Biomass Group, Nanjing Agricultural University, PO Box 68, 40 Dianjiangtai Road, Nanjing 210031

On May 23, 2026, at noon, Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao departed from Nanjing Lukou International Airport, transited through Guangzhou and Seoul, and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport on the evening of May 24, local time, after traveling thousands of miles. They then rushed to their accommodation in the downtown, Annesley Hall, a century-old female dormitory at the University of Toronto’s Victoria College (recommended accommodation for conference delegates during the summer vocation, built in 1903 and a National Historic Site of Canada). While sleeping, Prof. Fang suddenly woke up in the small hours from a nightmare, as if seeing Dr. Banting, the “father of insulin,” extracting insulin from a bloody dog pancreas in the campus, reminding him that his blood sugar must be high for actions.

Early on the second day, the sky was clear and cloudless, and the overcast, rainy, and cold weather that had plagued Toronto for more than a week finally cleared up. Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao arrived at Western University’s Toronto Space (130 King St. W., Suite 3400) from their base to participate in the First Sino-Canadian Symposium (2026) – Exploring the Frontiers of the Energy-Climate Nexus: Bridging Research, Innovation and Industry. The forum brought together researchers from Chinese and Canadian universities, industry leaders, and policymakers, focusing on the transformation of cutting-edge research results, the connection between industry, academia, and research, and commercial breakthroughs. It aimed to bridge the gap between technology from the laboratory to the market through interdisciplinary collaboration.

At 9:00 am, the keynote session was chaired by Prof. Zheng, with Prof. Kozinski charing the opening remarks. Eight university leaders, entrepreneur representatives from both China and Canada, and leaders from the Canadian Academy of Engineering gave presentations on topics such as energy transformation, grid innovation, critical minerals, biomass conversion, mine infrastructure, and industrial wastewater treatment. Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao jointly presented a special report on the conversions of biomass entiled “Efficient Conversion of Biomass into High-Value Products via Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Catalytic Upgrading”. There were coffee breaks and midday exchanges in the morning; in the afternoon, two roundtable forums were held, inviting experts to discuss the transformation of green technology from production to research and development, as well as the sustainable development of energy and critical minerals. The participants showed strong interest in the application of AI in the energy and resource sectors. They mentioned that China and Canada are the two countries with the strongest complementarity, without any conflicts of national interests. The leitmotif of the Symposium was to build a high-end exchange platform in the energy field between China and Canada. Prof. Kozinski concluded cited a famous American poet Ms. Maya Angelou (1928-2014) words:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

After the meeting, a joint communique on China-Canada energy and climate cooperation was released, and an exchange reception was held. Profs. Jess Zhu and Ajay K Dalai specially came from the Venue of the CSC/CSChE 2026 to attend the lunch meeting and took photos with the experts. They also congratulated Prof. Pedram Fatehi on his recent election as fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE).

In the evening, at the invitation of Consul General Mr. Weidong Luo of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao attended the “Sino-Canadian Industry-Education Integration Dialogue” hosted by the Consulate General. Ms. Meng Zhang, the educational counselor, chaired the dialogue. After the dialogue, they participated in the dinner and took a group photo. Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE) and of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC), entrepreneurs, presidents of many domestic universities, and representatives of well-known Profs. in various fields attended the event together. During the dinner, all parties shared in-depth views on the current development status and long-term direction of Sino-Canadian educational and academic exchanges, and discussed the path for deepening pragmatic cooperation in the fields of science and education between the two countries. Being able to participate in this formal exchange at the Consulate level was highly valued and inspiring. It deeply felt the importance and support of the country for Sino-Canadian scientific and educational cooperation, and gained a deeper understanding of the overall significance of international scientific and technological cooperation. After the dinner, on the way back to the residence, Prof. Fang pointed to the distant Toronto CN Tower and said, “Ten years ago, Prof. Kozinski (Dean of the School of Engineering at York University) stood as a Skywalker at this tower, showing his determination to inspire young people to realize their dreams of becoming engineers. We must have a brave heart.”

From May 26^th to 28^th, Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao proceeded to attend the x2026 Conference held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This conference is the highest-level annual academic event in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering in Canada, aiming to promote interdisciplinary research and the integration of industry and research. On the afternoon of the 27^th, from 3:00 to 3:20 pm (Meeting Room 701B), Dr. Cao gave a 20-minute presentation on biomass hydrothermal liquefaction, reporting on her achievements in this area and elaborating on the technical route of microwave-assisted hydrothermal liquefaction system for depolymerizing lignin and preparing low-oxygen hydrocarbon fuels through in-situ hydrogenation. The presentation received positive feedback from the scholars present. During the conference, Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao had extensive exchanges with colleagues from various countries, tracking the frontiers of the discipline and expanding international cooperation. On the last day, the morning of May 28^th, Prof. Fang served as the chair of the Section on “Biorenewable Resource Conversion” and delivered a special report titled “Techniques and Practical Applications of Converting Biorenewables to Biofuels and High Value-Added Products”. He systematically reviewed the key technologies and engineering applications for converting biorenewable resources into biofuels and high value-added products, showcased the research achievements of his research team, and highlighted the research level of China in the field of biomass energy.

During the visit, Prof. Kozinski provided warm and thoughtful reception throughout the entire process, from the coordination of forum agendas and academic exchanges to the arrangement of daily itineraries, showing the tacit understanding and friendship accumulated over years of cooperation. After the forum and annual meeting activities, Professor Kozinski sincerely invited Prof. Fang and Dr. Cao to his home. Prof. Kozinski and his wife carefully prepared a family dinner, during which both sides talked about their academic past and exchanged life experiences in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The two sides exchanged commemorative gifts carrying their heartfelt wishes and further discussed subsequent cooperation plans such as joint talent training, joint application for international projects, and annual academic visits in a casual atmosphere, adding a touch of warm friendship across borders to the rigorous academic cooperation.

Looking back on their cooperation journey, Prof. Kozinski visited the Biomass Group at NJAU in 2016, while Prof. Fang visited Kozinski’s research group in 2013 and 2017. In July-August 2025, supported by the Foreign Expert Program of China, Prof. Kozinski visited NJAU for on-site exchange and guidance. During this period, both parties worked together to tackle key issues, jointly published 6 high-level academic papers, and co-organized multiple online international academic conferences, laying a solid foundation for cooperation in the fields of biomass energy and green chemical engineering. This reunion in Toronto is not only an affirmation of the past cooperation achievements but also elevates the partnership from academic peers to close friends, laying a foundation of emotion and trust for deeper and broader bilateral exchanges in the next stage. Through the presentations at the two international conferences, the academic influence of the Biomass Group at NJAU in the international energy field has been enhanced; secondly, it expands the Sino-Canadian academic cooperation network, establishing connections with multiple top scholars and institutions, creating conditions for joint project applications and personnel exchanges; thirdly, it grasps the cutting-edge trends of disciplines, providing references for the research group’s subsequent research layout and interdisciplinary collaboration; finally, it deepens inter-university friendship and consolidates the long-term cooperation foundation with Kozinski’s research group and Canadian universities and enterprises.

On the way drove back to Pearson Int’l airport, Prof. Kozinski said: “Zhen, may we try sports mode?” “Sure, Bravo! That is my first try, I adjusted my Chair to the backrest for my severe car sick”, replied Prof. Fang. Humming 《Take Me Home, Country Roads》, arrived at the airport 30 minutes later. We always have a young heart.

During their few days in Toronto, Prof. Fang and Dr Cao got quite tanned under the early summer sun and Prof. Fang lost 2 pounds from exhaustion, yet they didn’t even touch the wall of Prof. Geoff Hinton’s office at U of T, the father of AI. Nevertheless, they happily accomplished the task they set for themselves, received praise from their families, and were filled with immense joy. One evening after the rainstorm on the Dragon Boat Festival in Nanjing, Prof. Fang encountered Dr. Yao, who had just graduated, while jogging on the track field. She said, “Prof. Fang, your skin will turn white in winter. Eat more and have a good rest. You’ll gain weight after a few months.” Summer is here, can winter be far behind?

Toronto is a Legend！We will come back.

Dr. Cao presenting at the Sino-Canadian Symposium曹阳老师在中加能源研讨会演讲

Prof. Fang presenting at the Sino-Canadian Symposium方真老师在中加能源研讨会演讲

Delegates for the Sino-Canadian Symposium中加能源研讨会合影

On the way to Toronto in Seoul汉城转机中

Dormitory at U of T’s Victoria College多大维多利学院学生宿舍

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2026多伦多中加能源研讨会和加拿大化学与化工联合年会报告

应加拿大湖首大学工学院院长Janusz A Kozinski和西安大略大学郑颖教授（加拿大化工学会主席）邀请，南京农业大学方真教授和曹阳副教授一行2人， 于2026年5月24-28日，参加了多伦多两项学术活动：“2026首届中加能源与气候前沿高端论坛”并作特邀报告，以及“2026加拿大化学与化工联合年会（CSC/CSChE 2026, x2026）”并分别作分会报告，方老师担任分会场主席。

2026年5月23日中午从南京禄口机场出发，经广州和汉城转机，两位老师不远万里于当地时间5月24日晚抵达多伦多皮尔逊国际机场，随后赶往市区驻地多伦多大学维多利学院百年女生宿舍(Annesley Hall大学暑期，大会为代表推荐的住宿, 建于1903, 加拿大国家历史遗址), 方老师回到了阔别9年的多伦多。睡梦中，方老师下半夜恶梦惊醒，仿佛见到“胰岛素之父” 班廷医生正在校园里从血淋淋狗胰管提取胰岛素，提醒他一定是血糖过高，需要采取行动。

第2天一早，天空晴朗万里无云，肆虐多伦多一周多的阴雨冷天终于放晴，方老师和曹老师从驻地抵达西安大略大学多伦多校区(Western University’s Toronto Space, 130 King St. W., Suite 3400)参加中加能源高端论坛。论坛汇聚中加高校研究者、行业领袖与政策制定者，聚焦前沿研究成果转化、产学研对接与商业化突破，旨在通过跨学科协作弥合技术从实验室到市场的鸿沟。上午9:00 am, 主题报告环节由郑颖教授主持，Kozinski 教授主持开幕和发表闭幕演讲。中加双方8位高校领导、企业家代表和加拿大工程院领导围绕能源转型、电网创新、关键矿产、生物质转化、矿山基建、工业废水治理等主题依次作报告。其中方真教授和曹阳副教授联合作做了生物质高效转化方向特邀报告：《Efficient Conversion of Biomass into High-Value Products via Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Catalytic Upgrading》。上午设置茶歇与午间交流环节；下午举办两场圆桌论坛，邀请专家分别围绕绿色技术产学研转化、能源与关键矿产可持续发展展开研讨，与会者对AI应用于能源和资源邻域显示出强烈的兴趣，大家纷纷提到中加是互补性最强的2个国家，没有国家利益冲突，论坛目的是打造中加能源领域高端交流平台。最后, Kozinski教授引用美国非裔女诗人Maya Angelou (1928-2014)句子总结：

“我了解到，人们会忘记你说过什么，

人们会忘记你做过什么，

但人们永远不会忘记你带给他们的感受。”

会后发布中加能源与气候合作联合公报，并举行交流招待会。祝京旭和Ajay K Dalai院士特意从化工大会会场赶来参加午餐会并和专家合影留念、同时祝贺Pedram Fatehi教授新晋当选加拿大工程院院士(FCAE) 。

当晚，应中国驻多伦多总领馆罗伟东总领事邀请，两位老师出席总领馆举办的《中加产教融合对话会》，会后参加晚宴并合影。张萌教育参赞主持了对话会，在加华裔工程院(FCAE)和皇家科学院院士(FRSC)、企业家、国内多所高校校长及各领域知名教授代表共同出席。席间各方围绕中加教育学术交流的发展现状与长远方向深入分享，共商两国科教领域深化务实合作的路径。能够参与此次使馆层面的正式交流，倍感重视与鼓舞，深切感受到国家对中加科教合作的重视与支持，对国际科技合作的全局意义有了更深刻的认识。晚宴后，在步行回驻地的半途中，方老师指着远处的多伦多加拿大国家电视塔（Toronto CN Tower）说：“十年前，Kozinski教授（约克大学工学院院长）在该塔作为天行者skywalker，显示他的工作决心，以激励年轻人实现他们的工程师梦想。”我们必须要有一颗勇敢的心。”

5月26-28日，两位老师接着参加坐落在地铁中心多伦多会议中心举办的x2026大会，该会是加拿大化学化工领域最高级别年度学术盛会，旨在推动学科交叉与产研融合。27日下午3:00 – 3:20 PM (Meeting Room 701B)曹阳博士做了20分钟关于生物质水热液化报告，汇报自己在这方面的成果，阐述微波辅助水热液化体系解聚木质素、原位加氢制备低氧烃类燃料的技术路线，获得现场学者积极反馈。会议期间，两位老师与多国同行广泛交流，跟踪学科前沿，拓展了国际合作。最后一天，5月28日上午，方真教授担任“生物可再生资源转化”分会场主席并作特邀报告《Techniques and Practical Applications of Converting Biorenewables to Biofuels and High Value-Added Products》，系统梳理生物可再生资源向生物燃料与高附加值产品转化的关键技术与工程应用，展示研究组研究积累，彰显我国生物质能源领域研究水平。

出访期间，Kozinski教授全程给予热忱周到的接待，从论坛议程衔接、学术交流对接，到行程起居安排，处处细致妥帖，尽显多年合作积淀下的默契与情谊。论坛和年会活动结束后，Kozinski教授诚挚邀请方真和曹阳老师前往家中做客，教授与夫人精心准备家宴，席间双方畅叙学术过往、交流生活见闻，氛围轻松而温馨。双方互赠承载心意的纪念礼品，在家常氛围中进一步沟通了人才联合培养、国际项目联合申报、年度学术互访等后续合作规划，让严谨的学术合作更添一份跨越国界的挚友温情。

回望合作历程，Kozinski教授于2016年访问南农生物能源组，方真老师于2013和2017年访问Kozinski研究组。2025年7-8月依托外国专家项目Kozinski教授赴南京农业大学开展驻校交流指导，期间双方并肩攻关，联合发表高水平学术论文6篇，共同策划举办多场线上国际学术会议，在生物质能源与绿色化工领域结下了扎实的合作根基。此次多伦多再会，既是对过往合作成果的肯定，更让双方的伙伴关系从学术同行升华为情谊深厚的挚友，为下一阶段更深层次、更广领域的双向交流筑牢了情感与信任的基础。通过两场国际会议的报告，提升了南京农业大学生物能源组国际能源领域的学术影响力；二是拓展中加学术合作网络，与多位顶尖学者及机构建立联系，为联合申报项目、人员互访创造条件；三是把握学科前沿动态，为研究组后续研究布局与学科交叉提供参考；最后，深化校际友谊，夯实与Kozinski研究组和加方大学和企业的长期合作基础。

在开车回皮尔逊国际机场的路上，Kozinski教授问：“真，我们可以试试运动模式吗？”“当然，太棒了！这是我第一次尝试，我把座椅调到了靠背位置，以防我严重晕车，”方老师回答道。方老师哼着《Take Me Home, Country Roads》，30分钟后到达机场。我们总是有颗年青的心。

在多伦多的几天里，两位老师在初夏太阳下晒黑了不少，方老师累的体重减轻2斤，尽管没触摸到多大校园AI之父辛顿教授办公室的墙。但还是愉快地完成了自己给自己定的任务，受到家人的表扬，心中充满着无比的欢乐。南京端午节暴雨后一个晚上，方老师田径场慢跑偶遇刚博士毕业的小姚，她说：“方老师，您的脸冬天会变白的，多吃点好好休息，几个月后也会增重的。”夏天到了冬天还远吗？

Toronto is a Legend！We will come back!

方真教授、曹阳副教授与多位教授合影（从左至右：Kang Kang 教授、Kozinski 教授、祝京旭教授、方真教授、Ajay K. Dalai 教授、曹阳副教授）with Profs. Kang Kang, Kozinski, Jess Zhu and Ajay K. Dalai

多伦多总领馆学术交流嘉宾合影Attending Sino-Canadian Industry-Education Integration Dialogue in Chinese Consulate General in Toronto

两夜没睡失神了像没了灵魂的方老师：Kozinski教授去年夏天建议的，方老师没能挑战成功skywalking的多伦多加拿大国家电视塔Toronto CN Tower that Prof. Fang failed to challenge skywalking suggested last summer by Prof. Kozinski (After two sleepless nights, Prof. Fang seemed lost in a daze, as if his soul had been stollen)

曹阳老师在CSC/CSChE2026演讲Dr. Cao presenting at x2026

方老师在CSC/CSChE2026演讲Prof. Fang presenting at x2026

CSC/CSChE2026演讲结束后路旁合影After presentation at x2026 in the street

参加Kozinski教授家宴Attending Prof. Kozinski’s family dinner

住宿旁品尝加拿大特色晚餐Canadian unique supper near the dormitry