In the spirit of geographic exploration and the pursuit of truth, the "Academic Seminar Commemorating the 90th Birthday of Mr. Li Jijun" was jointly organized by Lanzhou University and Nanjing Normal University. The event took place at the Yifu Science Hall Auditorium, hosted by the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University on the afternoon of November 11, 2023.
The seminar attracted more than 300 participants, including Party Secretary Ma Xiaojie from Lanzhou University, Academician Fu Bojie from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Chen Fahu from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Huang Jianping from Lanzhou University, Vice President Zhang Mingyi from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice President Yuan Linwang from Nanjing Normal University, Vice Presidents Pan Baotian and Gou Xiaohua from Lanzhou University, Secretary Qu Jiansheng from the Chengdu Documentation and Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dean Lu Huayun from the School of Geography and Ocean Science at Nanjing University, and representatives from geographical units nationwide, leaders of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University, family members of Mr. Li, and disciples of Mr. Li.
The opening ceremony, presided over by Vice President Pan Baotian, featured speeches from Secretary Ma Xiaojie, Vice President Zhang Mingyi, Vice President Yuan Linwang, Dean Lu Huayun, and Academician Fu Bojie.
Secretary Ma Xiaojie highlighted Mr. Li Jijun's lifelong dedication to the country, loyalty to the education cause of the Party, and tireless pursuit of truth. He emphasized Mr. Li's outstanding contributions to the research, education, and discipline construction of geography in China. Mr. Li, who devoted 64 years to Lanzhou University, poured his heart and energy into the academic research, talent cultivation, and discipline construction, leaving behind valuable academic treasures and spiritual wealth. The seminar aimed to explore in-depth the formation and development of Mr. Li's academic thoughts, inherit and carry forward his scientific spirit, academic ideas, and educational spirit, and collectively discuss new concepts, models, and paths for the high-quality development of geography. This discussion was set against the backdrop of resolutely shouldering the important mission of "harmonious coexistence between humans and nature" in the struggle for climbing new peaks and exploring innovations.
Vice President Zhang Mingyi, representing the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reviewed Mr. Li Jijun's long-term scientific research cooperation and deep friendship with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The collaboration involved joint research on major scientific issues such as Chinese mountain glaciers, landform development, and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Together, they published several influential monographs, including "Tibetan Glaciers," "Hengduan Mountain Glaciers," and "Late Cenozoic Uplift and Environmental Changes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau." In addition, Mr. Li and the institute jointly wrote glaciology textbooks, organized glacial sedimentology training courses, and contributed significantly to the training of talents in China's frozen circle science and geography disciplines.
Vice President Yuan Linwang from Nanjing Normal University vividly recounted and elaborated on Mr. Li Jijun's outstanding contributions and far-reaching impact on the construction and development of the geography discipline at Nanjing Normal University. He stated that both Lanzhou University and Nanjing Normal University's geography disciplines, nurtured by Mr. Li's dedication, are flourishing. The two sister schools and disciplines will continue to move forward together, making greater efforts and achieving better results to further advance the cause of geography that Mr. Li loved so much.
Dean Lu Huayun, representing the School of Geography and Ocean Science at Nanjing University, delivered a speech. He highly praised Mr. Li Jijun's exemplary strength in teaching, scientific research, and the development of the geography discipline. He provided a lively review focusing on three aspects: continuous innovation, selfless dedication to nurturing talents, and a straightforward and just personality. Dean Lu emphasized that the valuable spiritual wealth left by Mr. Li is a benchmark for the School of Geography and Ocean Science at Nanjing University to forever learn from, inspiring everyone to continue striving forward in teaching, scientific innovation, and societal service.
Academician Fu Bojie, representing the 16th Standing Committee of the Division of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, deeply mourned Mr. Li Jijun's significant contributions to Earth science in China, especially in geographical research and innovation. He pointed out that Mr. Li Jijun is an outstanding representative of the spirit of scientists and an exemplary interpreter of Lanzhou University's classic motto of "Strive for self-improvement, stand alone, and be unique." Mr. Li's monumental contributions in scientific research and innovation, nurturing young talents, and providing advice for the country make him a monument and model in the field of geography. Academician Fu emphasized the need to inherit and carry forward the spirit of Mr. Li and other older generation scientists, promote the development of the geography discipline, and contribute to the realization of a beautiful China and the modernization of "harmonious coexistence between humans and nature."
The academic discussion was presided over by Academician Chen Fahu from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professors Zhou Shangzhe from the School of Geographical Sciences at South China Normal University and Wang Naiang from the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University delivered reports titled "Introduction to Mr. Li Jijun's Academic Thoughts" and "Report on the Collection of Materials on Mr. Li Jijun's Academic Growth," respectively.
During the open discussion session, colleagues, students, and students' students of Mr. Li Jijun conducted multidimensional and in-depth exchanges and discussions on Mr. Li's thoughts, covering topics such as academic contributions, talent cultivation, the development of the geography discipline, international cooperation, master demeanor, noble personality, and humanistic spirit.
Finally, Mr. Li Ding, Mr. Li Jijun's son, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the family for the attendees, organizers, leaders, guests, teachers, and classmates for their participation in the conference. He fondly reviewed his father's lifelong passion for mountains and rivers and his deep love for the country.
