Role: Principle Investigator
Title: Professor
E-mail: cj@xtbg.org.cn
Introduction: PhD supervisor, Researcher of XTBG, Executive Vice President of Initiative for Collective Conservation in Chinese Botanical Gardens, Chief scientist of Environmental Education Center (XTBG). He was Director of XTBG (2005-2021). Main research directions: the ecology and evolution of plant and animal interactions, environmental/science education and conservation biology. Prof. Chen has published more than 100 papers in international journals such as Cell, Nature Communications, Current Biology, Ecology and Environmental Education Research. He has trained 46 doctoral and postgraduate students so far.
‘Do something new, do something different’, as Prof. Chen said, and he is still on his way to living up to it.
Role: Sector Chief (Ecological Resilience)
Title: Professor
E-mail: zhangl@xtbg.org.cn
Introduction: I am working a magic group called mistletoes, and study the ecological adaption of asynchrony phenology of sympatric mistletoes in Xishuangbanna; meanwhile we try to explore the interrelations between the insect herbivores diversity in mistletoes and host plants by comparing the composition and herbivory level of insect herbivores, also to investigate the relationship between mistletoe leaf herbivory and leaf functional traits, by comparison studies of physical and chemical defensive traits of the mistletoe-host plants. Please join us if you are interested in these work, you are mostly welcome.
Role: Sector Chief (Social Resilience & Citizen Science)
Title: Associate Professor
E-mail: husifan@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: I am an Associate Professor at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences, where my research focuses on conservation education and social–ecological resilience. Before joining XTBG, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, and was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford.
For more than a decade, my research has centered on biodiversity conservation and environmental education, with a particular interest in understanding how people perceive biodiversity, what motivates them to engage in conservation, and how effective interventions can foster long-term conservation behaviors. More broadly, I am interested in the relationships between people and nature and in developing evidence-based approaches that benefit both biodiversity and human well-being.
Outside of research, I simply enjoy being in nature. After spending more than a decade studying and working in large cities, I realized that what I missed most was life surrounded by rainforest. Returning to XTBG felt like coming home, and I hope to build a long-term research program here that brings people and nature closer together while contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Role: Sector Chief (Capacity Development & Impact Dissemination)
Title: Engineer
E-mail: xiaxue@xtbg.org.cn
Introduction: I am deeply interested in human agency in biodiversity conservation—particularly the attitudes, responses and adaptive capacities people demonstrate in the face of environmental change and even crisis. My efforts focus on exploring effective pathways—through educational initiatives—to strengthen awareness, mindsets, and practical skills. These initiatives are designed primarily for early-career researchers and practitioners in ecology, conservation biology, environmental education and nature education. Using skills-based training as a starting point, I aim to support them in navigating complex, real-world conservation contexts—helping them develop sharper critical thinking, more flexible action strategies and a stronger foundation of resilience for the uncertain future ahead.
Role: Staff
Title: Associate Professor
E-mail: wenping@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: This is WEN Ping. Ever since my poor studentship, there was always not enough funding to buy everything needed for a project like studying the pheromone of a social insect. I tried my best to work out pheromone projects. I built the electrophysiological instruments, synthesized the chemical standards I need, and built the apparatus for every behavioral experiment.
Role: Staff
Title: Senior Engineer
E-mail: zhaojinli@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: My research interests focus on science education and environmental education, especially in the context of botanical gardens. I am particularly interested in transforming biodiversity resources and scientific research into meaningful learning experiences for diverse audiences.
At present, I focus on two major research directions: the effectiveness and mechanisms of the dual-track model of citizen science, and the construction of a plant literacy indicator system from the perspective of ecological civilization, together with its application in teaching practice.
I am also interested in outdoor science learning supported by information and communication technology, as well as the professional development of science teachers and environmental educators. Overall, I hope to connect research and practice to strengthen the educational role of botanical gardens and promote public understanding of plants, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Role: Staff
Title: Senior Engineer
E-mail: jzp@xtbg.org.cn
Introduction: I received my bachelor’s degree from Sichuan University and my master’s degree from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. I joined Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, CAS in 2002, and have worked in multiple departments including the Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, General Office, /Party Committee Office, Biodiversity Research Group, and Environmental Education Center. My research focuses on landscape ecology and community science outreach. Having joined this research team, I am committed to advancing research and practice related to environmental education.
Role: Staff
Title: Assistant Engineer
E-mail: liuwanlu@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: I was born in Chongqing, studied environment and resources of agriculture for my bachelor period in Southwest University. Then I came to XTBG studied environment education during my master period. Nature is a place full of unknowns, mysteries, wonders, dangers and loves. Now I shift my concentration to caterpillars, the most attracting creatures for me in the natural world. I hope my experience in the following years will give some inspirations to both ecology and nature lovers such as me.
Role: Staff
Title: Engineer
E-mail: cuiqinglan@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: I am interested in problem-driven research, metascience and integrative conservation. I also enjoy nature photography, as being immersed in nature fills me with energy.
Role: Staff
Title: Engineer
E-mail: hehecuris@xtbg.org.cn
Introduction: Majored in environmental education, I have worked on related fields for nearly 20 years in XTBG, such as activities designing, themed lectures and training courses. I mainly focus on the biodiversity conservation education for the local residents, especially the students in Xishuangbanna to raise their awareness about the preciousness of the rainforest near their villages. I also like to communicate with the peers on what we could do to improve the public's Five aspects of environmental education in everyday life. I feel that we are at the crossroad with the development of technology and the decline of nature experiences. However, I believe there are always pathways to face the fact and take actions.
Role: Staff
Title: Assistant research fellow
E-mail: xuff@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: Ms. Xu Fangfang，Ph.D. in Ecology, currently working as an Assistant Research Fellow. My research focuses on plant diversity, soil properties, and ecological resilience—specifically, how plants adapt to environmental changes. Other research interest includes: tracing carbon and nitrogen allocation in plants using stable isotope labeling, and interspecific distant hybridization and progeny cultivation of figs (Ficus spp.).
Role: Staff
Title: Engineer
E-mail: moxiaoxue@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: I’m Mo Xiaoxue. Years of field expeditions among tropical forests have cultivated my profound awe for nature. I read the logic of ecosystems with a scientific perspective, meanwhile feeling and recording the inherent beauty of Nature through art. Fascinated by the interplay between biodiversity and traditional ethnic wisdom, I hope to integrate ecology and aesthetics in nature education. My goal is to guide audiences to slow down, observe wilderness sincerely, and establish heartfelt respect for the natural world.
Role: Staff
Title: Research Assistant
E-mail: changld@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: I come from Weihai, Shandong Province. I received my bachelor’s degree in forestry from Nanjing Forestry University and my master’s degree in ecology from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. My research focuses on place-based conservation education, particularly on adolescents’ agency and behavior. I am also involved in botanical and wildlife illustration and design. I hope to contribute to biodiversity conservation through my research and creative work.
Role: Staff
Title: Post-doc
E-mail: sam.c.finnie@xtbg.ac.cn
Introduction: Introduction: I am an entomologist and tropical ecologist specialising in parasitoid wasps. Originally from Britain, I grew up in Tenerife, Spain, which sparked my fascination with diverse ecosystems in warmer climates. My previous research focuses on how insect communities change across ecological gradients, including latitudinal, vertical stratification, and elevational, in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. I am particularly interested in host-parasitoid interactions, especially between lepidopteran caterpillars and their insect parasitoids. My current work explores how the various defensive traits of caterpillars influence their susceptibility to predators and parasitoids.