ZHEJIANG, August 18, 2024 – The Deep-Time Digital Earth (DDE) Paleogeography Workshop, a pivotal event organized by Professor Mingcai Hou and Dr. Haipeng Li, culminated in a special ceremony at the Zhejiang Lab. The ceremony, "Celebration of Generosity and Scholarship: Honoring Professor Christopher R. Scotese," recognized the professor's substantial academic contributions and his generous donation of scholarly materials to the IUGS Deep-time Digital Earth program.

Academician Chengshan Wang, Chair of the DDE Executive Committee, opened the ceremony by underscoring the critical role of fostering collaboration to push the boundaries of paleogeographic research. "By celebrating Professor Scotese today, we not only honor his legacy but also reinforce our commitment to advancing the tools and techniques essential for future discoveries," stated Wang.

Academician Chengshan Wang giving an overview to the ceremony

As the Paleogeographer's Song played softly in the background, Professor Scotese provided a detailed overview of the donated materials, which included rare paleogeographic flipbooks, journals and notebooks, and seminal publications. This comprehensive collection is intended to inspire future generations, educate the public, and push the boundaries of how we interact with scholarly contributions.

Professor Christopher Scotese introducing his donated materials to the participants

The formal proceedings included the presentation of a donation certificate and appointment letter, officially appointing Scotese as an adjunct professor at the DDE Research Center of Excellence, Zhejiang. Following the formalities, Scotese expressed his enthusiasm for the future applications of his work and the ongoing advancements in the field.

The donation certificate presented to Professor Scotese

The event was part of a broader workshop program that emphasized interactive sessions and discussions on the future of paleogeography, illustrating a dynamic blend of historical scholarship and cutting-edge technology. The ceremony concluded with a reception where participants enjoyed a creatively designed paleogeographic cake, symbolizing the Late Cretaceous period, fostering a light-hearted yet profound appreciation for the depth and scope of geological time.

The Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) cake

Group photo of workshop participants

This ceremony and the encompassing workshop not only celebrated Professor Scotese’s contributions but also set the stage for innovative collaborations that promise to redefine the landscape of paleogeographic research.