Xiamen University Advances ONCE Ocean Negative Emissions Program with Key Implementation Meeting

The Pivotal Meeting at Xiamen University

On February 22, 2026, Xiamen University convened a crucial advancement meeting for the compilation of the overall implementation plan of the Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (ONCE) International Big Science Program. This gathering, held just a day before the current date, marked a significant milestone in propelling the initiative forward. Attended by top university leadership including President and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Academician Hu Wenping, it served dual purposes as both a progress review and a mobilization rally. The event underscored the university's commitment to tackling global climate challenges through cutting-edge marine research.

Hosted by Executive Deputy Commander Liu Tao of the International Marine Science Center Construction Command, the meeting brought together heads of key units, discipline leaders, and representatives from the Carbon Neutrality Innovation Research Center. Discussions centered on identifying bottlenecks in the plan's development, assigning clear responsibilities, and accelerating breakthroughs to ensure timely standardization. President Hu Wenping delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the program's alignment with national strategies and global sustainability goals. He highlighted the need for institutional innovation to foster new research paradigms suited to large-scale scientific endeavors.

This meeting follows the formal establishment of the university's Special Leading Group and Construction Command for the International Marine Science Center on February 4, 2026, signaling a structured push toward execution.

🌊 Origins and Vision of the ONCE Program

The ONCE program, short for Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions, represents a groundbreaking international effort to harness the ocean's vast potential for carbon sequestration. Initiated by Xiamen University's CAS Academician Jiao Nianzhi, it builds on his pioneering "microbial carbon pump" theory. This theory posits that marine microbes can transform organic carbon into long-lasting refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC), effectively locking away CO₂ for centuries in the ocean depths.

Officially launched as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade in 2022, ONCE has grown to encompass scientists from 38 countries, 116 universities and institutions, and over 1,500 experts worldwide. Its headquarters, enabled in Xiamen in April 2022, serves as a hub for coordination. The program's core mission is to develop eco-engineering solutions that amplify natural ocean carbon sinks, contributing to the Paris Agreement's targets of limiting warming to 1.5–2.0°C. Since the Industrial Revolution, oceans have absorbed about 25% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, and ONCE aims to push this further through targeted interventions.

• Enhance microbial activity to boost RDOC production.
• Implement coastal blue carbon strategies like mangrove restoration.
• Develop alkalization techniques for wastewater outflows to counter acidification.

Xiamen University's stewardship positions it as a leader in China's marine higher education landscape, fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges oceanography, chemistry, and environmental engineering.

Key Leaders Driving ONCE Forward

At the helm of ONCE is Academician Jiao Nianzhi, Xiamen University's Chair Professor and the program's Chief Scientist. His decades-long research on marine microbial ecology forms the bedrock of ONCE. Recently honored with the Fujian Province Science and Technology Major Contribution Award, Jiao's vision has propelled international conferences, including the Third Open Science Conference in October 2024 and unveilings at COP30 in November 2025.

Supporting him are luminaries like President Hu Wenping, who stressed in his speech: "Raise political awareness, innovate institutions, leverage systemic strengths, and ensure collaborative execution to contribute Xiamen's unique wisdom to global sustainability." Other notables include CAS Academician Tian Zhongqun from the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Academician Zheng Nanfeng, Dean of the College of Energy, and Vice Presidents Shi Dalin and You Yancheng.

These leaders exemplify how Xiamen University integrates top-tier talent to advance national priorities. For aspiring researchers, this highlights abundant opportunities in higher ed research jobs focused on climate innovation.

Scientific Pillars: From Theory to Eco-Engineering

The microbial carbon pump (MCP) is ONCE's theoretical cornerstone. Unlike short-lived particulate organic carbon, RDOC persists in the ocean, resisting microbial breakdown. ONCE expands this through eco-engineering roadmaps, such as artificial upwelling powered by solar energy to nutrient-rich deep waters, stimulating phytoplankton blooms and subsequent carbon export.

Practical steps include revising wastewater pH standards above 8.0 at marine outfalls to mitigate coastal acidification while enhancing sequestration. Xiamen's pilot sites, like local sewage treatment plants, test these methods with regular sampling. Achievements include ISO-certified pathways and market mechanisms presented at global forums, upholding the "Triple REAL" vision: Realistic, Reliable, and Ready-to-deploy.

In higher education, this translates to hands-on training for students in marine biogeochemistry. Programs like the MEL Ocean Biogeochemistry Innovation Talent International Cooperation Project pair Xiamen students with global partners such as Germany's Helmholtz Centre and France's Sorbonne University.

Navigating Challenges in Implementation Planning

Compiling ONCE's overall scheme involves tackling complex bottlenecks: integrating multi-disciplinary inputs, ensuring scalability, and aligning with regulatory frameworks. The February meeting systematically reviewed these, with Deputy Director Luo Tingwei's report outlining progress and gaps. Experts debated refinements, drawing from disciplinary expertise to propose actionable solutions.

Challenges include verifying long-term carbon accounting, scaling pilots globally, and securing funding amid China's dual-carbon goals (peak by 2030, neutrality by 2060). Yet, optimism prevails through institutional reforms—restructuring organizations for agility and fostering whole-school synergy, as President Hu advocated: "Whole school as one chessboard."

For faculty and postdocs, this means new paradigms in large-scale projects. Explore postdoc positions in China's leading marine labs.

Building the International Marine Science Center

Central to ONCE is Xiamen University's International Marine Science Center, under construction with dedicated leadership since early February 2026. This facility will house advanced labs, computational models, and international collaborations, serving as ONCE's nerve center.

Reforms span ideas (strategic mindset shift), organization (cross-disciplinary teams), technology (eco-interventions), and management (accountability chains). Partnerships with entities like Shandong Marine Group and China National Chemical Engineering underscore industry ties.

• Host global conferences and training.
• Develop standardized carbon monitoring protocols.
• Train next-gen scientists via integrated programs.

This hub elevates Xiamen's status in Chinese higher education, attracting talent via China university jobs.

Photo by Lavinia Arances on Unsplash

Global Reach and Collaborative Networks

ONCE transcends borders, with working groups on topics like blue carbon and upwelling. Partners span Europe (Sorbonne), North America (Dalhousie), and Asia. Recent activities include UN STI Forum addresses and COP30 releases, positioning China—and Xiamen—at the forefront of ocean climate action.

Xiamen's collaborations, like the recent MoU with Australia's University of Western Australia in marine environments, amplify impact. For students, this opens exchange programs and joint degrees, enriching resumes for academic careers.

Implications for China's Higher Education Landscape

In China's push for technological self-reliance, ONCE exemplifies university-led big science. Xiamen integrates ONCE into curricula, from undergrad marine science to PhD programs, producing graduates ready for climate jobs. Enrollment in related fields surges, mirroring national trends where STEM higher ed receives boosted funding.

The program addresses youth unemployment by creating research roles—think data analysts for carbon models or field techs for pilots. Institutions like Xiamen's College of Ocean and Earth Sciences lead, with events like the "Sea Flavor Fresh" marine科普 festival engaging communities.

Stakeholders praise balanced growth: academics gain platforms, industry accesses innovations, policymakers get verified pathways. Check professor salaries in China's top unis for insights.

Career Opportunities and Student Prospects

ONCE fuels higher ed careers: postdocs model carbon fluxes, lecturers teach eco-engineering, admins coordinate globals. Xiamen's MEL lab offers international fellowships, ideal for building networks.

• Research Assistantships in biogeochemistry.
• Faculty roles in energy and chemistry colleges.
• Industry partnerships for applied marine tech.

Graduates enter booming sectors, with China's ocean economy projected at trillions by 2030. Platforms like Rate My Professor highlight inspiring mentors like Jiao.

Future Outlook: Roadmaps and Milestones

Post-meeting, expect refined schemes by mid-2026, pilots scaling, and center operational soon. ONCE eyes ISO standards for negative emissions credits, influencing global markets. Xiamen's role in UN Ocean Decade ensures sustained funding and visibility.

Challenges like verification persist, but solutions—AI monitoring, blockchain accounting—emerge from collaborations. For higher ed, this heralds more interdisciplinary majors, attracting international talent to China.

Xiamen University's Marine Excellence Ecosystem

Xiamen thrives as China's marine powerhouse, with national key labs and recent pacts like Hikvision for instruments. Events like Academician Han Enhous's corrosion seminar complement ONCE, fostering holistic expertise.

This ecosystem supports 15+ international conferences yearly, training thousands. Students benefit from real-world cases, preparing for higher ed jobs in sustainability.

Aligning with National and Global Strategies

ONCE dovetails China's 14th Five-Year Plan and carbon neutrality vows, backed by Fujian Province. Globally, it aids SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water). Xiamen's contributions—COP30 results, UN forums—elevate Chinese higher ed's profile.

Explore career advice at higher ed career advice for thriving in such initiatives.

Photo by 炫铭 on Unsplash

Conclusion: Pioneering Sustainable Futures

Xiamen University's ONCE push exemplifies visionary higher education in action. By compiling robust plans and rallying resources, it paves the way for ocean-driven climate solutions. Researchers, students, and professionals: seize opportunities in this transformative field. Visit Rate My Professor, browse higher ed jobs, and access career advice to join the wave. For China-specific roles, check university jobs and cn listings.