Shandong University researchers Liu Huaiwei, Liu Kun, and Su Tianyuan recently inspired students by sharing their deep-sea experiences and scientific findings during remote expeditions aboard the Jiaolong manned submersible at a symposium.

Shandong University has played pivotal roles in two recent deep-sea exploration missions alongside China's advanced submersible, known as Sea Dragon.

These missions, the 80th and 83rd voyages of China's deep-sea exploration program, included significant scientific endeavors in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, respectively.

Liu Huaiwei and Liu Kun, from the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology of Shandong University, participated in the 80th voyage, in which Jiaolong was carried by China's Deep-Sea No 1 research vessel and embarked a journey to the western Pacific Ocean on June 16, 2023.

During this expedition, they were mainly responsible for the investigation of microorganisms in typical deep-sea habitats. This marked the university's first involvement in manned deep-sea exploration with Jiaolong.

The 83rd voyage, which commenced in Dec 17, 2023, marked the first time that Jiaolong conducted underwater operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

During this expedition, Su Tianyuan, a microbiologist from the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology of Shandong University, participated in the investigation of microbial resources such as plastic degrading bacteria. On March 10, he finished his missions and returned to China.

"I was truly impressed by the accounts shared by the teachers regarding their expeditions. Despite the challenging and repetitive scientific tasks, their unwavering determination contributes significantly to China's exploration and development of deep-sea microbial resources," said Liu Mingyue, a student from the laboratory.

Liu Huaiwei (left) and Liu Kun pose for a photo in front of Jiaolong submersible during their voyage. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

Su Tianyuan (fourth from right, second row), a microbiologist at the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology of Shandong University, poses for a photo in front of the Deep-Sea No 1 research vessel. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]