On September 28, 2024, the College of Future Technologies at Northeast Forestry University was officially inaugurated. It is China’s first and only college dedicated to forestry-related future technologies. The college aims to cultivate leading talents in forestry science and innovation to support China’s “dual carbon” strategy and the development of new productive capacities, aligning with the goals of China’s modernization and the “Beautiful China” initiative.

Inauguration Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by Li Jian, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and honorary dean of the College of Future Technologies, along with officials from the Provincial Department of Science and Technology, the Provincial Department of Education, and representatives from other universities like the College of Future Technologies at Northeast University. Leaders from Northeast Forestry University, heads of various departments, and faculty members participated in the event. The college's leadership team, mentors, academic leaders, and student representatives were also present. The ceremony was hosted by Li Mingze, a NEFU’s Party Committee member and vice president of NEFU.

Li Mingze Presides Over the Inauguration Ceremony

Establishing the College of Future Technologies is a strategic decision by NEFU’s Party Committee, aimed at addressing the needs of cutting-edge forestry science and future development. The college will leverage advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies, focusing on three key areas under the “dual carbon” strategy: smart forestry, low-carbon processing and utilization of timber resources, and life sciences and health. By bringing together NEFU’s top educational and research resources, the college aims to cultivate well-rounded leaders in science and technology innovation. It will create a deeply integrated educational system that combines research, education, and industry, fostering high-level talents in forestry science and driving innovation in new productive capacities.

Song Wenlong, president of the university and dean of the College of Future Technologies, delivered a speech during the inauguration ceremony. He emphasized the importance of organized talent cultivation and the need to innovate training methods, offering students diverse and personalized development paths. The goal is to cultivate elite leaders in forestry science and technology to meet the nation’s needs. Song also highlighted NEFU’s commitment to building the college to the highest standards, bringing together top faculty from various disciplines to form research teams that can actively contribute to scientific research and social service. By focusing on national strategies like ecological civilization, the “dual carbon” strategy, and biodiversity conservation, the college will help build Heilongjiang’s modernized “4567” industrial system and a green, low-carbon circular economy, significantly contributing to the region's revitalization.

Speech by President Song Wenlong

Song Wenlong, President of Northeast Forestry University and Dean of the College of Future Technologies, delivered a speech at the inauguration ceremony. He emphasized that green and low-carbon development drives today’s technological revolution and industrial transformation. He stressed the importance of embracing green development, forging new paths, and accelerating the formation of new productive capacities and growth drivers. New technologies will be used to fuel the development of emerging industries. As the fourth industrial revolution unfolds, the College of Future Technologies must remain steadfast in promoting original innovation, integrating education with industry, and fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Song called for perseverance and innovation, urging the college to break new ground and make valuable educational contributions through wisdom and hard work.

Speech by Li Jian

Li Jian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered a speech at the inauguration ceremony. He was joined by several other prominent academicians who sent their congratulations via video, including Wang Shuangfei from Guangxi University, Du Guanben from Southwest Forestry University, Jiang Jianchun from the Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, and Yin Weilin from Beijing Forestry University. Additionally, Sichuan University’s College of Carbon Neutrality Future Technologies sent a congratulatory letter to mark the occasion.

Chen Su, the Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, also extended his congratulations. He pointed out that NEFU possesses rich forestry-related science and education resources, which have provided strong technological support for the province’s forestry development. He emphasized that establishing the College of Future Technologies is a strategic move to address the forefront of forestry science and meet pressing national demands. By fully leveraging its strengths, the college actively contributes to constructing a “Beautiful China.” Chen also hopes the college will focus on integrating artificial intelligence into key areas such as seed industry innovation, forest carbon sinks, and timber processing technology. He encouraged the promotion of innovations in areas like ecosystem monitoring, extensive data integration, and the development of green, low-carbon, intelligent manufacturing systems for wood-based biomass materials, aiming to support the high-quality and sustainable development of Heilongjiang Province.

Speech by Chen Su

Chen Su, Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that establishing the College of Future Technologies at NEFU is a significant step toward addressing the technological frontiers and primary national needs in carbon-neutral forestry. He expressed confidence that the college will continuously nurture and provide high-quality talent for the forestry industry, contributing to the revitalization of Heilongjiang Province. Chen also highlighted the importance of developing specialized programs, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuously innovating talent cultivation methods. He hopes the college will build a high-level teaching team and significantly contribute to China’s strategic goals of becoming a powerhouse in education, talent, and technology.

Speech by Cheng Shuang

NEFU Party Secretary Zhang Zhikun officially announced the establishment of the Future Technology Institute.

Zhang Zhikun Announces the Establishment of the Future Technology Institute

At the unveiling ceremony, Li Jian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Chen Su, Director of the Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Cheng Shuang, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Education; Zhang Zhikun, Party Secretary of NEFU; Song Wenlong, President of NEFU; and Huang Zhanhua, Executive Dean of the Future Technology Institute, jointly unveiled the plaque for the institute.

Unveiling Ceremony of the Future Technology Institute

During the founding conference, the emblem and mascot of the Future Technology Institute were also released.