Shen Guofang, a renowned Chinese forestry scientist, ecologist, and forestry educator, is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a founding figure of silviculture in China. His research career has kept pace with the development of the China's forestry sector. By reviewing his seventy−year journey from his studies in the former Soviet Union to his lifelong dedication to China's forestry, this paper outlines his academic contributions and illuminates his embodiment of the scientific spirit characterized by patriotism, innovation, pragmatism, dedication, collaboration, and mentorship. Upon returning to China, he conducted extensive research in the rocky mountainous areas of North China, laying the foundation for the theory of "site−species matching principle". He founded the discipline of silviculture and led the compilation of China's first domestically−focused textbook Silviculture, driving the discipline’s shift from the mere adoption of foreign models to independent innovation. He also proposed the iconic "3−5−7" index system for fast−growing, high−yield plantations, advocated for the Natural Forest Protection Program, and contributed to the holistic and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, and grasslands. In all his work, he lived out the ethos of "crafting the finest chapters in the book of the motherland". His academic life epitomizes the history of modern Chinese forestry and vividly reflects the patriotic devotion of a generation of Chinese scientists.

Shen Guofang  /  forest cultivation  /  suitable trees  /  the spirit of scientists