Professor Wang wenke revitalizes arid lands and cultivates talent

For over forty years, Professor Wang Wenke of Chang’an University has worked to find and manage water resources in China’s drylands, simultaneously fostering a new generation of scholars.

Wang Wenke dedicated his career to exploring and treating drought-stricken areas, revitalizing landscapes in places like the Tarim Basin and the Yellow River source region. He gathered extensive data on water resources and ecological conditions across northwestern China, using it to develop a complete technical system for managing water in arid environments.

Wang Wenke led teams that built five multi-functional on-site test sites along the Yellow River, including one described by international colleagues as an invaluable resource for studying groundwater and ecosystems. He also established a Sino-Australian research center with Griffith University in Australia, strengthening the university’s research capabilities. Beyond research, Wang Wenke actively served as a political advisor, proposing solutions to environmental issues and advocating for the needs of citizens. As a professor, Wang Wenke prioritized both knowledge creation and teaching.

He designed a “three-in-one” teaching model combining classroom work, field research, and on-site experimentation, and established a field station for practical learning. He has mentored over two hundred graduate students, many of whom have become leaders in their fields, and continued teaching even after suffering a leg injury. He believes that educating students requires nurturing their character as much as their intellect.