(News by Hu Liuyong, Correspondent) On the morning of April 15, at the invitation of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Professor Liu Haichao from Peking University delivered an academic lecture entitled "Efficient Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Chemicals" in Room A314 of the school's conference room. Ji Jiayou, Director of the Party Committee Talent Work Office of the university, attended the event. Faculty representatives from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, and the School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, together with more than 50 faculty members and students from the school, listened to the lecture. The lecture was hosted by Professor Xiong Liwei, Vice Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering.

Focusing on the topic of efficient catalytic conversion of biomass, Professor Liu Haichao systematically introduced a series of research advances in the conversion and utilization of lignocellulose, as well as the catalytic selective hydrogenolysis of glucose and furan derivatives to synthesize important chemicals. He gave a profound elaboration on the critical role of fully utilizing biomass resources in achieving the "carbon neutrality" goal, offering the attending faculty and students clear research ideas and important theoretical references for conducting studies in relevant fields. The lecture was rich in content and distinct in viewpoints, winning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

After the academic lecture, Professor Liu Haichao held a discussion and exchange session with the attending young faculty members. The young teachers who came to learn and exchange ideas spoke enthusiastically, actively sharing their respective research directions and the current bottlenecks they face in their development. Professor Liu patiently answered each question one by one and offered specific and pertinent suggestions.

This lecture not only provided the attending faculty and students with an in-depth understanding of the cutting-edge scientific research developments in relevant fields and broadened their research horizons, but also played a positive role in promoting the development of the materials discipline and academic cooperation and exchange at our university.

Biography of Professor Liu Haichao: Professor and doctoral supervisor at the College of Chemistry, Peking University. He received his D.Eng. from the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Sinopec, in 1996, and has been with the College of Chemistry at Peking University since December 2003. He was awarded the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2008. He currently serves as an editorial board member for journals such as Chinese Journal of Catalysis and Journal of Energy Chemistry, and holds the position of Vice Director of the Catalysis Committee of the Chinese Chemical Society.