Scotland, as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and modern geology, has played a pivotal role in shaping global industrial and technological advancements. Cities like Glasgow became major hubs of innovation in engineering, energy development, and urban planning during the 19th century. Loch Lomond, near Glasgow, not only offers stunning natural scenery but also provides an inspiring setting for scientific discussions and innovation.

Loch Lomond

Xuzhou, China, known as the "Capital of Construction Machinery," is a major industrial center and a key player in China's manufacturing sector. With a robust foundation in engineering machinery, Xuzhou is also making significant progress in scientific innovation, particularly in areas such as deep underground resource development and urban infrastructure.

Yunlong Lake

In line with advancing international academic cooperation and promoting sustainable development, the Yunlong-Lomond Forum was established. Named after Yunlong Lake in Xuzhou and Loch Lomond in Scotland, the forum serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western scientific communities, fostering progress in the fields of deep underground resource exploration and sustainable energy development. The forum alternates between China and Scotland, reinforcing long-term academic collaboration.

The forum places a strong emphasis on academic exchange in the areas of net-zero targets, sustainable development, and deep earth technologies. As part of this initiative, the forum will provide 10 scholarships to research students and early-career researchers from Scotland and the wider UK. These scholarships will support visits to China for the next forum, enhancing cross-border academic cooperation and nurturing future talent in both countries.