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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) signed a Framework Agreement for Strategic Cooperation on 10 August 2024 at a meeting of the China Symposium on Polar Science 2024.

Professor Chan Wai-yee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Strategic Developments) of CUHK, and Dr Zhang Beichen, Deputy Director of PRIC, signed the Framework Agreement for Strategic Cooperation on behalf of their respective academic institutions. The signing was witnessed by Ms Shen Jun, Director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration; Dr Liu Shunlin, Director General of the PRIC; Dr Li Yangyang, Investigator of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Dr Li Min, Investigator of the Department of Science and Technology Development of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Professor Yam Yeung, Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute; and Dr Lin Huangquan, Executive Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute.

This collaboration will leverage the strengths of both parties to jointly promote the establishment of the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Centre, which will serve as a platform to connect Hong Kong with the Mainland and the global community in the fields of polar science and technological innovation. It also aims to support Hong Kong researchers in participating in polar observations, conducting cutting-edge scientific research, and developing innovative technologies.

In April this year, China’s first domestically-built polar science icebreaker, Xue Long 2, made its inaugural visit to Hong Kong. achieving a series of successes and providing a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong in polar scientific research. Over the years, CUHK has been committed to developing areas related to polar and environmental sciences, leveraging its interdisciplinary strengths to conduct research on global climate change, marine biology, and environmental pollution. It has made significant contributions in the fields of remote sensing, marine and climate research, energy, and environmental protection. This cooperation enables CUHK to utilise its research expertise to collaborate with PRIC in academic exchanges, talent cultivation, collaborative research, resource sharing, and the commercialisation of research findings in polar science and related fields.

Professor Chan Wai-yee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Strategic Developments) of CUHK said: “Polar regions are at the frontier of technological innovation and serve as crucial drivers for innovation-driven development strategies. Innovation in polar science reflects a country’s technological prowess and overall national strength. CUHK encourages and supports researchers to actively engage in cutting-edge polar scientific research. This will not only promote extensive exchanges and cooperation between research institutions in Hong Kong and the mainland but also provide opportunities for more Hong Kong researchers, especially young scientists, to participate in Antarctic research expeditions, igniting their interest in and enthusiasm for polar exploration.”

Dr Liu Shunlin, Director General of PRIC said: “PRIC boasts a team of experts specialising in polar science research, polar observation and monitoring, and polar expedition support. CUHK, a leading research-oriented university in Hong Kong and Asia, excels in technology and interdisciplinary studies, with a strong commitment to advancing scientific research in areas such as polar studies and climate change. The directive from the 20th Third Plenary Session of the Central Committee emphasises the importance of ‘enhancing mechanisms to better leverage the roles of Hong Kong and Macau in the nation’s opening up.’ The collaboration between PRIC and CUHK to establish the Hong Kong Polar Science Innovation Centre is a significant initiative embodying the spirit of the Central Committee. Guided by shared scientific goals and complementary resources, it is believed that in-depth cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong will enhance technological collaboration in the polar field, contributing to the high-quality development of China’s international polar cooperation.”

About the China Symposium on Polar Science 2024

The China Symposium on Polar Science 2024 is a premier annual academic exchange event for polar science and technology professionals nationwide. Organised by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) and the Chinese Society for Oceanography and hosted by Taiyuan University of Technology and Shanxi Energy Internet Research Institute, the Symposium aims to promote research endeavours, foster collaboration and exchanges, and advance the development of polar science and technology. It also showcases the academic achievements of the country’s 40 years of polar exploration.