The first ITP conference on equipment of scientific research organized by the Bureau of Comprehensive Planning and Bureau of Science and Technology for Resources and the Environment, CAS, was successfully convened on July 21. Xu Ping, deputy director of the Bureau of Comprehensive Planning, and Fan Weiming, deputy director of the Bureau of Science and Technology for Resources and the Environment, presided over the meeting. 18 experts from 7 institutes were invited to the meeting and had detailed discussion about the first set of equipments for ITP’s FMRP and laboratories.

     Director Yao Tandong gave a general report on the equipment program, introducing ITP’s plan to establish three field monitoring platforms in Namucuo, Tingri, and Nyingchi and two laboratories in Beijing. He also talked about the significance, scientific objectives, monitoring programs, funds, and personnel deployment concerning the first equipment program. Professor Zhao Junmeng, Kang Shichang, Ma Yaoming, Ding Lin, and associate professor Xu Boqing gave reports on various specific topics. After the reports the experts held several sessions for detailed discussion.

     Prof. Xu Ping summarized the meeting with a brief speech. He said the Bureau of Comprehensive Planning and Bureau of Science and Technology for Resources and the Environment would take into consideration the advice and suggestions from the experts, and start the equipment program in the near future to initiate a new phase in Tibetan Plateau research.