At the invitation of Professor Dong Guanghui, Professor Ma Minmin, and Dr. Zhang Shanjia from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Professor Wang Chuanchao from Xiamen University, China, and Professor Hassan Fazeli Nashli from the University of Tehran, Iran, participated in the Yuxiu Resource and Environment Celebrity Forum (Lecture 12/13) of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences on September 11, 2024, from 15:30 to 17:30. They delivered academic lectures on the topics "Formation and Development History of the Chinese Nation from the Perspective of Ancient Genomics" and "New Insight into How Climate Events Changed the Nature of Early Prehistoric Societies of the Iranian Plateau," respectively.

Academic Report by Professor Wang Chuanchao

Professor Wang Chuanchao's presentation was chaired by Professor Ma Minmin. Professor Wang first introduced the development of ancient genomics, as well as the theories and methods of ancient DNA sequencing. He then proceeded to clearly and systematically review the major progress and key breakthroughs his team has made while focusing on the fine genetic structure of East Asian populations and exploring the formation history of these groups. Lastly, Professor Wang addressed the grand topic of the evolution of the Chinese nation and Chinese civilization. He shared his unique insights and understanding regarding the formation and development of the Chinese nation and envisioned the further application of ancient DNA technology in scientific research and practical needs.

Academic Report by Professor Fazeli

Professor Hassan Fazeli Nashli's presentation was chaired by Professor Dong Guanghui. Professor Fazeli used the history of human activities during the Late Neolithic period in Iran and the significant climatic event at 8.2ka as starting points. He thoroughly introduced the current archaeological evidence, material cultural context, and principal theoretical views concerning the economic and societal developments of Late Neolithic Iran. Following this, Professor Fazeli discussed the recent collaborative efforts carried out on the central plateau of Iran with the Environmental Archaeology team from Lanzhou University's School of Resource Environment. He emphasized the importance and feasibility of further deepening our understanding of the relationship between climate change in the early to middle Holocene and human activities in Iran.

Academic Exchange with Faculty and Students

During the conference, the two professors engaged in extensive discussions with the faculty and students of Lanzhou University about the content of the reports. They exchanged views on the historical human activities and climate evolution of China and Iran, while also further discussing plans and strategies for initiating academic exchanges and promoting multi-party cooperation.