UNL hosts National Science Foundations of U.S., China

Representatives of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) gathered for a joint conference at UNL, October 19-20.

Eleven of China's top science professors met with dozens of UNL faculty and guest speakers from around the United States to discuss "Frontiers of Manufacturing Science and Engineering."

Participants are committed to collaborating for solutions to challenges in advancing energy efficiency, developing valuable new materials, and converting innovations to wider market opportunities, said Yongfeng Lu, professor of electrical engineering at UNL, who helped coordinate the event.

The scientists toured facilities and laboratories on UNL's East and City campuses, including the Morrison Life Sciences Center and the Extreme Light Lab in Ferguson Hall. The guests were welcomed to the Nebraska State Capitol and made “honorary citizens” of the state, then visited Nebraska's famous Memorial Stadium.

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman praised the visit as “strategically in line with UNL’s efforts to strengthen our relationship with Chinese research and educational institutions.”

Professor Guobiao Wang, division director of NSFC, headed the Chinese delegation. Professor Lan Jiang, Changjiang Distinguished Professor at Beijing Institute of Technology, also led in planning the visit with UNL.