China welcomes foreign talents in polar research

A penguin is seen in front of Chinese icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, docked at an ice covered area of the South Pole during China's 31st scientific expedition to Antarctica. [Photo/Weibo.com]

China's top polar research institute expects to recruit foreign talents to help the country advance its research work in the polar regions, the institute's head said on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Yang Huigen, director of the Polar Research Institute of China, said that his institute would recruit at least two experts in the fields of physical oceanography, ice core science and polar marine ecology this year.

The institute is the country's solo organization focusing on the polar research and offering logistic supports to researchers in polar regions, Yang said.

On Monday, Yang extended an offer letter to marine talent Huang Wentao who will lead the research team in the study of polar middle and upper atmospheric physics.

Huang, 39, received his doctorate of science from his studies in Peking University's School of Physics. He mainly focused on the laser radar technology, and the technology's application in the atmospheric and space physics.

During his work in the United States, he joined in the research of new generation Doppler laser radar. His new laser radar technology has been used to provide data for the studies of cosmic dust and middle atmosphere dynamics.

As one of the country's major tasks in the marine studies, China would continue to develop technologies and equipment to improve the polar research, according to the State Oceanic Administration.

The administration said in a statement in February that an Antarctic air squadron will be set up this year to support its scientific expeditions to the polar region.

China will continue to develop technologies and equipment to research on space, remote sensing and oceanography, the administration said, and a long-term integrated observation and service system would also be set up.

It will build its second polar research vessel after Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, an icebreaker, to strengthen its capabilities in the field, said Hu Keyi, technical director of Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co Ltd, one of China's largest shipbuilders.

Bidding for the construction of the second ship will start by the end of April and the new vessel will boast stronger icebreaking capabilities, Hu said in March. The ship's estimated budget will be more than 1 billion yuan ($153.5 million).