 
The first Symposium and Workshops of Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC) was held by GUCAS from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21, 2009. More than 150 High-level scientists and VIPs, among whom over 80 participants came from Denmark, met to discuss the construction of SDC as well as explore possible collaborations of the two countries in education and research.
At the opening ceremony Monday, speeches were given by Mr. Wang Enge, Deputy Secretary General of CAS, Mr. Deng Yong, Chairman of University Council of GUCAS, Mr. Jens Peter Jacobsen, Head of University and Property Agency, Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and The Ambassador of Denmark to China, Mr. Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen. Dean of School of management GUCAS, Mr. Cheng Siwei who is also former Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress was keynote speaker on science and innovation in China at the symposium.
The aim of the Symposium is to discuss and develop the formation of the SDC. Deputy Secretary General Wang Enge is glad to see the initiative of the 1st SDC Workshop realized within so short a period of time.
"To keep pace with the times and tackle the global challenges, we would like to learn from, share information and experiences with our friends for the purpose of building a resource-conserving, environment-friendly, and well-off society in an all-round way. I believe it should be the true meaning of this Workshop, the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research and the continuing collaborations between Chinese and Danish researchers."
On behalf of GUCAS, Chairman Deng Yong extended welcome to all the scientists, professors and distinguished guests attending the workshop.
"Today, we are pleased to host this Workshop, and we will continue and expand similar opportunities for collaborations between Chinese and Danish scholars in the future."
Mr. Jens Peter Jacobsen indicates the importance and significance of establishment of SDC.
"The establishment of the Sino-Danish Center will be a new chapter in the history of Chinese and Danish collaboration."
The Danish Ambassador is very happy that the SDC is to be placed in Beijing.
"Personally I have high hopes and expectations for the Sino-Danish Centre at GUCAS. I strongly believe that Chinese and Danish researchers, students and companies as well as the Chinese and Danish societies will benefit greatly from this collaboration."
Dean Cheng Siwei also expressed his great satisfaction with the SDC project.
"I often say:The economy can save us today, science, technology and research can save us tomorrow, but only education can save us the day after tomorrow. We need to build on education, because only through education we can develop innovative solutions. I am glad that we can learn from our Danish friends."
The researchers and scholars represent current top research capabilities and expertise at both sides. During the coming 3 days, they gathered in groups as Life sciences and Biomedicine, Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies, Renewable Energy, Water and Environment and Welfare studies and Innovation management to exchange ideas and further discuss collaborative affairs. Based on common interests, they identified subthemes for cooperation in concerned fields and outline frameworks of joint programs. In the meantime, they visited CAS' Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Institute of Electrical Engineering and the GUCAS' Management School.
The Executive Director of SDC from Denmark, Ole Fejerskov is certain that SDC will become one among the top-ranking in the world.
"The Sino-Danish Centre should become a visible and highly attractive university centre. In ten years time the Centre will hopefully be training some of the best Master and PhD students in the world. I also believe that the scholars and scientists will be internationally recognized."
The Principle Director of SDC from China and GUCAS Assistant President, Zhu Xiangbin states that the SDC's study areas are important not only for China but for the whole world.
"With implementation of SDC project, Chinese and Danish researchers surely will develop more new knowledge on areas of high importance to the social and economic development of both countries." He says.
The SDC will be located by the beautiful Yanqi Lake, Huairou, Beijing. It will be a part of GUCAS’ Yangqihu campus which is expected to become an attractive future venue for academic activities including teachings, seminars, symposia and conferences.
When fully operational, the Sino-Danish Centre is expected to comprise 100 researchers and about 300 PhD & Master's students.
 
 
|
