In November 2015, the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the exchange of young scientists between the two jurisdictions. The goals of the Young Scientist Exchange program (YSEP) are to (1) raise awareness and facilitate a greater understanding of the respective scientific cultures and research practices and systems of Ontario and China, (2) encourage the development of leadership skills among YSEP participants as well as future “science ambassadors” between the two jurisdictions, and (3) facilitate access to expertise in China and Ontario. The first five Chinese exchange researchers arrived in Ontario in July. One of them, Dr. Yong Chen, from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, was hosted by the Ecohydrology Research Group.
On Friday July 29, Philippe attended the closing ceremony of the first round of YSEP at the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science in Toronto. During the ceremony the Chinese researchers were thanked for participating in the 2016 Ontario-China YSEP and opportunities for strengthening future research collaboration were discussed.
YSEP researchers, Ministry of Research representatives and Ontario University representatives. YESP researchers (back row): Dr. Yong Chen (3rd from left), Dr. Gaofeng Zhao, Dr. Yanyan Gong, and Dr. Xiujuan Zhang (5-7th from left).