1.The Key Laboratory of Wildlife Conservation Biology of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration

The Key Laboratory of Wildlife Conservation Biology of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration was established in 1994 and is hosted by the College of Wildlife and Protected Area Management at Northeast Forestry University. On March 9, 1995, the former Ministry of Forestry officially approved its opening, making it one of the first 29 Key Open Laboratories under the National Forestry Administration.

Over the past three decades, under the leadership of outstanding researchers, including Academician Ma Jianzhang, the laboratory has conducted comprehensive studies in wildlife ecology, genetics, physiology, conservation and management, disease transmission mechanisms, and legal framework development, establishing itself as a pioneer in China's wildlife conservation and management research. It has forged a spiritual framework for wildlife protection centered on “Xu Xiujuan’s Crane Spirit” and the “Yinggeling Spirit,” cultivating numerous exceptional conservation practitioners and frontline professionals, thereby becoming a pivotal training base for China’s wildlife conservation engineering talents.

The laboratory is dedicated to achieving the following objectives: precise monitoring of population dynamics, elucidating adaptive evolutionary mechanisms and pathways to species endangerment and recovery, continuous enhancement of wildlife germplasm resource banks, progressive reduction of dependence on natural wildlife resources, and development of scientific methodologies for formulating conservation strategies.

2.The National Engineering Research Center for Wildlife Conservation and Utilization (CU-Tech)

The National Engineering Research Center for Wildlife Conservation and Utilization (CU-Tech) of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration was officially approved and established by the Department of Science andTechnology of the National Forestry Administration in March 2016. The center has 40 permanent staff members, including 15 from its host institution, Northeast Forestry University, 25 from collaborative institutions, five postdoctoral researchers, and 36 doctoral and master's students.

Its primary missions are: conducting theoretical and technological research on wildlife and habitat conservation; developing original theories and technologies for wildlife-related industries; promoting technical application and implementation in conservation practices and industrial operations; advancing diversified industrial development and cultural heritage preservation; and establishing international exchange platforms to facilitate scientific collaboration and cultural communication.

3.The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Feline Research Center

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration Feline Research Center is a scientific and technological support platform for feline conservation established by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration at Northeast Forestry University in December 2021.

Affiliated with Northeast Forestry University, the center consists of 7 professors, 6 associate professors, 1 lecturer, 1 senior engineer, and 4 postdoctoral researchers, forming a robust international research team comprising 36 core experts and over 100 doctoral and master's students.

The center studies conservation mechanisms and technological approaches for ecosystems centered on flagship species such as tigers and leopards. It aims to demonstrate and promote successful experiences in endangered feline conservation, conduct basic and applied research to address the technological needs of national field conservation, and engage in international exchanges and cooperation. Key activities include dynamic monitoring of endangered feline population resources, conservation engineering design, planning, consultation, and the development of an internationally recognized platform for feline conservation technology and collaboration.

4.The Key Laboratory for Cold Region Territorial Spatial Planning and Ecological Protection and Restoration

The Key Laboratory of Cold Region Territorial Spatial Planning and Ecological Protection and Restoration was established with approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources in July 2021. It addresses significant national strategic demands by focusing on critical issues, including the ecological security of territorial spaces, green development, and regional revitalization in frigid regions. The laboratory prioritizes research in ecological risk identification and assessment of territorial spaces in cold areas, construction and restoration of balanced forest-grassland-wetland-water-farmland systems, wildlife and habitat monitoring and conservation, coordination of human-land relationships and optimized territorial spatial utilization, as well as coordinated development of territorial spaces in Northeast China under the dual-circulation new development paradigm. Its mission is to support ecological civilization construction and high-quality economic development in frigid regions and Northeast China.

1. The Wildlife Detection Center of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration

   The Wildlife Detection Center of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration was established in 1996 with approval from the former Ministry of Forestry. It is China’s first institution dedicated to research and application of law enforcement identification technologies for wildlife and their products and utilization regulation. Its primary mission is to leverage technological advantages in serving national wildlife utilization oversight and forensic identification while engaging in scientific research, talent development, and cultural heritage innovation. In 2013, the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Justice authorized the center to establish the "Northeast Forestry University Judicial Expertise Institute."

   The center aims to address China’s wildlife conservation needs and comply with international convention requirements. By focusing on regulatory demands for using endangered species and law enforcement practices, it conducts fundamental research and develops applied technologies. Its scientific achievements have been integrated into practical operations, establishing the institution as China’s authoritative agency for wildlife forensic identification, the authentication of specialized labels for wildlife management, the verification and standardized packaging of endangered wildlife medicinal materials, the issuance of collection certificates for ivory products, and the examination of wildlife specimens seized by customs. These advancements have enhanced China’s technical capabilities in regulating wildlife utilization and positioned the country’s wildlife protection enforcement technologies at the forefront of international standards.

   6.The Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Wildlife Epidemic Sources and Diseases and Biosecurity Management and Control

   The Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Wildlife Epidemic Sources and Diseases and Biosecurity Management and Control was established in 2011 and was officially approved and inaugurated in 2020. The laboratory actively serves primary strategic needs, including the Beautiful China Initiative and implementing the Biosecurity Law, aiming to enhance independent scientific and technological innovation capabilities and advance wildlife biosecurity.

   In addressing the entire process of wildlife biosecurity, the laboratory focuses on two critical approaches: Through big data and artificial intelligence technologies, it comprehensively elevates China’s research capabilities in active early warning, traceability investigation, and risk mitigation technologies for wildlife-origin zoonotic diseases. Simultaneously, it strengthens industry guidance and prevention/control product development while expanding application and service domains, promoting comprehensive and in-depth development of wildlife biosecurity management and control initiatives in China.

   7.Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Complex Traits and Protein Machines in Organisms

   The Key Laboratory of Bionic of Biological Complex Traits and the Creation of Protein Machines in Heilongjiang Province occupies a total floor area of over 2,000 square meters, equipped with nearly 400 significant instruments and equipment valued at more than 20 million yuan. It has established innovative platforms for protein machine research and development, including the “Millisecond-Level Optoelectronic Integrated Platform”, “Laser Transient Temperature Control System”, and “Protein Structure De Novo Design System”.The laboratory currently comprises 24 members, including: 1 Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor, 1 National Excellent Young Scientist Fund Recipient, 2 New Century Excellent Talents from the Ministry of Education, 1 China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) Youth Talent Support Project Recipient, 1 National Forestry and Grassland Administration Youth Top Talent, 1 Heilongjiang Provincial Outstanding Youth Fund Recipient, and 4 Heilongjiang Provincial Excellent Youth Fund Recipients.

   Rooted in fundamental research on biological complex trait mechanisms, the laboratory prioritizes the development of novel protein machines while pursuing major original scientific breakthroughs. Its research encompasses original discovery, structural elucidation, functional evaluation, and chemical modification/engineering of innovative protein machines. The institution is committed to providing methodologies and technologies for creating high-performance protein machines while cultivating world-leading protein machine research and development professionals.

   8.Northeast Forestry University- Xinguang Intelligent Innovation Joint Laboratory for Wildlife and Plant Conservation

   Northeast Forestry University- Xinguang Intelligent Innovation Joint Laboratory for Wildlife and Plant Conservation was established in 2022 through collaboration between Northeast Forestry University and Harbin Xinguang Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. Based on industry- university research cooperation, the laboratory integrates resources to advance deep technological innovation partnerships between academic institutions and enterprises. It aims to create an internationally first-class laboratory, jointly cultivate interdisciplinary talent teams, and contribute to the construction and development of world-class disciplines.

   The laboratory focuses on technological innovation in intelligent wildlife conservation, driving the development and application of intelligent conservation technologies. It actively undertakes key national scientific research projects, having achieved technological breakthroughs in intelligent wildlife monitoring and management, human- wildlife conflict early warning systems, and AI recognition algorithms. Application demonstrations have been implemented in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi, and Qinghai provinces, forming a closed-loop system encompassing "key technology breakthroughs, achievement industrialization, and industry chain demonstration." This initiative supports both regional economic development and the implementation of national ecological conservation strategies.

   9.The China-Russia Joint Research Laboratory on Amur Tiger Conservation and Restoration

   The China-Russia Joint Research Laboratory on Amur Tiger Conservation and Restoration was established by Northeast Forestry University and the Russian Academy of Sciences under the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement framework. It was inaugurated at Northeast Forestry University on March 14, 2024. The laboratory aims to promote cross-border conservation and restoration of Amur tigers and their habitats and foster scientific and technological cooperation between China and Russia in endangered species protection. Rooted in developing an international scientific research platform, the laboratory is committed to addressing key scientific issues in Amur tiger conservation and enhancing the influence of both countries in global wildlife conservation efforts.

   10.the Mao’ershan Bird Banding Station of Northeast Forestry University

   Established in 1995, the Mao’ershan Bird Banding Station of Northeast Forestry University is one of China’s earliest sites dedicated to avian banding activities. Recognized by the National Bird Banding Center of China as a key national station, it is a critical location for monitoring the migration dynamics of Passeriformes migratory birds in East Asia under international migratory bird conservation agreements. In recent years, the station has hosted over 2,000 students and researchers from various institutions for internships, practical training, and scientific investigations. It has contributed to the publication of more than 30 research papers and secured two national invention patents.

   11.The Northeast Forestry University-BGI Life Science Joint Research Center

   The Northeast Forestry University- BGI Life Science Joint Research Center was established in June 2022 through a strategic partnership between Northeast Forestry University and BGI Group in Shenzhen.

   This joint research center focuses on several core areas of life sciences, conducting thorough and collaborative research. Its scope encompasses extensive interdisciplinary efforts integrating multi-omics approaches with various knowledge systems. The research agenda ranges from fundamental theoretical investigations to explore the essence and intrinsic laws of biological phenomena, to mechanistic studies aimed at understanding the complex principles underlying life processes, the development of innovative technologies to facilitate breakthroughs in life science methodologies, and the active promotion of industrial translation to effectively implement cutting-edge scientific advancements in practical production and real-world applications.

   Through optimal integration of complementary strengths from both institutions, the center is steadily advancing towards becoming an innovation hub in life sciences, continuously injecting robust and sustained scientific impetus into the development of related fields.

   The Northeast Forestry University - BGI Joint Research Center of Life Sciences

   The Northeast Forestry University - BGI Joint Research Center of Life Sciences was jointly established in June 2022 through the powerful cooperation of Northeast Forestry University and the BGI Group in Shenzhen.

   This joint research center focuses on multiple core areas of life sciences and conducts comprehensive and in-depth cooperative research. Its scope of work is pervasive, profoundly integrating multi-omics and multi-disciplinary knowledge systems. The research content covers basic theoretical research, aiming to explore the essence and internal laws of life phenomena deeply; conduct in-depth exploration of mechanisms, accurately analyze the complex principles contained in life processes; actively carry out new technology research and development, and strive to achieve innovative breakthroughs in life science research methods; vigorously promote industrial transformation, efficiently applying cutting-edge scientific research achievements to actual production and life scenarios.

   By fully integrating the superior resources of both sides, this center is steadily moving towards an innovation highland in the life sciences field, continuously injecting strong and continuous scientific research impetus into the development of related fields.

   12.Northeast Forestry University China Wildlife Conservation and Management Strategy Research Center

   The China Wildlife Conservation and Management Strategy Research Center at Northeast Forestry University was established in December 2016. The center focuses on strategic issues and policy research related to wildlife conservation and management, serving national strategic needs in wildlife protection. Its primary functions include policy consultation and advisory services, theoretical innovation, public guidance, and social services.

   Centering on strategic challenges in wildlife conservation management, the center has published multiple academic papers in internationally renowned conservation biology journals such as Conservation Letters. Through scientific data and research outcomes, it communicates China’s achievements in advancing ecological civilization and wildlife conservation to the global community while proposing novel approaches for endangered species protection. The center conducts explicitly strategic research on wildlife conservation and trade management under complex international circumstances. It applies scientific findings to talent development and social services, providing a scientific basis for addressing sensitive international issues in China’s wildlife conservation and management. Several policy advisory reports submitted by the center have been adopted by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee, and other authorities, with some even receiving instructions from senior leaders.

   13.Northeast Forestry University Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Research Center

   The center is dedicated to research on wetland biodiversity conservation, currently comprising 5 renowned scholars in wetland ecology, ichthyology, plankton, and aquatic plants. It is undertaking 1 national-level project, 3 international collaborative projects, 6 provincial and departmental-level projects, and 5 university-level projects. Centered on wetland ecological security and with a mission to advance ecological civilization, the center focuses on wetland biodiversity protection. Key research areas include aquatic invertebrate ecology and monitoring of degraded ecosystems, climate change and wetland ecology, and environmental remote sensing. Emphasizing the cultivation of high-level professionals, the center aims to establish itself as a pivotal platform for scientific and technological innovation in wetland ecology in China.

   14.Northeast Forestry University Airport Bird Strike Prevention Research Center

   The Northeast Forestry University Airport Bird Strike Prevention Research Center was established in 2013. It primarily conducts ecological environment investigations for bird strike prevention, participates in formulating airport bird strike prevention plans, produces specimens of key bird species requiring airport prevention, conducts research on wildlife management at airports, and performs bird strike residue identification and classification by leveraging the resources of the National Forestry Administration's Wildlife Detection Center at Northeast Forestry University.

   The center has participated in bird ecology and environmental investigations at over 10 civil aviation airports in Northeast China. It has conducted bird-strike prevention research and guided more than 20 airports under the People's Liberation Army Northern Theater Command. The center spearheaded the establishment of an inter-institutional collaboration with the Harbin Flight Academy of the People's Liberation Army. The center's director, Xu Qing, has been appointed an expert member of the Air Force Logistics Department's Bird Strike Prevention Expert Group. Eight graduate students from the center have become core professionals in bird dispersal operations at various airports. The center has secured over 20 research projects with total funding exceeding 7 million yuan.

   List of Proposed Appointments for Research Platform Directors

College of Wildlife and Protected Area

December 3, 2024