The Founder of Modern Botany in China: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Hu Xiansu

Join us to celebrate the life, groundbreaking scientific work, and legacy of Hu Xiansu (Hu Hsen-Hsu) on the 100th anniversary of his doctoral degree from Harvard. After conducting his doctoral work at the Arnold Arboretum under the direction of Professor John Jack, Hu returned to China where he co-founded or led several of the country’s most important botanical institutions, such as the Fan Memorial Institute of Biology, the Botanical Society of China, and the Lushan Botanical Garden. In 1948, Hu and his colleague Zheng Wanjun (Cheng Wan Chun) announced to the world the identification of the “living fossil” Metasequoia glyptostroboides or dawn redwood, a species previously considered extinct. The Metasequoia seeds that Hu sent to the Arnold Arboretum that same year are now majestic trees that grace the Arboretum and stand as its logo – an enduring symbol of natural beauty, scientific discovery, and international cooperation.   

This online event will feature Arnold Arboretum Director William (Ned) Friedman, Chief Scientist at the China National Botanical Garden (North Garden) Ma Jinshuang, Professor of Sociology at Beijing Normal University Hu Xiaojiang (granddaughter of Hu Xiansu), and other speakers discussing Hu’s life and influence. Free and open to the public. Registration required.   

Due to this program’s international audience, the webinar will begin at 7:00am Eastern Standard Time and 8:00 pm China Standard Time.

You will receive Zoom login information by email before the program.