The signing ceremony for the MoU and Cooperative Agreements between Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy Sciences (IGSNRR, CAS) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) was held in Beijing on November 14, 2012. The MoU was signed by Prof. LIU Yi, director general of IGSNRR and Prof. Andrew Petter, president of SFU.

Prof. Andrew Petter (left) and Prof. LIU Yi (right) during the signing ceremony [Photo by  Ms.LI Li]

The MoU is an important framework for IGSNRR-SFU cooperation over the next five years and identifies collaboration on academic and research activities for both parties. These include (1) exchange of scholarly publications and information, (2) exchange of faculty, staff, and students, (3) development of collaborative research programs or projects of mutual interest, (4) discussion of academic and administrative developments, including co-sponsorship of symposia, seminars and conferences, (5) cooperation in the development of education generally, including the potential for offering joint programs, (6) pursuit of consulting and project opportunities.

Besides, both parties will carry out exchange and collaborative activities in Hakai Ecosystem and Management Network in the near future.

The Simon Fraser University (SFU), which was established in 1965, is one medium-sized university with more than 3000 students. SFU is composed of 8 faculties, including Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Science. Students studying here can major in Finance, law, textiles and clothing, engineering technology, management, environment.