Sponsored by Bureau of International Cooperation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the 9th CAS-NAS Forum for New Leaders in Space Science was held successfully in Beijing on 15-16 May, 2019. Dedicated to planetary science and space earth science, the forum attracted 30 plus young scientists and senior scientists from China and USA.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. WANG Chi, Director General of National Space Science Center, and Ms. TONG Ting from Bureau of International Cooperation extended warm welcome to the attendees of the forum. Mr. David Smith, Senior Officer of SSB, encouraged the US and Chinese participants to make full use of the opportunity to exchange ideas and foster future collaboration.

16 new leaders were selected by a Joint Selection Committee comprised of 6 distinguished senior scientists: Prof. DONG Xiaolong from National Space Science Center, Prof. LIN Yangting from Institute of Geology & Geophysics, Prof. MCKINNON Willam from Washington University in Saint Louis, Prof. RUNNING Steven from University of Montana, Prof. SHI Jiancheng from Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth and SMITH David from Space Studies Board (SSB), NAS.

Four keynote presentations were delivered by senior scientists from the Selection Committee, touching upon a variety of topics, e.g. the satellite observation of ocean surface, the exploration of pluto and kuiper belt, global carbon cycle and China’s lunar and deep space exploration. Two invited talks were presented by Associate Prof. FA Wenzhe from Peking University and Associate Prof. FU Xiaohui from Shandong University at Weihai. 16 presentations were delivered by new leaders from both sides.

The forum is jointly initiated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and is jointly organized by National Space Science Center (NSSC) and Space Studies Board (SSB) with the meeting venue alternating between China and the US. The first forum was held in 2014, and 9 forums have been held by far, touching upon different fields of space science, e.g. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Solar /Space Physics, Planetary Sciences and Earth science, Space Life and Microgravity Science etc.

Upon making closing remarks, Prof. DONG Xiaolong deemed that the forum established special channel of exchange for young scientists from both countries and stressed the importance to continue the forum in the future.

The 10th forum will be held in Washington DC on 28-29 Oct., 2019.