August 21, 2019

Workshop brings researchers together to share latest advancements

Joint Research Workshop focuses on materials science, physics, chemistry and archaeology

University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers from the fields of materials science, physics, chemistry and archaeology got together with colleagues from one of China’s leading universities, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), at a Joint Research Workshop in Wollongong this week.

Researchers from UOW and USTC initiated the workshop, from 19-21 August, based on their collaborative research.

The workshop focused on topics the two universities share strengths in, including 2D materials, smart materials, quantum materials, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, material simulation, and archaeology. Around 35 scientists in materials science, engineering science, physics, chemistry and archaeology from two universities gathered at UOW’s Innovation Campus for the workshop.

Workshop organiser Associate Professor Yi Du, from UOW’s Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM) at the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM), said UOW and USTC were linked by common academic interests.

“This workshop is an opportunity for us to develop and expand academic collaborations and exchanges in fields of shared interest and expertise,” Professor Du said.

“The activities undertaken in this workshop reflect a spirit of cooperation and reciprocity, intended to be of mutual benefit to both institutions, and contribute to an enduring institutional linkage between the two universities.”

The aims of the joint conference are to:

• Facilitate interdisciplinary and strategic collaboration and communication among science, technology, archaeology, and target to further collaborations in the fields of the humanities, social sciences and education between the two universities;
• Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and networking among representatives from faculties, schools, and research institutes of the two universities;
• Support career development of researchers and research students via established exchange program; and
• Disseminate knowledge of the latest developments and progresses in science, technology and education.

Located in the city of Hefei in China’s Anhui province, USTC is a member of the C9 League (China’s equivalent of the USA’s Ivy League). USTC is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in both the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings, and in the top 150 in the ARWU rankings. It ranked third in China in the 2019 QS World University Rankings.

The collaboration between UOW and USTC dates back to 2014, when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed focusing on student exchange and collaborative research in engineering areas. 

Along with the Workshop, the MOU will be renewed this year to continue promoting further in-depth collaborations including a joint PhD program and research collaborations in more areas. Additionally UOW students will have the opportunity to attend USTC’s Future Scientist International Summer Camp, a two-week program where UOW students can meet students from top universities all over the world.

The UOW-USTC workshop will become an annual event, the hosting university rotating every year. USTC will host the 2020 Workshop.