Source: Marine Sciences Research Center
Written by: Marine Sciences Research Center
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On the morning of August 5, 2016, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) held the mobilization meeting on the first voyage of scientific investigations of the South China Sea on SYSU Guangzhou South Campus. Prof. Chen Chunsheng, Secretary of SYSU Party Committee, Prof. Ma Jun, Vice President of SYSU, Prof. Zhang Peizhen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Director of Marine Sciences Research Center, Prof. Dong Wenjie, Deputy Director of Marine Sciences Research Center and Dean of School of Atmospheric Sciences, as well as heads of relevant departments and schools attended the meeting.
Secretary Chen Chunsheng delivered a speech at the meeting. He pointed out that SYSU has a tradition of marine science investigations. In 1928, SYSU participated in the first scientific investigation of the Xisha Islands, and later the Xisha Islands were once approved as a marine education base of SYSU. Secretary Chen emphasized that the first voyage of scientific investigations on the South China Sea has epoch-making significance and will be written into the history of the University. In the future, the University will further utilize the multi-disciplinary advantages of a comprehensive university to establish a world-class “marine discipline group”, and try to have a say in the field of marine science investigation and research. Now SYSU has 15 schools based on Zhuhai Campus, and nearly all of them are marine-related. Secretary Chen hoped that members in the first voyage would study scientific questions, gather experience for talent cultivation, and make preparations for future voyages. He wished the first voyage a great success.
Prof. Yin Kedong, chief scientist of this scientific investigation, introduced the plan of the first voyage. Starting with monsoon experiment, the scientific investigation will focus on marine dynamic process, marine ecological system control, marine geological formation and evolution, etc. The first voyage, starting on August 8 and comprising two periods, will last for about 40 days. 26 teachers and students from School of Marine Sciences, School of Atmospheric Sciences, and School of Earth Science and Geological Engineering participate in the first period of the voyage.
The first voyage has received great support from the University leadership, and Office of Scientific Research and Development. A special organization for this voyage was set up, with Prof. Yin Kedong from School of Marine Sciences as the chief scientist; Yang Jianlin, Party Secretary of School of Atmospheric Sciences, as the team leader for the first period of the voyage; and Huang Longzhou, Office Director of School of Marine Sciences, as the team leader for the second period of the voyage. Vice President Ma Jun announced the appointment decisions and put forward the work requirements. Academician Zhang Peizhen presented the letter of appointment to the chief scientist and team leaders.

Secretary Chen Chunsheng presented the flag to the scientific investigation team. Prof. Yin Kedong, Secretary Yang Jianlin and Director Huang Longzhou received the flag on behalf of all members of the first voyage.

After the mobilization meeting, Fang Tonglin from Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration, and Wang Yunqiang from Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, were invited to give a safety training to members of the first voyage.