报告主题：The Comammox Key: Rethinking Nitrification

主 讲 人：韩平 副教授（香港城市大学）

主 持 人：李猛 教授

时 间：2025年12月18日（四）16：00

地 点：致知楼706

嘉宾简介：

Prof. Ping Han is an environmental microbiologist specializing in microbial processes within the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. She earned her Ph.D. from The University of Hong Kong (2014) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Vienna, Austria. Before joining CityUHK, she was running a research group in Shanghai (established 2018). Prof. Han played a key role in the landmark discovery of complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox) Nitrospira bacteria. Her research has resulted in over 70 publications, featuring work in leading journals including Nature, Nature Communications, ISME Journal, Environmental Science & Technology, and Water Research. Her work has been cited more than 6,900 times (Google Scholar, Dec 2025), with an H-index of 36. She has led and contributed to multiple research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, and National Key Research and Development Program of China.

报告摘要：

Nitrification is a planetary double-edged sword: it is essential for fertilizing our crops but also a major source of water pollution and potent greenhouse gases. For decades, its complexity has been a "black box." This talk will unveil how recent breakthroughs, including the discovery of complete nitrifying (comammox) bacteria, are rewriting the rules. We will explore how deciphering these microbial mysteries provides critical leverage. By understanding the actors and controls within this process, we can move towards smarter environmental management, that is designing agricultural practices and engineered systems that harness its benefits while minimizing its substantial environmental costs.