Wang Qiang, a dedicated plant specialist with a weather-beaten face and sun-darkened skin, embodies his deep-rooted passion for botanical studies through his global exploration of plant specimens.
After a brief New Year’s holiday respite in early January, Wang embarked on journeys to the United Kingdom and Kenya, each lasting about half a month. These travels were not mere leisure trips but integral components of his commitment to studying plant specimens, especially those preserving records of plants that thrived over a century ago—a treasure trove for botanical studies.
As a professor at the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, Wang’s dedication to plant taxonomy, often regarded as one of the most challenging, fundamental, and crucial fields in botany, has defined his academic journey since pursuing his PhD at the institute in 2008.
While the recent overseas trips may seem routine for Wang, they add to a decade-long history of exploring the treacherously rugged plateau, venturing into the depths of snow-covered mountains, and scouring harsh environments around the Himalayas. His focus on collecting rare plant species in challenging terrains has resulted in an impressive repository of over 100,000 valuable plant specimens and more than 200,000 related images.
Wang Qiang’s tireless efforts exemplify a profound dedication to botanical research, fostering a deep connection between science and the natural world.
