"The Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (QNLM) will carry out its first manned deep-sea exploration," announced QNLM representatives at a recent news conference.

"QNLM is planning to join five diving missions performed by China's first deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong to conduct studies of deep sea geology, biology and environment," said Pan Kehou, secretary general of the academic committee of QNLM.

"The diving depth, between 2,500 to 4,000 meters, is at the cutting-edge of scientific achievement," said Pan.

The five diving missions are linked with the second stage of the 38th scientific ocean expedition, which is set to start on April 9. The submersible Jiaolong will be carried by its mother ship, Xiangyanghong 09.

"It is the first time for Chinese scientists to work together on collecting and finalizing the action plan of five diving missions," Pan said. "Samples gained from the missions will be shared accordingly for scientific use."

Launched in Oct 2015, QNLM is a key organization that embodies the national will and optimizes the allocation of global science and technology resources by making collaborative innovations in response to national major strategic demands.

QNLM has recently conducted major scientific projects, including "Transparent Ocean", in support of the marine environment conservation and climate change.