CUHK
News Centre

A delegation from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) participated in the International Symposium on Polar Sciences – The 40th Anniversary of CHINARE in Shanghai from 29 October to 1 November. The event, hosted by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) and co-organised by CUHK, along with the Third Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Peking University, Fudan University and others, aimed to showcase China’s achievements in polar science and technological innovation. The symposium also outlined the progress and development plans of the Fifth International Polar Year (IPY5), the Antarctic geological evolution project and the Fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV). Over 270 representatives from 24 countries and regions gathered to discuss the latest advancements in global polar science and to share insights on future advancements.

CUHK hosted a parallel session at the symposium, led by the University’s Provost Professor Alan Chan, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Developments) Professor Chan Wai-yee. The CUHK delegation also included Professor Yam Yeung, Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI); Dr Lin Huangquan, Executive Director of SZRI and Director of the Office for Greater Bay Area Developments; Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing, Chairman of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Professor Yang Hongfeng, Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; and Professor Liu Lin and Professor Amos Tai Pui-kuen, Associate Professors in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Throughout the symposium, CUHK scholars engaged in in-depth discussions with PRIC and other international research institutions, exploring opportunities for future collaboration in polar science research. CUHK plans to further study the impacts of climate change on polar regions through multifaceted collaborations and is committed to nurturing young talent in polar science.

The CUHK session, titled “Cutting-Edge Technologies and International Cooperation in Polar Science Research”, focused on the application of innovative technologies in environmental research in polar regions. The delegation showcased CUHK’s latest research on polar environmental changes and the global ecological impacts of climate change, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. The studies addressed not only scientific issues but also explored polar environmental protection and sustainable resource development, earning widespread recognition from attending experts.

CUHK’s role in the global polar research community was solidified by this event. The University had signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement during the China Symposium on Polar Science on 10 August 2024. In addition to co-organising this symposium, CUHK will collaborate with PRIC to establish the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Center, which will facilitate deeper cooperation and exchange in polar science and technological innovation between Hong Kong, mainland China and the international community. CUHK will continue to strengthen its partnerships with domestic and international research institutions, advancing polar science research and making greater contribution to address global climate change.