A research center for botany and ecology has been planned to be co-established by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and University of Science & Technology of China (USTC). The decision was made in a cooperation agreement between the two sides signed in late December.

   As the representatives of the two sides, XTBG director Chen Jin and Prof. Teng Maikun of School of Life Sciences, USTC signed the MoU.

   The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in studies of plant sciences and ecology. They will carry out joint studies based on the principle of “resource sharing, complementary advantages, common development, and mutual benefits”. A work team will be assigned; some students will be under joint supervision of teachers from both XTBG and USTC; some researchers will become adjunct professors of School of Life Sciences, USTC; correspondingly, some USTC teachers are to serve as adjunct professors of XTBG; laboratories will be set up in both sides; annual meetings will be held.

   The USTC is following the direction of “university run on whole CAS, institutes combined with faculties”. Cooperation between XTBG will enhance the development of plant sciences and ecology in USTC. Meanwhile, XTBG can benefit from USTC.

Chen Jin (R) and Teng Maikun sign agreement

Researchers of two sides pose a group photo