Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security of Yunnan University

Emblem of the Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security of Yunnan University. [Photo/ires.ynu.edu.cn]

The Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security of Yunnan University originated from the Asian International Rivers Center of Yunnan University, founded by Researcher He Daming in October 2000. After more than a decade of development, the institute was officially established in June 2012.

Research direction

The institute is the earliest academic institution in China specializing in international rivers and cross-border ecological security research. It looks at the mountain ecosystem and environment in the southwestern plateau of China, with the international rivers in southwestern China, Southeast Asia and South Asia as the core. It focuses on research into the plateau mountain environment and the surface processes of the river basin, the intersection of the monsoon and the hydrological cycle of the river basin -- as well as international river water ecology and river health, cross-border water resource utilization and management mechanisms, geo-cooperation and cross-border ecological security, among other subjects.

Faculty

At present, there are 31 faculty members in the institute, 25 of whom have doctorates and 15 teachers who have senior or deputy senior titles. The institute also employs well-known scientists from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences as part-time professors and research supervisors. 

Professional training

YNU has set up more than 10 scholarships and grants at various levels, including national scholarships and provincial scholarships. More than 40 percent of students at the institute can get scholarships. The institute also has a number of research assistant positions for students, which can provide support for hard-working and progressive students in scientific research and learning. 

Cooperation and exchanges

The institute engages in extensive international cooperation. It has established relations with many internationally renowned academic and scientific research institutions -- including those in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Germany -- in academic exchanges, scientific research and professional training. The institute has also expanded into partnerships with academic and scientific research institutions in many countries in South and Southeast Asia -- such as Nepal, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam -- in scientific research and master's degrees courses.