Professor John Pickett awarded honorary professorship at Guizhou University during International Congress on Insect Science

Professor John Pickett CBE, FRS recently made an academic visit to China, during which he was awarded an Honorary Professorship at Guizhou University in recognition of his pioneering work and significant contributions to ecological chemistry.

Professor Pickett delivered the opening plenary lecture at the International Congress on Insect Science, held at Henan (Province) University in Kaifeng. The congress focused on Insect Science for New Sustainable Approaches to Pest Management and the Exploitation of Beneficial Insects, a theme closely aligned with Pickett’s lifelong work on semiochemical-based Integrated Pest Management.

In addition to his plenary address, he served as Co-Chair of the Academic Organising Committee, helping to shape the scientific direction of the congress. His visit was supported by Henan Province, reflecting a strong commitment to building long-term research collaborations.

Following the congress, Professor Pickett travelled to Guizhou University, where he delivered a formal lecture entitled “Green Solutions to Pest Management for New Sustainable Cropping and Rationally Overcoming Selection for Resistance to Chemical Agents.”

In recognition of his scientific leadership and impact, Professor Pickett was formally awarded the Honorary Professorship at a ceremony hosted by the university. Guizhou University also committed to sending graduates to join the MSc in Chemistry for Sustainability.

The visit concluded with strategic meetings with senior leaders of Guizhou Province. Discussions centred on high-level collaboration aligned with the province’s sustainability ambitions.

We congratulate Professor Pickett on his award and look forward to the outcomes of future collaborations that will further advance sustainable ecological innovation.