 23 years of tireless effort: He has introduced renowned experts and scholars from the international academic community to exchange and collaborate with Chinese karst research teams. Through lectures on theoretical knowledge, training in technical methods and instrument usage, and joint cultivation of young talents, he has solidified the foundation of China’s karst research and enhanced its capacity for advancement. Taking the U.S. National Development Agency-funded China-U.S. International Science and Technology Cooperation Project “China Environmental Health Project” as a key platform, he has provided China’s karst research with a series of substantial assistance and support, introducing advanced technologies and donating cutting-edge instruments and equipment. By organizing and implementing five consecutive UNESCO International Geoscience Programme IGCP projects, he has fostered deep integration, successfully guiding China’s karst research from merely following and catching up to advancing side by side—and ultimately taking the lead. He has also made persistent efforts to establish the UNESCO International Centre for Karst Research in Guilin, China, making significant contributions to the application, establishment, and operation of the International Centre for Karst Research.

Professor Chris Gully is a friendly ambassador for China-U.S., China-Europe, and China-Africa exchanges and cooperation. With genuine passion, profound scholarship, and tireless dedication, he has devoted over two decades to cultivating a large number of young talents through the imparting of theoretical knowledge and the training of technical methods. His efforts have not only provided China’s karst research community with advanced technical tools and injected powerful momentum into the field but also, via a series of international collaborative projects, offered substantial assistance and support in addressing resource and environmental challenges in China’s southwestern karst region. Professor Gully has successfully facilitated the transformation of China’s karst research—from being regionally advantaged to becoming academically dominant—and has enabled the karst discipline to make a leapfrog development, moving from merely following and keeping pace with others to taking the lead and setting new directions.

Acceptance Speech

I am delighted to receive the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People’s Republic of China—a truly meaningful honor.

International cooperation is particularly crucial in the field of science and technology. Globally, karst regions cover an area of 22 million square kilometers, and karst groundwater serves as the drinking water source for 1.5 billion people worldwide. Since my first exchange with Chinese scientists in 1992, the global karst community has experienced rapid development—especially in China, which, as a major karst country, has achieved leaps and bounds in scientific and technological advancement. The achievements made by the Institute of Karst Geology under the China Geological Survey are sufficient to place it among the world’s leading institutions.

Our collaboration focuses primarily on karst hydrogeology, geochemistry, and karst water resources in Southwest China—a region that is also one of the world’s most typical karst areas. Many representative and critical scientific questions have been systematically addressed and resolved through the joint efforts of scientists from major karst countries including China, the United States, Slovenia, and Brazil, thereby providing crucial support for the socio-economic development of karst regions worldwide.

I have visited China more than 30 times. We’ve built a strong partnership—not only in our professional endeavors but also as genuine friends in our personal lives. Our exchanges in the field of science and technology have been completely open and transparent, which benefits all parties involved. Moving forward, we will continue our work with the same spirit of openness and collaboration. With the establishment of the UNESCO International Karst Research Center in Guilin in 2008 and the official launch of the “Global Karst” International Big Science Program last November, we now have an even better platform for international cooperation.

Finally, as a laureate, I’d like to express my gratitude for the Chinese government’s emphasis on international scientific and technological cooperation. I wish even more scientists from around the world the recognition they deserve, and I warmly invite more international partners to come to China and join us in our collaborative efforts.