CAST Newsletter No. 55
CAST unveils 2025 Top 10 Scientific, Engineering, and Industrial Challenges
On July 6, 2025, the Main Forum of the 27th CAST Annual Meeting was held at the China Science and Technology Hall.
In his opening remarks, CAST President Wan Gang emphasized that this year’s gathering is designed to keep pace with the latest global advances in science and technology, support China’s goal to become a world-leading innovation powerhouse, and serve as a platform to share new theories, perspectives, and paradigms. The forum also aimed to spotlight emerging disciplines, uncover new growth opportunities, and inspire cross-sector exploration. Wan highlighted CAST’s continued commitment to tracking cutting-edge scientific developments, improving the supply of high-quality research and innovation, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. He stressed the importance of providing high-level scientific consultation and fostering an open, pragmatic academic atmosphere that encourages effective dialogue. He urged participants to take full advantage of the forum for meaningful exchange.
During the Main Forum, CAST unveiled the Top 10 Scientific, Engineering, and Industrial Challenges for 2025.
From July 14 to 18, 2025, the 12th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (WCCE12) and the 21st Asian Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Congress 2025 (APCChE 2025) were held jointly at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. Under the theme “Paradigm Shifting in Chemical Engineering for Global Challenges,” the event spotlighted four major focus areas: Foundational Chemical Reengineering, Strategic and Emerging Industries, Future Chemical Engineering and Smart Innovation, and Education and Training. CAST President Wan Gang attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Also in attendance were Luo Hui, Director-General of the CAST Department of International Affairs, as well as leaders of international organizations, experts, scholars, and industry representatives from around the world.
In his address, Wan Gang emphasized that the chemical industry forms the backbone of modern industrial systems. To enable transformative breakthroughs and drive advanced industrial upgrades, he stressed that innovation must serve as the primary engine, with open, global collaboration as a vital pathway. He called on the global chemical engineering community to deepen knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving to catalyze disruptive innovation, strengthen productivity, and support sustainable, high-quality development. He expressed hope that the congress would foster openness, mutual trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation across the field, fully leveraging the discipline’s role in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The event also featured more than 50 side activities, including the International Chemical Engineering Innovation Expo 2025 (IChEIE 2025), youth-led initiatives focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and site visits. During the congress, the Beijing Initiative: Embracing Paradigm Shifts, Forging Smart Innovation for a Green Future was officially released, aiming to build global consensus and share Chinese perspectives on the future transformation of chemical engineering world-wide.
For detailed information, please click here to download CAST Newsletter No. 55.
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