Taiwan, UK ink pact on environmental research cooperation

2018/07/09

A memorandum of understanding on research cooperation and exchanges was signed July 5 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Natural Environment Research Council, the U.K.’s leading public funder of environmental science programs.
 
 Under the pact inked by MOST Deputy Minister Su Fong-chin and NERC Executive Chair Duncan Wingham at Taipei Representative Office in the U.K., the two sides will conduct joint projects in areas spanning environmental change management, post-disaster restoration and natural resource utilization. They will also co-host forums, seminars and exchange programs, as well as share equipment, according to the ministry.
 
 Su said the accord marks a new chapter in technical research cooperation between Taiwan and the U.K. and will help strengthen the capabilities of both sides in this critical field. Environmental protection is a matter of great concern throughout the global community and international experts must adopt a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to identify effective, sustainable solutions, he added.
 
 Expressing admiration for Taiwan’s scientific expertise, Wingham said that the pact can help lead to the development of more effective research tools and methods for addressing environmental challenges.
 
 According to the MOST, the agreement spotlights Taiwan’s abundant expertise in environmental sciences. The government will continue to seek out more opportunities for international exchanges through measures like organizing awards, conferences and joint research programs, the ministry said.
 
 Formed in 1965, the NERC carries out independent research, knowledge transfers, postgraduate training and surveys into such disciplines as atmospheric, aquatic, biological and terrestrial sciences. Part of U.K. Research and Innovation, a publicly funded body, the council studies major global issues such as climate change and environmental impacts on health.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=15&post=137503)