Prof Qu is a research professor of Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of CAS, and a distinguished professor of Tsinghua University. He engaged in water science and technology research, with special emphasis on the theory, technology and engineering application of drinking water protection. He is a Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a Foreign Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of Academy of Developing Countries, and a Distinguished Fellow of IWA. He was awarded 2 National Awards for Progressing Science and Technology, and 2 Awards for National Technological Invention. He won the Prize for Science and Technology Progress (Ho Leung HO Lee Foundation) in 2009.