State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (hereafter referred to as“MEL”) was awarded the Outstanding Groups and Institutions in the Education Sector on 8th September, 2024. Prof. ZHANG Yao, the deputy director of MEL, attended the award ceremony and the celebration of China's 40th Teachers' Day on 9th September.

President Xi Jinping greets representatives attending an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the education sector in Beijing on Tuesday, China's 40th Teachers' Day. LI TAO/XINHUA
Established in 2005, MEL is sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). It was categorized as one of the best state key laboratories in the last two nation-wide reviews (in 2010 and 2015) organized by MOST. MEL is dedicated to cutting-edge research on global change, emphasizing theoretical and applied research, and utilizing interdisciplinary approaches and technological innovation, focusing on marine biogeochemistry and its ecosystem dynamics.
Since its establishment, MEL has built up a comprehensive, high-level talent training program covering all academic stages. This includes the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, Joint PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships Programs, as well as PhD, Postdoctoral and Visiting Fellowships. MEL also focuses on fostering academic skills and leadership through diverse academic activities such as the MEL Graduate Forum, The University Consortium on Aquatic Sciences Symposium and various international summer schools and workshops. In addition, MEL's two dedicated outreach platforms, the 70.8 Media Lab and COSEE China, work to make science more accesible to the public, promoting "blue education" beyond the campus.
In the future, MEL aims to be a stronger advocate for greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, with a continuous focus on cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary strengths. MEL is also committed to forster talents urgely needed for national strategies, guided by its highly qualified faculty and robust talent training programs. "MEL will strive to be a 'BLUE' force in building a leading country in education." said Professor Zhang Yao, in an interview with Xinhua Press.
Source: State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (Xiamen University)