To further advance the national innovation-driven development strategy and promote the effective commercialization of scientific and technological achievements in the maritime sector, while better aligning these outcomes with the needs of researchers and practitioners, the China Institute of Navigation (CIN) convened the 2026 China Maritime Science and Technology Innovation Symposium in Wuhan on April 18 - 19, 2026. The event brought together representatives from over 100 enterprises, public institutions, and research organizations in the transport sector, with more than 200 delegates in attendance.
The symposium was attended by prominent figures including Yan Xinping, president of the CIN and academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE); Li Shixin, executive vice president of the CIN; Hu Ya'an, former chief engineer of Nanjing Institute of Water Transport Science and academician of CAE; and Liu Chunjiang, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Wuhan University of Technology Committee. The opening session was chaired by the CIN Secretary-General Liu Shun.
In his keynote remarks, chairman Yan Xinping noted that China’s maritime science and technology sector is entering a critical phase of transition—from quantitative accumulation to qualitative advancement. As new quality productive forces are being rapidly cultivated, higher expectations are being placed on innovation models, evaluation mechanisms, and talent support systems across the industry. He emphasized that the CIN will continue to strengthen academic exchange, optimize journal operations, and enhance the reach and global impact of scholarly communication. It will also further refine evaluation systems for scientific achievements, improve award mechanisms, advance standards development, facilitate the transfer and application of research achievements, and upgrade talent development frameworks, all with a view to driving high-quality growth in maritime science and technology.
On behalf of the host institution, Liu Chunjiang extended a warm welcome to all participants. He outlined Wuhan University of Technology’s distinctive educational profile, achievements in talent cultivation, and recent progress in scientific innovation within the waterborne transport sector. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering virtue through education while continuing to attract high-quality global resources. Looking ahead, the University plans to accelerate pilot applications of large-model technologies in maritime education, actively explore new paradigms for cultivating maritime talent in the intelligent era, and promote deeper integration between scientific and industrial innovation, thereby contributing to China’s self-reliance in maritime science and the development of new quality productive forces in the shipping industry.
During the guest presentations, Li Shixin provided an overview of the CIN’s development history and current operations. Focusing on its overall growth, he elaborated on recent achievements and future plans in areas such as organizing academic exchanges, establishing science and technology award systems, advancing standards development, nurturing and supporting talent, and expanding international cooperation.
Academician Hu Ya’an shared his experience in preparing submissions for science and technology awards, drawing on his work in tackling key technological challenges in navigation-related infrastructure, developing core equipment, and participating in major engineering projects. His report, titled “Reflections on the Refinement of Scientific Achievements and Award Applications”, offered practical insights into the process.
Additional sessions featured experience-sharing by Professor Liu Kezhong, Dean of the School of Navigation at Wuhan University of Technology, on award applications in maritime science and technology; a keynote by Huang Rong, Director of the Icebreaker Research Institute at the Polar Research Institute of China, on the demands and challenges of independent innovation in polar equipment; a presentation by Wang Xianguang, Director of the Standards and Metrology Research Center at the China Academy of Transportation Sciences, titled “Standards as a Driver for Quality and Efficiency: Innovation for Maritime Development”; and a detailed briefing by Secretary-General Liu Shun on policies governing the evaluation and recognition of maritime scientific achievements. Participants also engaged in breakout discussions on three key themes: scientific and technological achievements, group standards, and talent development.
During the symposium, delegates visited the University’s history museum and intelligent operations center.
China Institute of Navigation
April 21, 2026