The inaugural Yunlong Lake-Loch Lomond Symposium, held on December 17, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. Co-organized by the Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering and the University of Strathclyde, the symposium aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between China andScotlandin the field of deep underground science, promote sustainable development, and foster scientific and personnel exchanges.
Symposium Theme and Scale
The symposium, themed "Deep Underground Science and Sustainable Development," brought togethermore than30 leading experts and scholars from China and the UK in the fields of deep underground science, resource exploration, underground energy storage, and sustainable development. Notable participants included Professor Zoe Shiptonand Professor Joshi from the University of Strathclyde, Professor Katriona Edlmann from the University of Edinburgh, Mr. Andrew Alan McKenzie from the British Geological Survey and Dr. Junlong Shang from the University of Manchester, in addition to Professor Xiaozhao Li and Professor Shangtong Yang from China University of Mining Technology. Apart from scholars and experts experienced in the fields for a long time, the Early Career Research Forum attracted researchers from 12 different universities in the UK.
Bilateral Relations and Sustainable Development
The symposium further solidified the bilateral cooperation between China and the UK in deep underground science. Participants recognized the importance of enhancing scientific collaboration between the two countries in the face of shared energy challenges and global issues such as climate change. Through international research cooperation, innovation can be accelerated, and the widespread application of deep underground technologies globally can be promoted, contributing positively to sustainable development goals.
Scientific Exchange and Outcome Sharing
During the symposium, scholars from China and the UK engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest research advancements and technological applications in deep underground science. Esteemed experts, including Professor Li Xiaozhao, Professor Katriona Edlmann, and Professor Zoe Shipton,Mr Andrew McKenziedelivered insightful keynote speeches, sharing their research findings in areas such as deep underground exploration, underground energy storage, and geological data analysis. These presentations not only showcased the outstanding achievements of both countries in deep underground science but also provided new ideas and directions for future collaborations.
The symposium placed particular emphasis on the participation and exchange of young scholars, featuring a dedicated Young Scientists Forum that invited over 10 researchers from prestigious institutions such asOxford, Imperil College, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Herriot-Watt and Strathclyde to present their research. Additionally, the organizing committee awarded special invitations to 10 selected young overseas researchers, supporting their attendance at the second Yunlong Lake-Loch Lomond Symposium in Xuzhou, China, in 2025. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of experts in deep underground science and inject fresh vitality into the long-term cooperation and development of both countries.
Future Prospects and Invitation
The successful hosting of the first Yunlong Lake-Loch Lomond Symposium has laid a solid foundation for future collaborations between China and the UK in deep underground science. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with relevant UK research institutions, jointly advancing the development and application of deep underground science to contribute wisdom and strength to addressing global challenges.
Our upcoming second symposium will be hold in Xuzhou, China. This will provide an excellent opportunity for further exchanges, collaborations, and the exploration of new avenues in deep underground science. Together, we can create a brighter future for UK-China cooperation in this critical field.
