From August 4th to 6th, the 3rd Forest Tree Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Conference (FTMB) was held in Harbin. It was organized by Northeast Forestry University (NEFU) and hosted by the State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding. The conference drew approximately 200 scholars from over 10 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Brazil, South Africa, and Japan. As a platform connecting domestic and international forestry researchers, the symposium played an active role in promoting cross-regional exchanges, collaborations, and the transformation of research outcomes, thus contributing to global ecological protection and the sustainable development of forestry.

The conference aimed to engage in in-depth discussions on significant, critical, and cutting-edge scientific issues in the field of forest tree molecular biology. It further strengthened exchanges and cooperation between domestic researchers in forest tree molecular biology and biotechnology and their international counterparts. The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Jiang Liquan, an academician of the International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS) and professor at NEFU’s State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding. Song Wenlong, President of NEFU, delivered a welcoming address.

Professor Jiang Liquan Hosting the Opening Ceremony

Song Wenlong expressed his warm congratulations on the successful convening of the conference. He introduced the basic situation of NEFU and extended a sincere welcome to the experts, scholars, and guests from abroad. He pointed out that the theme of this year’s conference, “Forest Biotechnology: From Laboratory to Field Application Prospects,” accurately captures the pulse of global forestry science and technology development. The translation of laboratory results into practical productivity is the core issue in current international forestry science and technology innovation. Song Wenlong hoped that the experts would engage in in-depth discussions on these key directions, share the latest results, spark new ideas, and collaboratively develop a comprehensive blueprint from theoretical innovation to practical application. As the host, NEFU would wholeheartedly provide enthusiastic and thoughtful service, building an open, inclusive, and effective academic exchange platform. This conference will also provide an essential opportunity for deepened cooperation and development in the global forest biotechnology field. Through the gathering of ideas and the integration of forces, it will promote the transformation of laboratory results into practical productivity, offering technological support for building solid ecological barriers and promoting the sustainable development of the forestry industry. He sincerely invited experts to continue focusing on and supporting NEFU’s development, providing guidance and assistance for NEFU’s forestry science research and talent cultivation.

President Song Wenlong Delivering the Opening Address at the Ceremony

The symposium lasted three days and covered seven major topics, including technological innovations, mechanistic analysis, engineering applications, and smart empowerment. These topics focused on addressing the significant needs for global forest health, responding to climate change, and supporting the development of a green economy. A total of 47 renowned experts from both domestic and international research fields (including six academicians from different countries) gave excellent academic reports on these topics.

Symposium On-site