The winter solstice heralds the gradual return of warmth, marking the beginning of yet another cycle. On this auspicious occasion, the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou) (hereinafter referred to as “Guangzhou Marine Laboratory”) extends its sincerest greetings and best wishes to our colleagues in the global marine science and technology community, our partners, and friends from all walks of life. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the leaders and experts who have consistently supported and cared for us. Looking back on 2024, it was a year brimming with both hope and challenges. Together, we are venturing through the vast blue sea of marine science and writing a brilliant chapter for the Guangzhou Marine Laboratory.

In 2024, we deepened our commitment to scientific innovation, aligning our efforts with the national strategic needs related to “Maritime Territorial Security and Strategic Resource Development in the South China Sea”. These efforts demonstrated our determination and strength in advancing marine technology independence. In the past year, the Laohshan Laboratory Guangzhou Research Institute was officially inaugurated, marking our formal entry into the national laboratory system. We also secured approval for 63 research projects, including 19 national-level projects such as two major fund projects. Our leadership in the project “Key Technologies and Applications for Dynamic Remote Sensing Monitoring and Prediction of Ecological Environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Beibu Gulf Coastal Zone” earned us the first prize of the 2023 Natural Resources Science and Technology Progress Award. We also published a series of research papers in top-tier international journals such as Science and Cell. This year, we continued to attract top-tier talents by introducing 40 full-time researchers, including 10 national-level high-level talents, further solidifying our role as a hub for marine science expertise. Furthermore, we successfully hosted the Marine Science and Industry Sub-Forum of the 2024 Greater Bay Area Science Forum, fostered the growth of incubating enterprises and actively planned a Proof-of-Concept Center (PoCC), thus contributing to the development of the local economy.

Located in the geographic heart of the Pearl River Delta and at the core of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in Nansha, Guangzhou, we resonate with the rhythms of our era. Invigorated by the winds of innovation and fueled by an unwavering passion for unraveling the ocean’s mysteries, we stand united, ready to embrace the promising challenges of 2025.

As we look ahead to 2025, we will stand poised at a fresh starting point. With even greater enthusiasm and determination, we will actively engage in cutting-edge international marine research, closely align with the national marine strategy, and contribute to the marine technology innovation of the Greater Bay Area. We are dedicated to building a maritime community with a shared future and realizing the dream of a strong maritime nation.

Happy New Year! The future is now upon us!