Dr. Yang Qichang, a Professor from Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (IEDA) of CAAS, was elected the Chairman of Greenhouse Design Working Group of the International Society for Horticulture Sciences (ISHS) on the 29th International Horticultural Congress (IHC), held on August 17-23 in Brisbane, Australia.

Yang has devoted to horticulture engineering for more than 20 years with series of important achievements in the research areas of greenhouse environment simulation, greenhouse energy-saving engineering and intelligent plant factories, etc. His innovative methods incorporate different soilless growing techniques for fruit and vegetables as well as energy-efficient LED lighting. “This 3-D ‘plant factory’ technology can increase the productivity of many plants”, says Yang, adding that it is particularly applicable “where land is limited, such as in China and Western Europe”. Their researches represent the frontier of horticulture engineering in China and enjoy great international reputation.

Founded in April 1959, ISHS was as a global network of horticulturists and horticultural scientists seeking international co-operation. It has more than 7000 members from around 100 countries and has become the largest and most important framework for horticultural science. ISHS has 14 commissions and some Working Groups, which are chaired by prominent scholars in respective field.