Prof. LI Xiaohong is the President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).He holds a PhD in engineering and is a member of CAE. He also serves as a member of the Discipline Assessment Group of the Academic Degree Commission of the State Council, an Executive Director of China Coal Society, and a Chief Scientist of the 973 Program. His past positions include Vice Minister of Education of China, President of Wuhan University, President of Chongqing University, and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control.

Prof. LI studied in the Mining Department of Chongqing University during 1978 to 1985 and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree. In 1993, he obtained his PhD in mining engineering in Chongqing University. He was a research fellow at the University of California Berkley, USA from 1989 to 1991, and a visiting scholar at Queensland University of Technology, Australia in 1996.

As an expert in mining safety technologies, he has been committed to the research of coal mine gas control. His research has generated remarkable economic and social benefits through the new developments in ways to prevent mining gas accidents and improve gas mining efficiency. Prof. LI is a winner of the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists and an honorary professor at the University of Queensland, Australia. Prof. LI has also been honored with the National Scientific and Technological Progress Award and international academic awards for several times. He has 6 books and over 200 papers published.

Prof. LI was a member of the 11th CPPCC, a representative of the 12th NPC, a delegate of the 18th CPC National Congress, and is now a member of the 19th CPC Central Committee.