The 11th International Conference on Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology (ICMPE-11) and the 10th Yellow Sea–East China Sea–South China Sea Ecosystem Symposium (YES-2026), co-organised by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), were held on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 22 August 2026. The joint conference brought together approximately 350 researchers and experts from around the world to exchange the latest research findings on important issues such as marine pollution, ecotoxicology, ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.
The conference was co-chaired by Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Vice-President (Research) and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health under the College of Science (CSCI) at CityUHK, and Professor Khim Jong Seong, from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Seoul National University.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Leung highlighted five major threats facing the world’s oceans: climate change, pollution, biological invasions, overfishing and habitat loss. He emphasised that addressing marine pollution effectively requires scientific observations to determine the extent and concentration of pollution, identify pollution sources, and develop solutions integrating technology and policy. He added that the conference provided an important platform for researchers to assess pollution levels and ecotoxicological impacts, and to jointly explore technological and policy solutions.
Established at CityUHK in 1995, the ICMPE conference series is held every two to three years and is dedicated to advancing research and academic exchange in marine pollution, ecotoxicology, ecological risk assessment and environmental management. Over the years, it has developed into a signature international academic forum. With all 10 previous editions held in Hong Kong, this year’s overseas edition marked a new milestone for the CityUHK-founded conference series, further expanding its international network and influence.
This year also marked the first joint hosting of ICMPE and YES. Held every two years, YES alternates between China and Republic of Korea and focuses on marine environmental research in East Asian waters, including the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea. The two conference series have complementary strengths: ICMPE focuses on marine pollution and ecotoxicology, while YES emphasises ecosystem health and regional cooperation. The joint conference aimed to establish a high-level, interdisciplinary platform for researchers from various regions to address regional and global marine environmental challenges and advance science-based solutions for marine conservation and sustainable development.
This article originated from CityUHK News Centre.