From April 12 to 19, 2026, a delegation from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), led by Professor Xi Beidou, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and President of CRAES, along with Professor Wu Fengchang, Academician of CAE and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment (SKLECRA), visited Germany and the United Kingdom. Centering on key areas of groundwater pollution prevention and control as well as research and development of green and low-carbon technologies, the delegation held in-depth exchanges with top research institutions such as the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Germany and the University of Cambridge, to share cutting-edge research achievements and explore potential cooperation avenues.

　　During exchanges with UFZ, both sides discussed topics including low-carbon emission reduction technologies for wastewater treatment and remediation strategies for emerging pollutants. Experts from UFZ presented new technologies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation and countermeasures against extreme water temperature events in the Elbe River Basin, while CRAES shared China’s practical technological experience in relevant fields. At the University of Cambridge, the delegation exchanged views on frontier research topics including hydraulics, watershed management and groundwater pollution prevention, exchanged the latest research findings, and reached preliminary consensus on personnel exchanges, reciprocal visits, and joint scientific research.

　　President Xi Beidou introduced CRAES’s strategic priorities, core mandates, and scientific achievements, highlighting China’s hands-on experience in watershed management and pollution source tracing. He expressed willingness to deepen scientific research cooperation with leading German and British environmental institutions. In addressing global environmental governance challenges, Academician Wu Fengchang proposed the establishment of international cooperation platforms with German and British research institutions in emerging pollutant management, to promote data sharing, talent exchanges and joint applications for research projects.

　　This visit further strengthened exchanges and cooperation between CRAES and leading global environmental research institutions, laying a solid foundation for building a high-level international cooperation network and introducing innovative concepts and advanced technologies. Researchers from SKLECRA and the Basin Research Center for Water Pollution Control were part of the delegation.