From June 29 to July 12, the School of Environment (SOE) at Tsinghua University successfully organized the 2025 International Summer School on Environment. This year’s program brought together a diverse cohort of talented students from world-renowned institutions, including Harvard University, Princeton University, and the National University of Singapore. Over the course of two weeks, participants engaged in a rigorous academic itinerary designed to deepen their understanding of global sustainability, foster international cultural exchange, and enhance their collaborative capacities in solving complex environmental challenges.

Group Photo at the Closing Ceremony of 2025 International Summer School on Environment

The academic foundation of the Summer School was built upon 16 high-level thematic lectures delivered by a distinguished panel of experts. He Kebin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of the Tsinghua Institute for Carbon Neutrality, opened the sessions with an insightful discussion on the synergistic pathways for achieving carbon neutrality and clean air in China. Throughout the program, Tsinghua faculty members—including Professors Huang Xia, Li Jinhui, Duan Lei, Jia Haifeng, Jiang Jingkun, Tian Jinping, Lu Wenjing, Chen Chao, Zeng Xianlai, Zhang Fang, Zhang Shaojun, Tan Quanyin, Deng Bing, and Qi Jianchuan—presented on cutting-edge topics such as sustainable wastewater treatment, life-cycle solid waste management, global mercury pollution, Sponge City construction, aerosol research, greenhouse gas reduction in industrial parks, solid waste and human health, Impacts of Climate Change on Water Supply and Corresponding Response Measures, the evolving role of the circular economy in modern society, electro-based groundwater pollution control technology, zero-emission and low-carbon transportation technologies, the global crisis and action for plastic pollution prevention and control, the application of advanced thermal treatment technologies in enhanced solid waste utilization and critical metal recovery, new opportunities and practical challenges of product carbon footprint accounting in supply chains, circular economy for sustainable societies, and “Climate Change, Climate Action and Human Health”. The lectures provided the students with a comprehensive overview of both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

Students Attentively Listening to the Lectures

Under the specialized guidance of Program Director Deng Bing and Mentor Zheng Guangjie, the students transitioned from classroom learning to intensive research development. The curriculum included five innovation workshops and a formal proposal session, which allowed students to systematically refine their research designs and methodologies. Complementing the academic sessions were series of technical site visits. Participants explored the SOE Public Research Platform’s advanced laboratories and visited leading industry innovators, including Ninebot and SinoHytec at the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone. These visits offered firsthand exposure to China’s progress in smart mobility and hydrogen technology. Additionally, a visit to the Tsinghua University Art Museum provided a cultural dimension to the program, allowing international students to experience the artistic and historical heritage of China.

Visiting SOE Public Platform

Visiting Ninebot Technology and Experiencing Its Products

Visiting the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone

The program culminated on July 9 with a final project showcase and awards ceremony held at the SOE Lecture Hall. Four interdisciplinary teams presented their innovative research findings, covering a wide range of global issues: “Smart Solar Panels to Aid the Growth of Crops (EU Perspective),” “Improvements to the DRS Scheme in the US,” “Microplastic Removal from Marine Environments,” and “Reimagining Slum Housing: Shelter Pods for a Climate-Resilient Urban Future in Korail.” A committee of faculty mentors evaluated each project based on its innovation, technical feasibility, and potential for practical impact, subsequently presenting team and individual awards to recognize the participants’ achievements.

Exhibition of Innovative Research Achievements

Award Presentation Ceremony

The successful conclusion of the 2025 International Summer School underscores the School of Environment’s commitment to creating a premier international platform that integrates academic rigor with cultural and practical exploration. By fostering cross-border collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking, the program has equipped a new generation of scholars with the insights needed to address global environmental crises. Looking forward, the School of Environment will continue to strengthen its international cooperation mechanisms, empowering young leaders to actively participate in the global journey toward a sustainable future.

Editor： Zhang Nannan