Yunnan University trains young astronomers from S&SE Asia

Young astronomers from South and Southeast Asia pose for a group photo at Yunnan Astronomical Observatory in the wake of their training. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

A training workshop for young astronomers from South and Southeast Asia, jointly organized by Yunnan University and Yunnan Observatories at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, kicked off at Yunnan University on Dec 5.

The workshop aimed to provide a platform for cooperation and exchange in the astronomical field, fostering scientific and cultural exchanges and friendly interactions between China and countries in South and Southeast Asia.

Hu Jinming, vice president of Yunnan University, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the training. Qian Shengbang, a professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy of Yunnan University and chair of the scientific organizing committee for the workshop, introduced the training schedule.

More than 40 participants from 10 countries, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, attended the training.

The 18-day workshop features lectures by experts from the United States, Italy, Thailand, and China, covering a wide spectrum of topics. Additionally, practical training in astronomical observation and data processing will be conducted using the one-meter optical telescope at Yunnan Astronomical Observatory.

Qian's team has been actively engaging in scientific cooperation and exchanges with countries in South and Southeast Asia. They have previously collaborated with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand to organize a series of astronomical technology training sessions, hosting multiple events in Yunnan and Thailand, and training hundreds of young scientists and technologists.