The 154th Global Lecture Series - “Connecting Aerosol Composition to Health Effects” by Professor Yinon Rudich, Academician of the European Academy of Sciences

On June 3, 2024, the 154th ‘Global Lecture Series’ at Zhejiang University took place successfully at the School of Earth Sciences. Professor Yinon Rudich, an academician of the European Academy of Sciences, delivered an academic lecture titled ‘Connecting Aerosol Composition to Health Effects’. The report revealed the differences in toxicity of various types of aerosols to cells and demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding aerosol chemistry, toxicity, and health risks.

Zhejiang University's 154th " Global Lecture Series " academic presentation by ProfessorYinon Rudich.

Professor Rudich explored the toxicity differences between biogenic and anthropogenic sources of Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOAs), and how SOAs interact with soot particles to affect gene expression related to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory signaling in cell models. Professor Rudich emphasized the health impacts of aerosols produced by wood burning. Professor Rudich provided a detailed overview of the seasonal variations in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives in Beijing's PM_2.5. He noted significant differences in PAH concentrations between winter and summer, with higher pollution levels in the winter.

During the discussion session, Professor Rudich engaged enthusiastically with students and faculty about the content of the report, creating a lively atmosphere at the event!

Faculty and students actively engaged in discussion with ProfessorRudich during the interactive session.

Professor Weijun Li presided over the presentation and, together with Professor Long Cao, the Deputy Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, presented Professor Rudich with the ‘Global Lecture Series’ certificate.

Certificate award ceremony of Zhejiang University's " Global Lecture Series ".

Professor Rudich engaged in a graduate/postdoctoral discussion event with faculty and students from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences on June 2. Faculty and students presented their academic research achievements. Professor Rudich highly praised the work of each presenter and provided numerous constructive suggestions.

Scene from the graduate/postdoctoral forum.

The School of Earth Sciences has long placed a high emphasis on the training of undergraduate students. On the afternoon of June 3, Professor Weijun Li organized undergraduate students to conduct a ‘Dialogue Series with Undergraduate Students-Knowledge-to-Action' with Professor Rudich. During the interactive session, students actively asked questions on daily life and study. Professor Rudich patiently and thoroughly answered these questions. He advised students to choose a research direction based on their own foundation and interests and maintain a sense of curiosity for exploration. He also emphasized the importance to strengthen outdoor activities in the spare time to balance study and life.

Professor Rudich takes a commemorative photo with undergraduate students from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, School of Earth Sciences.

During a six-day visit from May 31 to June 5, 2024, Professor Rudich, along with faculty and students, toured Zhejiang University's Zijingang Campus, the university's history museum, and the atmospheric chemistry laboratory at the School of Earth Sciences.Professor Rudich highly praised Zhejiang University's historical heritage and academic achievements, and expressed a strong desire for extensive future cooperation and exchange with the relevant disciplines of the School of Earth Sciences at Zhejiang University. Additionally, the visit's activities deepened the faculty and students' understanding of cutting-edge research on the impact of aerosol components on human health. Professor Rudich also provided valuable guidance on scientific research and academic development for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, further enhancing international academic exchange and collaboration.

(Article by Zexuan Zhang / Photography by the Office of Global Engagement)