The launch ceremony of the China-EU Young Scientists Exchange Programme

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). To promote exchanges between young scientists from China and Europe, the China-EU Young Scientists Exchange Programme was launched at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing on July 25.

More than 150 representatives from the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and other departments, along with representatives from the scientific and technological circles of China and Europe and young scientists, attended the ceremony.

Zhu Yongguan, Director General of CAS’s Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences and Vice President of the International Science Council (ISC), as well as Zied Moumni, Professor of Material and Structures Laboratory from France, represented the scientific and technological communities of China and Europe. Based on their personal experiences, they introduced the experiences of conducting international scientific and technological cooperation and expressed their willingness to actively support the Programme. They also suggested that the China-EU scientific and technological communities should further enhance exchanges and interdisciplinary collaboration to jointly tackle global scientific research challenges.

Chen Wen, a researcher at CAS’s Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, and Qiao Yan, a researcher at CAS’s Institute of Chemistry, respectively shared their cooperative practices of mutual learning and common growth in the process of international joint research based on the Sino-French Astronomic Satellite and the Sino-British Artificial Cell Application Research Project they participated in.

Igor Vinograd, a German researcher at the Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the French National Center for Scientific Research, and Santiago Montero-Mendieta, a Spanish postdoctoral researcher at CAS’s Institute of Zoology, also introduced their scientific research in China. They appreciate the support given to them, as well as the open and shared atmosphere of cooperation. They also expressed their support for establishing a lasting and stable scientific and technological cooperation relationship between China and Europe, gathering cross-border scientific research and innovation strengthen, jointly facing global challenges and solving complex modern scientific and technological problems.

Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, described the program as a critical bridge-builder. “On this significant 50-year milestone, this initiative will construct bridges of trust, cooperation and friendship between China and Europe”, he stated. “It will enhance strategic mutual trust, unleash collaborative potential and solidify the foundation of our scientific partnership”. Yin urged young scientists to “take on responsibilities and set examples in advancing scientific progress for China, Europe and the world, jointly creating a sustainable future”.

Hou Jianguo, President of CAS, stated that CAS will actively participate in and fully support the Programme, to create a more open and convenient environment for young European scientists to conduct scientific and technological exchanges in China. CAS will facilitate the growth of China-EU young scientific and technological talents, jointly promote the steady and long-term development of scientific and technological innovation cooperation between China and Europe, and contribute wisdom and strength to exploring the international frontiers of science and technology and promoting global sustainable development.

Lu Shaye, China’s Special Representative for European affairs, expressed his hope for promoting exchanges among China-EU young scientists and strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between the two sides.

China-EU young scientists exchanged views and held discussions.

Following the ceremony, young researchers from both sides co-hosted the China-EU Young Scientists Forum, focusing on disciplines such as physics, chemistry, life sciences, information science, and management. After the meeting, they visited relevant CAS’s scientific research platforms, further delved into discussions, and exchanged ideas and experiences with each other.

The program is spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Implementation partners include CAS, CAE, NSFC and CAST, along with local institutions. Its core objective is to support European young scientists conducting research exchanges within Chinese universities, research institutes and technology enterprises.

Source: Bureau of International Cooperation,

Chinese Academy of Sciences