In the recently concluded 7th Sino-German Workshop on Tibetan Plateau Research in Hamburg, collaboration between Chinese and German scientists in Tibetan Plateau study enter a new phase of sustainable development. Research achievement in the past one year and a half were presented, together with new ideas and approaches in unraveling the mystery of Tibetan Plateau uplift and Asian monsoon evolution. Noteworthy also was the training programs for young scientists within both countries, which had been highlighted and given applause by distinguished reviewers.

Held from March 3 to March 5, 2011, the workshop witnessed over 40 oral presentations and about 40 poster presentations, sharing academic achievement from the joint expedition and sample analysis. About 130 scientists from Germany and other countries within Europe attended the workshop, including 11 ITP scientists, one INSGRR scientist and one scientist from Yunnan Normal University as Chinese delegates.

Third Pole Environment (TPE) program was introduced at the workshop, arousing wide attention and support. Participating scientists were inspired and expressed their willingness to be involved in the TPE program. Besides, TiP (Tibetan Plateau: formation-climate-ecosystems) /TiPex (Central Asia-monsoon dynamics and geo-ecosystems) will join TPE in this year’s AGU Fall Meeting, with detailed approaches and session layout subject to further discussions. Academic exchanges between Chinese and German scientists not only boost new ideas in research, but also further thoughts on jointly promoting the research internationally.

Prof. YAO Tandong introducing the TPE program to participants.	Chinese and German scientists makng a joint presentation on achievement from joint field expeditions.

Both Chinese and German scientists also thought training of young scientists as worth continuing. Guest scientists’ program was generally agreed on, though details need further communication to work out. Besides, summer school for young scientists was also touched upon, with the thought of integrating the training of young scientists in the Third Pole region within the summer school program. Some participating scientists from Germany had agreed to contribute to regional talents cultivation in the Third Pole.

 The 7th workshop was sponsored by the TiP project, a priority project funded by the DFG. The next workshop will be held in China some time in 2012. It was also announced that the 28th HKT symposium will join the 6th International Symposium on Tibetan Plateau Research to witness a joint conference in Tuebingen University, Germany, in 2013.