On the morning of October 18, 2025, the Annual Conference of the Administrative Law Research Association of the Chinese Law Society convened in Xiangtan, Hunan. Hosted by the Association and organized by Xiangtan University, the event brought together leaders from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and the Ministry of Justice. They were joined by more than 500 experts and scholars from institutions including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Renmin University of China. The conference served as a celebration of the Association's 40th anniversary, reviewing its history and outlining a blueprint for the future of administrative rule of law. A central feature of the event was the recognition of distinguished scholars. Honors included the "Lifetime Achievement Scholar" and "Outstanding Contributor Scholar" awards, certificates for "40 Years of Engaging in Administrative Law Teaching and Research," and the 12th "Ying Songnian Scholarship for Administrative Law." Among the distinguished recipients, Professor Dong Hao from the Law School of Beijing Normal University was honored with the title of "Outstanding Contributor Scholar" in Chinese Administrative Law.

The award citation describes Professor Dong Hao as a scholar who masterfully integrates theory and practice. A former Vice President and current Advisor to the Administrative Law Research Association of the Chinese Law Society, he possesses a broad academic vision. His research spans a diverse range of fields, including legal conflicts, judicial reform, case studies, and regional rule of law. Professor Dong is recognized for being uniquely grounded in both frontline judicial practice and the forefront of administrative law theory, with his writings consistently addressing the core issues of building a rule of law in China. The citation notes that whether serving as a court president or a university president, and transitioning from practitioner to researcher, he has consistently upheld a deep sense of national responsibility and academic dedication.

During the conference, Professor Dong Hao expressed his profound appreciation for being honored as an "Outstanding Contributor Scholar" in Chinese administrative law, coinciding with the Administrative Law Research Association's 40th anniversary. He reflected on the field's remarkable evolution, noting its journey from a "forgotten and misunderstood legal department and academic discipline" to its present-day prominence. Professor Dong extended his gratitude to the pioneering generation of administrative law scholars, his peers, colleagues, and the association itself. He also emphasized that his personal and professional growth has been inextricably linked to the opportunities afforded by a transformative era.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Dong Hao!