On November 14, 2019, Prof. Yu Zhigang, President of Ocean University of China (OUC), led a delegation to the University of Iceland (UI). The two sides discussed possibilities of cooperation and signed an MoU.

Prof. Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of UI, briefly introduced the university, particularly its international cooperation with Chinese universities and research institutes, such as faculty exchanges and collaborative research projects with Tsinghua University and Peking University. The two sides have enormous potential for cooperation in marine-related fields.

President Yu Zhigang said that OUC, a comprehensive university with unique strengths in ocean sciences and fisheries, is one of the A-category universities in China’s plan to build world-class universities. The two universities have broad prospects for cooperation in polar science, physical oceanography, atmospheric science, biology, information science, ocean policy and management, and especially in Arctic research. Further cooperation and exchanges could include joint organization of academic seminars, joint education of graduates and joint application of research projects.  

The two sides signed a MoU and discussed possible ways of cooperation, with preliminary cooperation intentions reached. Academician Bao Zhenmin, Dean of College of Marine Life Sciences, attended the meeting.

The delegation visited the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Northern Light Confucius Institute and the UI campus.