Very soon after the ceremony, iChEM director, Prof. Zhong-Qun Tian and key scientists of the other three core universities visited the DICP on August 23 to discuss details on collaborations.

Director of DICP, Prof. Tao Zhang briefly introduced the institutes before the discussions of future collaborations among the four core members of iChEM upon the DICP participation.

The DICP is well known for its leading role in catalytic chemistry and energy-related researches, and it also started a “Clean Energy National Laboratory” for the development of chemical energy conversion and use of clean and efficient energy technologies. These facts fit excellent to the iChEM. Moreover, collaborations between the Universities and Institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are currently highly encouraged by the Ministry of Education.

Before taking a field trip to the related laboratories of DICP, all of the members shared their suggestions and advices on future scientific research directions as well as the administration and management of iChEM during the meeting. Prof. Tian of iChEM specifically appreciated that Prof. Zhang of DICP agreed to serve as Co-President of the iChEM Council. This visit is certain a key trip that would facilitate the success of the iChEM in its coming second round of national approval for the 2011-Collaborative Innovation Centers.