Director of State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology (MGLab) Zhifei Liu led a delegation on a visit to Thailand with the aim of strengthening international collaborations on the implementation of IODP Sunda Shelf drilling and fostering academic exchanges between MGLab and renowned Thai institutions.During the stay from October 2 to 5, 2023, the delegation visited the Department of Mineral Resources(DMR) of Thailand and held a two-day academic workshop at Chulalongkorn University (CU).
Mr. Suwapak Imsamut, the Deputy Director of DMR and Mr. Thitipan Chuchanchot extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Prof. Zhifei Liu gave a detailed presentation to DMR on ocean science at Tongji University,the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and Science Framework for IODP-China. Both sides exchanged views on thecooperation of IODP Sunda Shelf drilling and the DMR ensured to actively participate in the project and provide necessary support.
Group photo between the Delegation and DMR
In the following Joint Research of Marine Geology in the Gulf of Thailand Workshop, the participants discussed the scientific plan and implementation scheme of ocean drilling in the Sunda Shelf, and reached a consensus on the cooperation in seismic data, sedimentary cores, outcrop survey and talents training.
Group photo of Workshop at CU
Additionally,the visit included a meeting with Prof. Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Both sides exchanged views on the development status and talent training of their respective colleges, and communicated and discussed the cooperation possibility of future talents training, faculty construction, scientific research, international exchange and other fields.
Group photo between the Delegation and Faculty of Science, CU
The delegation’s meetings in Thailand provides a good communication platform to promote the understanding of experts from both sides, bolster international education exchanges, and lays a solid foundation for the next step of carrying out Sunda Shelf drilling, serving not only to deepen the bonds between MGLab and its Thai counterparts, but also further contribute to Sino-Thai cooperation.