Latest News
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2025 CAS-MPG Summer School on Biodiversity and Biogeochemical Cycle Successfully Held at the Chinese Academy of Sciences
From August 7 to 20, 2025, the "2025 CAS-MPG Summer School—Biodiversity and Biogeochemical Cycle," jointly organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Max Planck Society (MPG) of Germany, was successfully held at the Yanqi Lake Campus of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). The event brought together 37 scholars and 52 young students from China, Germany, Spain, the United States, and other countries to discuss biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles. The program featured lectures and discussions on cutting-edge topics such as global climate change and biogeochemical cycle dynamics, as well as the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Professor Susan Trumbore, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, member of the German National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, along with Professor Helge Bruelheide from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, shared their experiences in Sino-German scientific collaboration over the years and expressed deep expectations for the exchange and cooperation between the next generation of scientists from both sides.
This CAS-MPG Summer School was divided into two phases, offering a comprehensive and in-depth curriculum totaling 54 class hours. The first phase focused on fundamental theories and methodologies, covering core topics such as forest species interactions and drought responses, diversity interaction model construction, and scientific paper writing. The second phase delved into advanced subjects, including biogeochemical cycles, carbon cycle modeling, and plant-soil carbon processes. Additionally, field trips were organized to the Beijing Yanshan Critical Zone National Observation and Research Station and the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden of the Institute of Botany, CAS. Young students from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig University, University of Göttingen, as well as UCAS, the Institute of Botany of CAS, the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of CAS, and Hebei University presented their learning outcomes in areas such as carbon cycle modeling and arid zone ecosystem management through flash talks. Beyond academic activities, the summer school also featured cultural and sports exchanges, fostering interaction and friendship among students from different countries.
This summer school not only helped broaden the international perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration awareness of young students, but also accumulated valuable experience for fostering future talent and education in the fields of biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles.
Group Photo of CAS-MPG Summer School Faculty and Students at UCAS
CAS-MPG Summer School Faculty and Students Visited Beijing Yanshan Critical Zone National Observation and Research Station of UCAS
CAS-MPG Summer School Faculty and Students Visited National Herbarium and Botanical Garden of the Institute of Botany, CAS
Editor: GAO Yuan
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Research News
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Chinese Scientists Uncover Diamond’s Electrical Failure Mechanism
A research team from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences has revealed the failure mechanism of diamond under extreme electrical fields through in situ experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The study, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, provides critical insights for the design of next-generation diamond-based high-power electronic devices.
Diamond is known for its exceptional physical properties, including ultra-high breakdown field strength and thermal conductivity, making it a promising material for high-frequency and high-power electronics. However, its failure process under extreme electrical fields has remained poorly understood—until now.
The team, led by Professors YAN Qingbo and CHEN Guangchao, used an in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) method to observe the breakdown process in real time. They found that diamond failure begins preferentially along the (111) crystal plane, driven by stress-induced lattice distortion and subsequent amorphization, rather than transforming into graphite.
The researchers also used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to confirm that the (111) surface is more prone to thermal collapse under high temperatures, aligning perfectly with their experimental observations. This study not only clarifies the crystallographic dependency of diamond’s electrical failure but also suggests that using (100)- or (110)-oriented diamond exposed substrates could significantly enhance device durability.
This study not only deepens the understanding of diamond’s behavior under extreme conditions but also opens new pathways for more durable diamond-based electronic devices.
The team said that the findings are expected to influence the design and material selection of diamond-based devices in fields such as quantum computing, high-power transistors, and ultraviolet lasers.
Editor: GAO Yuan
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Scientists Develop Hybrid Interlayer Enabling 21% Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells
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