Scientific and academic cooperation between the UK and China
entered a new era today following the official opening in Beijing
of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Office in China, according to
Mr. John Denham, the UK Secretary of State for Innovation,
Universities, and Skills at a press conference on October 30.
At the UK-China symposium to mark the opening, he thanked Vice
Minister Li Xueyong of the Ministry of Science and Technology for
the Chinese government's commitment and efforts to make the new
RCUK cooperation bureau a reality.
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"As their first bureau outside Europe, the new RCUK office
signals the UK's growing regard for Chinese science and commitment
to cooperation," he told China.org.cn.
The UK's seven Research Councils have a track record of funding
world class research, including the discovery of the ozone hole in
the southern hemisphere, development of cloning technology
including Dolly, the world's most famous sheep, and the development
of monoclonal antibody drugs that now make up one-third of all new
drug treatments for several major diseases.
Additionally, many of the UK's 70-plus science Nobel Prize
winning projects have been supported by the RCUK. China and the UK
have already collaborated on significant science and technology
projects. More than 5,500 jointly authored papers were published
between 2001 and 2005, according to statistics from the RCUK.
Addressing an audience of nearly 300 researchers, senior
university figures and officials from both countries, Mr. Denham
said: "It has the potential to help many more scientists and
researchers think big ideas and deliver answers to some of the
world's biggest problems, such as curing diseases, powering homes
and industry more efficiently, and saving the planet for future
generations."
He said that the office will work in partnership with China's
national research agencies to achieve a clearer understanding of
the opportunities and challenges of international research
collaboration. It will also work in partnership with the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office's Science and Innovation Network in China
to build on the achievements of the UK-China Partners in Science
initiative, and to improve levels of cooperation between UK
organizations and China's provincial and regional science and
research organizations.
Mentioning the successful launch of China's 1st moon orbiter, he
expressed his hope that the two sides could enhance cooperation in
the field, particularly in robotic equipment and remote control
technology.
Jin Xiaoming, Director of the International Cooperation
Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said: "The
UK Research Councils have a long and brilliant record in supporting
scientific research and the training of talent. I would like to
express strong support for the RCUK China Office in its efforts to
promote UK-China collaboration."
The most recent interactions between UK and Chinese scientists
are at the individual level. "We need to ensure that when
individual researchers try to seek funds for joint projects, there
are no obstacles and we must provide better service. If we can
bring the two countries' research support systems into better
alignment, the prospects are good for us," he said.
UK Nobel laureates sent messages of congratulation. "This is an
auspicious occasion for the UK, for China, and for humanity," said
Sir John Sulston, genome scientist and winner of the 2002 Nobel
Prize in Physiology or Medicine. "Close research links between our
countries will advance knowledge and accelerate solutions to the
pressing problems."
Sir Tim Hunt, cancer researcher and winner of the 2001 Nobel
Prize in Physiology or Medicine, said: "I know what a wealth of
scientific talent there is in China. I hope that you will be able
to promote exchanges and meetings that lead to the better
understanding of the natural world."
Professor Ian Diamond, chair of the RCUK Executive Group, said:
"China's growing importance in the world is clear; but overcoming
geographical, cultural and funding-system barriers needs sustained
dialogue and cooperation on many fronts. The UK already jointly
authors more science papers with China than any of our EU neighbors
but a permanent Beijing base for such work will make a huge
impact."
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wang Ke, October 30, 2007)
