From September 14 to 16, the "2th International Conference on Green Carbon (ICGC 2025)" was successfully held in Qingdao. The conference was jointly organized by the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) , Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Shandong Energy Institute, and the Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory. Under the core theme of "Innovating Green and Low-Carbon Technologies to Empower Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality," the event brought together experts and scholars from 22 countries in the field of green and low-carbon technologies. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge areas such as green bio-manufacturing, green energy and chemical engineering, solar photoelectronic conversion and utilization, and advanced life cycle assessment, collectively exploring scientific pathways for green and low-carbon development.  

As a key segment of the conference, the highly anticipated inaugural "Green Carbon Outstanding Achievement Award" ceremony was held. The award was jointly established by the conference and the international academic journal Green Carbon, aiming to recognize scientists who have made milestone contributions in the field of green and low-carbon research. It seeks to inspire global researchers to engage in the study and innovation of green carbon science, providing scientific support for addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable development.  

In the field of green chemistry, Professor He Mingyuan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor at East China Normal University, is a pioneering founder of green chemistry and chemical engineering in China. With great foresight, he established the theoretical framework of "Green Carbon Science"-an interdisciplinary academic paradigm that centering on the full-life-cycle management of carbon resources, bridging basic chemical principles with industrial sustainability-providing crucial scientific guidance for addressing global climate change and achieving the sustainable development of carbon resources.

In the field of green bio-manufacturing, Professor Tan Tianwei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, is a pioneer and leading figure in China's bio-manufacturing research and industry. His research career is a history of innovation, constantly pushing cognitive boundaries and leading transformation of biorefining industry. He is not only an outstanding scientist but also a strategic visionary, whose work has systematically propelled the construction and development of China's green bio-manufacturing system and provided a significant "Chinese solutions" for global sustainable development.

In the field of green energy materials, Professor Michael Grätzel, Foreign Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), is undoubtedly one of the most influential chemists in the world today. He is a pioneering leader in the field of third-generation photovoltaics. His scientific career represents a glorious history of continuous innovation and breakthroughs. From dye-sensitized solar cells to perovskite solar cells, he has twice revolutionized global photovoltaic technology. He initiated new research avenues and is consistently driving innovation in solar energy conversion technology.

On September 14, Professors He Mingyuan, Tan Tianwei, and Michael Grätzel each delivered keynote lectures on Role of Water in Green Carbon Science, Developing Bio-manufacturing to Boost New Quality Productive Forces and Solar Energy Conversion and Utilization respectively. The conference also featured four parallel sessions focusing on "Green Bio-manufacturing" "Green Energy Chemistry" "Solar Energy Conversion and Utilization" and "Advanced Life Cycle Assessment for Innovation and Application", which included a total of 122 oral presentations.

More than 300 participants from relevant universities, and research institutions worldwide were present.

The successful convening of the ICGC 2025 provided a high-level global platform for displaying cutting-edge achievements, stimulating intellectual exchange, and fostering collaboration within the green low-carbon technology sector. Through the establishment and presentation of the Green Carbon Outstanding Achievement Award, the conference underscored the vital role of scientific innovation in leading green development. This conference, along with its associated journal and awards, is explicitly aligned with and contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). It has set a benchmark for global research in green low-carbon fields and is poised to accelerate progress in green carbon science, paving the way toward a sustainable future.