Professor helps establish research links between Australia and China

Director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (ACSC) at USQ Professor Roger Stone has returned from Asia, where he helped establish research links between Australia and China.

Professor Stone, who visited several of China’s main cities during the eight day trip, gave a number of presentations surrounding climate science and water resources, in the hope of developing closer ties between research institutions in both countries.

'As part of a major Queensland government delegation, led by the Hon Paul Braddy, I delivered five presentations to respective China education and scientific agencies in Shanghai and Beijing,' Professor Stone said.

'It was to enhance the scientific links with China and Queensland and it was very successful, as we are now discussing a proposed scholarship program that would allow researchers from China to study here in Queensland (including USQ) and vice-versa.'

Additionally, Professor Stone was one of 34 Australian scientists to be asked to represent Australian science at a high-level symposium in Beijing.

'The symposium was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and it was held to discuss some major research projects that are being developed between Australian and China,' he said.

The symposium and Professor Stone’s travel was supported by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ADSTE).

'These projects will focus on aspects of climate change and climate variability related to water resources, especially practical aspects in catchment management and crop production.'

Professor Stone was joined by some elite company at the symposium, where he gave another presentation and was asked to lead two major initiatives.

'Other managers and scientists that were asked to attend the Beijing meetings included 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer, the CEO of the CSIRO Dr Geoff Garrett and Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock.

'As a result of my presentation and attendance at the symposium I have been asked to develop two new national research programs in climate and water resources of potential future benefit to both China and Australia.

'We have already had a meeting at the ACSC to get processes underway.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628