Fudan University opens research center for Lancang-Mekong youth

The Research Center for Lancang-Mekong Youth Astronomical Sciences was inaugurated on Tuesday at Fudan University in Shanghai as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism enters a new decade.

Leveraging Fudan University's expertise in nuclear physics, astrophysics and other fields, the center aims to facilitate cross-border collaboration in astronomical sciences among China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

It marks the first partnership between a Chinese university and the Lancang-Mekong countries in astrophysics.

"Based on the university's strengths in physics, integrated circuits, atmospheric science, global governance and other disciplines, the center will expand the depth and breadth of astronomical sciences and space technology research through interdisciplinary integration, while fostering innovation communities and strengthening the regional open-cooperation ecosystem," said Jin Li, president of Fudan University.

He emphasized integrating the center's development with education reforms in related academic disciplines at the university to attract outstanding youth from Lancang-Mekong countries to engage in astronomical research, contributing to talent development and higher expertise levels in the region.

In September, the "Fudan No 1 Lancang-Mekong Future Satellite", developed by Fudan University and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, was launched and remains in orbit as planned.

Data from the satellite's solar observations and measurements of water and gas distribution in the Lancang-Mekong region will be shared among the six countries for joint research, offering valuable insights for climate governance and pollution control.

The initiative will also help cultivate young talent in astronomical sciences with an international perspective while enhancing the region's scientific and technological innovation capabilities, the university said.

Ma Yugang, director of the center and vice-president of Fudan University, outlined three key missions: deepening cross-border scientific cooperation, addressing fundamental scientific challenges and nurturing a regional innovation community.

The center's work will help narrow gaps in regional research capabilities through measures such as satellite data-sharing platforms and exchange programs for young scholars, Ma said.

"This year, through establishing a collaborative network with the joint efforts of Fudan University, Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, the National University of Laos and other institutions, the multinational scientific research team will advance research in satellite data analysis and space payload verification," Ma said.

"We will also promote the establishment of an astronomical science data-sharing platform to support research in the Lancang-Mekong region and beyond, including Belt and Road Initiative countries, fostering a more open, inclusive and shared international research network," he added.

Also on Tuesday, the inaugural training camp of the Lancang-Mekong youth astronomical sciences research program began at Fudan University. Leading experts in astrophysics, global governance, atmospheric science and chip technology were invited to deliver academic lectures to around 30 young researchers from 10 universities in the six countries.

The four-day camp aims to enhance participants' academic literacy and comprehensive capabilities, helping drive astronomical studies at their respective institutions, said Wang Yinghao, deputy Party secretary of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University.

"Moreover, scientists from Fudan University will engage with the camp participants to explore collaboration opportunities in research projects and paper writing, with the goal of internationally publishing joint research results among the six countries in the future," he said.

Sriv Tharith, a camp participant and professor at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia, said, "The training camp provides a platform for all fellows to gain new knowledge in astronomical sciences, an area where China is among the leading countries. It also allows us to share research ideas and explore international cooperation driven by science and technology innovation. I truly believe this will be a future direction of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation."