Recently, the Awards Committee of American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) announced that Professor Hu Zhenqi from CUMT has been selected by ASRS Awards Committee as the 2024 William T. Plass Award. Professor Hu Zhenqi is the first Asian scientist to receive this award.

Founded in 1983, ASRS is the most authoritative and influential society that focuses on land reclamation and ecological restoration of mine. Every year, the society awards scientists who have made great contributions in this field all over the world. These awards include William T. Plass Award, Richard and Lela Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year, Pioneer in Reclamation Award, Early Career Award and so on. And William T. Plass Award is the most prestigious award of the American Society of Reclamation Sciences , it is awarded to scientists who has distinguished themselves in the field of disturbed ecosystem reclamation at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

The Awards Committee highly praised  Professor Hu Zhenqi’s contributions on scientific research and teaching in mine reclamation and restoration and the wide application of his research in industries. The committee also said that Prof. Hu has not only made such world-class achievements, but also demonstrated his enterprising spirit in facing technical challenges and his generosity in sharing his research discoveries with others. Griswold, chairman of the committee, sent his congratulations to Professor Hu on receiving this highest honor.