Recently, the founding ceremony of the International Society of Palaeogeography (ISP) was held at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing). Thirteen academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering attended the ceremony online and offline, as did more than 200 members of the society and guests from 15 countries.

Palaeogeography is a subdiscipline of geosciences, guiding the prediction and exploration of important mineral resources such as oil, natural gas, and coal. The subdiscipline has strategic and practical significance for China's energy development. Palaeogeography can be divided into many branches, such as lithofacies palaeogeography, palaeobiogeography, tectonic palaeogeography, and quaternary palaeogeography. Experts in these disciplines are in urgent need of an international and professional platform for academic exchanges. 

After decades of development, China has become a global pacesetter in palaeogeographic research. Professor Feng Zengzhao of the China University of Petroleum (Beijing) has initiated five international academic meetings in palaeogeography since 2013 with the aim to promote international development and innovation of palaeogeography, help to explore and exploit global mineral resources (especially oil and gas), and further enhance China's global influence in palaeogeography and geology. In response to the representatives' call during the meetings, Prof. Feng applied for the founding of the International Society of Palaeogeography, which was supported by his counterparts from multiple countries.

The International Society of Palaeogeography is an international, academic and non-profit social organization voluntarily joined by experts in palaeogeography and related disciplines across the world. It is the first international academic organization in the field of geology established in China. It is governed by the Ministry of Education, registered with and administered by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and affiliated with the China University of Petroleum (Beijing).

The society will provide a new platform for academic exchanges between Chinese and foreign experts in palaeogeography, adding vitality to China's and international research and development of palaeogeography. The organization will also explore new paths for international social organizations to participate in global governance. It is committed to promoting the exchange of ideas, development and innovation of palaeogeography in all countries, and facilitating the prediction and exploration of mineral resources, especially oil and natural gas.

Wu Xiaolin, President of the China University of Petroleum (Beijing), said in his speech that, since it is affiliated with the university, the ISP will receive support in hosting meetings, developing academic journals, facilitating communication among academic organizations, and expanding its membership. Also, the university would take this as an opportunity to develop its Double First-Class disciplines.

(Reporter: He Miao)