Over the years, he has specialized in research in plant taxonomy, chemistry of natural products and scientific research into the resource and quality assessment of Chinese medicinal materials. He has published over 250 associated papers in domestic and international journals and 80 books that are related with plant taxonomy, medicinal botany and Chinese herbal medicines. Prof. Chen also serves as member of the editorial board for several professional publications such as Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, and so on. In addition, he also actively promotes the Chinese medicine digitalization and has launched five online databases that are as follows. This project received 2012 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library award.