Belt and Road Initiative in a scientist's eyes
Science and technology can hold the key to overcoming developmental challenges for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the chief of China's leading science academy Bai Chunli.
At a press conference this week, Bai presented achievements in scientific and technological cooperation between the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
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Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at the press conference in the State Council Information Office on May 9, 2017, in Beijing. [Photo/CGTN] |
In 2013, the CAS launched an International Outreach Initiative aimed at promoting science and education cooperation among developing countries. Since then it has established overseas centers in nine countries.
The China-Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research, for example, has provided key support for the construction of a water technology research center and in identifying causes of frequent chronic renal diseases in central and north Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena gives award to Qiu Huasheng from Chinese Academy of Sciences on March 22, 2016, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. [Photo/Xinhua] |
To count, TWAS and CAS have set up five Centers of Excellence offering fellowships and training programs specifically on climate change, environmental protection, biotechnology, green technology, water safety and disaster prevention and reduction.
Over 750 students and scientific research personnel from more than 40 countries, mostly from Belt and Road countries, are involved in research work at these centers. More than 700 students have also received fellowship for their doctoral studies.
As Bai asserts, science and technology cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative is building real bonds between China and developing countries.