Media Release

Friday, 14 November 2003

China's most senior scientist has been awarded the title of Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

The title was formally bestowed upon Professor Lu Yongxiang this week during his visit to the University of Adelaide.

Professor Lu is President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is also a Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (the highest organ of State power of the People's Republic of China).

"The award of this title to Professor Lu recognises the important association between the University of Adelaide and the Chinese Academy of Sciences," says the university's Chancellor, Mr Robert Champion de Crespigny.

"The title is in recognition of his international contributions to the sciences and to the academic life of the University of Adelaide through the promotion of greater friendship and collaboration between our Faculty of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

Professor Lu was in Adelaide this week to officially open a new soil environment laboratory at the university's Waite Campus.

The new laboratory has been jointly established between the University of Adelaide and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. It is the first joint facility of its kind between China and Australia.

"We look forward to many years of association between Professor Lu and the university, and we are keen to explore new partnerships and research initiatives with China," Mr de Crespigny says.

"We are honoured that Professor Lu has been able to visit the University of Adelaide this month to build upon the links that have already been established between our two institutions."