Leaders of the Ocean University of China met with the Delegation from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) on April 8th and 9th, 2015. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of ideas concerning topics of common interest such as major scientific issues and specific cooperative research fields.

The talks, held, laid a foundation for establishing an international joint center as well as promoting substantive cooperation. Professors and various marine-related experts from OUC met with the Dr. Margaret Leinen, vice chancellor of UCSD and Director of SIO.

To begin the discussion, Professor Yu Zhigang, the president of OUC, gave the SIO delegation a warm welcome on behalf of OUC. He pointed out that OUC and SIO were located on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean; therefore, there were particular scientific issues for scientists from both parties to cooperatively research. SIO is the largest marine science research institution worldwide. OUC hopes to learn about the first-class technologies and rich experience in marine integrated observation SIO boasts. Ranging from marine biology to ocean biogeochemistry, both sides discussed scientific issues and how each side could benefit from one another. OUC expects to build a forward-looking and sustainable international joint-research center to encourage long-term, sustainable cooperation on scientific research, junior lecturer exchanges, and joint teaching programs. OUC will spare no effort to establish joint research partnerships on Pacific issues and further marine professionals training.

Dr. Yan Ju, vice president of OUC, said, “Both parties have forged a profound friendship with each other during previous exchanges. Scientists from both sides have a strong cooperative and research foundation, as well as past associations. This talk will build a platform for both sides to deepen our already existing cooperation.”

Dr. Margaret Leinen extended her gratitude towards OUC’s invitation, and explained SIO’s new strategies for international cooperation, which would make the cooperation between two sides clearer and fuller. In recent weeks, she has visited other universities in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and she was impressed by the reputation and influence of the Ocean University of China. “I have the intention to continue discussions aimed toward strengthening Sino-US marine technology cooperation,” she said.

During the talks, both sides reached a consensus on co-founding the“Ocean University of China-Scripps Institution of Oceanography International Joint Research Center.” Both sides planned to start some concrete work within one year, including scientist and technician exchanges, bilateral academic symposiums during AGU and some other international conferences, and creating joint cruises.

More than 30 experts in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine life, marine ecology, marine drugs, marine geology, and marine technology from OUC, as well as seven experts from marine biology, biogeochemistry, physical oceanography, and marine technology from SIO participated in the talks. Scientists from both sides held a one-and-a-half day discussion on their respective research fields, scientific concerns, and cooperation mechanisms.

During the talks, we successfully realized the remote international meeting via Skype for the first time. Skype made a real-time synchronization HD video connection between OUC and SIO which made face-to-face communications possible between the two parties separated by the Pacific Ocean.

Translated by Kiara YU and William ZOU
Proofread by Shane Velez