On April 30, 英健Yingjian (MSc)、雨薇Yuwei (PhD)、楚鑫Chuxin (PhD) did their degree viva. The assessment committee consisted of Professors Zou Sichun邹世春 of SYSU, Chen Da陈达 of JNU, Zhao Qin赵青 of Guangdong Institute of Ecological Environment and Soil, Li Jun李军 and 罗春玲Luo Chunling of GIG. The three gave nice presentations with confidence, and the defense went on smoothly. We had a party after the viva cerebrating their success. Big congratulations !
On April 1st, our research group hosted a warm and lively gathering to celebrate the birthday of Prof. Gan. Many alumni and long-time friends returned to join the event, making it a joyful reunion filled with laughter and shared memories.
Among those present were Shichun Zou, Jianhui Tang, Weihai Xu, Xiang Liu, and many other alumni, whose presence brought a strong sense of connection and nostalgia. It had been a long time since many had last met, and everyone greatly enjoyed catching up, sharing experiences, and reflecting on their academic journeys.
The gathering featured a series of well-prepared performances by group members. Yuxin Zhang, Xuelin Ren, Ning Zhang, and Xin Deng delivered delightful singing performances. Hangyi Zhao presented an engaging traditional Chinese “Guankou” performance, which was warmly received by the audience. As always, Weiru Wang brought laughter to the room with an entertaining stand-up comedy show, bringing the atmosphere to a highlight.
A particularly memorable moment came with a uniquely designed cake prepared by Yuxin Zhang. Featuring a creative and humorous message wishing that every member of the group will one day publish in Nature and Science, the cake symbolized the shared dreams and aspirations of all researchers. It quickly became a highlight of the event, drawing laughter and enthusiastic applause.
The gathering was thoughtfully organized by Jianchu Ma, whose efforts ensured the smooth and successful execution of the event. Overall, the celebration was filled with warmth and joy, further strengthening the bonds within the group and fostering a strong sense of community.
From the 18th to 30th of January 2026, Linbo Yu visited Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, to conduct a sampling campaign on emerging contaminants in the Red River Basin. A total of nine sets of surface water samples were collected with the assistance from Prof. Tu Binh Minh’s team at Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
The sampling sites covered both the mainstream and major tributaries of the Red River, including cities such as Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Hai Duong, as well as Ba Lat Estuary and Hai Phong Port, where the mainstream and tributaries discharge to the Beibu Gulf, respectively. An additional set of samples from Ha Long Bay were also collected. This campaign serves as a valuable supplement to the recent winter scientific expedition to the Beibu Gulf carried out by Yuxin and Hangyi, which aims to gain insights into the contamination status of this region.
Apart from the field work, Linbo also received warm hospitality from Prof. Minh’s team: Dr. Nguyen Xuyen and Mr. Dao Duy Anh helped extensively in Linbo’s settlement and sampling work, took him on a cultural tour to Hanoi’s iconic historic sites and explored local cuisine.
Working with the team from VNU Hanoi at the Hung Yen sampling site.
Working aboard a local boat at the Ba Lat Estuary.
On-site record at Ba Lat Estuary, where mainstream of the Red River discharges to the Beibu Gulf.
First day touch-base with Prof. Tu Binh Minh, Dr. Hoang Quoc Anh, and Dr. Nguyen Xuyen.
Discission on sampling plans with Prof. Minh and Prof. Tham in Dr. Quoc Anh’s lab/office, Department of Analytical Chemistry, VNU Hanoi.
Dinner and coffee with Dr. Hoang Quoc Anh and his undergraduate students.
Trip to Ha Long Bay with Prof. Minh and his team.
With Prof. Minh and Prof. Tri at Hoan Kiem Lake (还剑湖), Hanoi
With Xuyen and Ahn at Van Mieu (文庙) of Hanoi, an iconic historic site of cultural significance.
(Written by Linbo)