From April 1st to 3rd, 2025, CHANG Ludan (常露丹), a master's student in Ecology and Evolution of Plant Animal Interaction (EEPAI) research group at XTBG participated in the 2025 Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) held at the University of Cambridge, UK. The conference gathered over 200 young researchers and graduate students from around the world to discuss innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation.

All conference delegates

On April 3rd, Ludan delivered an oral presentation titled "An Educational Program Fostering Sense of Place Enhances Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviors Among Adolescents by Promoting Agency". Her research focuses on Bryde’s whale conservation around Weizhou Island, China, and how a three-month educational program can enhance adolescents' sense of place, promote agency, and encourage conservation behaviors. The presentation attracted interest and positive feedback from international participants.

CHANG Ludan presenting her research on SCCS

Following SCCS, with the support of Professor Pete Hollingsworth, Director of Science and Deputy Keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Ludan visited several leading institutions in Edinburgh from April 8th to 10th. She gave a presentation titled "Sense of Place and Conservation" at RBGE, and engaged in discussions with Caitlyn Johnstone, Martyn Dickson, and Eve Armstrong on topics including nature-based solutions and public engagement strategies. During her visit, Ludan was also warmly received by Simon Milne, Regius Keeper (Director) of RBGE.

Photo with Simon Milne (left) and Pete Hollingsworth (right) at RBGE

Ludan further met with Phill Mathis, Learning Manager at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), and discussed cetacean research and public outreach with Georg Hantke and Ashley Mackenzie-White at the National Museums of Scotland (NMS).

Exchanging ideas on environmental education research in XTBG with other institutions

This visit to the UK provided Ludan with valuable opportunities for academic exchange, broadened her international perspective, and offered inspiration for future research and practice in conservation education.