From November 2nd to 4th, the "National Strategic Symposium on Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Analytical Chemistry" was successfully held in Langzhong, Sichuan. The symposium was supported by the Environmental Chemistry Division of the Department of Chemistry at the National Natural Science Foundation of China, hosted by the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering of Peking University, and co-organized by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of China West Normal University and the School of Environmental Science and Engineering of Southwest Jiaotong University.

The symposium was attended by distinguished guests including Academician Zhang Yuanhang from Peking University, Academician Zhao Jincai from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Liu Wenqing from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Wang Hualin from East China University of Science and Technology, Academician Liu Shaochen from Jinan University, Professor Zhuang Qiankun, Director of the Fourth Division of the Department of Chemistry at the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Comrade Ren Jialiang, Member of the Nanchong Municipal Standing Committee and Vice Mayor, Professor Wang Yuanjun, Secretary of the Party Committee of China West Normal University, Professor Chen Tao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of China West Normal University, and Professor Wang Zheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of Southwest Jiaotong University. The event also brought together over a hundred mid-career and young experts and scholars from universities and research institutions across the country.

The conference facilitated extensive and in-depth discussions on key themes including "measurement techniques for atmospheric free radicals and reactive intermediates, removal and resource recovery technologies for conventional and emerging atmospheric pollutants, toxicity and health effects of atmospheric pollutants, cross-media transport and transformation mechanisms of pollutants, regulation mechanisms of atmospheric oxidizing capacity, and AI applications in the aforementioned research areas." These discussions provided forward-looking perspectives on cutting-edge issues and future trends in the development of environmental chemistry.

During the conference, Academician Zhang Yuanhang addressed the critical topic of "Atmospheric Oxidizing Capacity and Systematic Management of the Atmospheric Environment," elaborating on the current situation and scientific needs, interconnections among environmental issues, research approaches, and bottleneck challenges. He proposed that future research in atmospheric environmental chemistry should focus on the theory of atmospheric oxidizing capacity and the trans-boundary interaction mechanisms of multi-pollutants. Academician Zhao Jincai noted that while environmental chemistry is a traditional discipline, significant strides are being made in the cultivation of top-tier talent, with notable progress already achieved. He encouraged enhanced communication and collaboration to jointly advance the discipline. Academician Liu Wenqing observed that the field of environmental analysis has historically emphasized the development of cutting-edge mass spectrometry techniques, and recommended increased attention to the development of precision optical measurement technologies and their applications in environmental analysis. Academician Wang Hualin proposed a carbon neutrality pathway centered on the "environmental inverse oxidation chemical process" to achieve a carbon-hydrogen energy cycle, highlighting the importance of research in catalytic hydrogenation chemistry. Academician Liu Shaochen shared insights on geoengineering approaches involving stratospheric sulfate aerosol injection for cooling, emphasizing the need for forward-looking research in stratospheric atmospheric environmental chemistry. Director Zhuang Qiankun pointed out the issue of homogenization in young researchers' scientific work. He stressed the need to integrally link the analysis, effects, and control of environmental pollutants, avoiding isolated and fragmented approaches, and advocated for comprehensive research spanning "measurement-effects-control."

The participating experts engaged in lively discussions. Building upon more than twenty thematic presentations, Researcher Chen Jiping from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Lu Keding from Peking University summarized the disciplinary essence and future development directions for environmental analytical chemistry and atmospheric environmental chemistry, respectively. Their insights gained broad recognition among the attendees. To address the issue of research homogenization, the experts collectively proposed a development strategy: "Focus on interdisciplinary integration and deep alignment with national needs; address real-world environments and practical applications, cultivating well-rounded environmental chemists who integrate fundamental research with practical applications."

The conference was chaired by Professor Lu Keding, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice Dean of the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University. Professor Yang Xiupei, Vice Dean of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at China West Normal University, and Professor Gong Zhengjun, Dean of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, served as co-chairs.