Charles Darwin University and Hainan University in China will explore ways they can influence key issues in the global tropics during a joint symposium in China this week.
The “Hands Across the Equator” symposium will assist academics from both institutions to become acquainted with each other’s research and to explore collaborative research and learning opportunities.
Charles Darwin University Deputy Vice–Chancellor Research and International, Professor Bob Wasson will lead a group of high profile CDU academics to participate in the symposium with colleagues from Hainan University.
“Both universities share the same tropical region and have joint expertise in tropical sciences, solar energy, tourism, health, training and sustainability,” Professor Wasson said.
“Forging links together will strengthen research and the capacity of both universities to serve the needs of our shared region and attract students.
“China is growing rapidly and we are hoping to expand our current links in the research areas of Law and Trade, Languages, Creative Arts and Sciences.
“As part of the symposium I will be talking to my counterparts at Hainan University about ways our research may be able to assist them with their reservoirs.
“Reservoirs in Australia and China share the same issues with the build up of sediment that reduces storage. We hope to form a collaboration and share our current research at CDU on soil conservation,” he said.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover and his Hainan University counterpart, Professor Li Jianbao, signed an MoU during a visit to the country by Professor Glover in 2009.
Professor Glover said that Darwin and Haikou have been sister cities since 1991 and the MOU and the partnerships forged during the symposium would support the development and profile of the universities and assist them to thrive in the 21st Century.