JnU signs MoU with Chinese Academy of Sciences

Jagannath University (JnU) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen international cooperation, capacity building and joint research on Earth observation-based scientific data and research.

The MoU was signed in Shanghai, China, on 14 September 2026, and its signed copy was handed over to JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin on Monday.

Prof Li Guoqing signed the MoU on behalf of CAS, while JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin signed it on behalf of the university. The vice-chancellor joined the signing ceremony through a video address from Bangladesh, while Prof Dr Mohammad Abdul Kader and Dr Md Abdul Malek represented JnU in Shanghai.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will have opportunities to conduct joint research on agricultural monitoring, emergency response during disasters, Earth observation and the development of scientific data products.

They will also have opportunities to jointly develop quality datasets, particularly datasets suitable for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The cooperation will also cover technical training, personnel and academic exchanges, and the organisation of international conferences and thematic workshops to enhance the skills of teachers, researchers and students.

Prof Rais said the MoU was not merely a formal agreement but an important commitment to long-term cooperation, innovation, advanced research and sustainable development between the two institutions.

He expressed hope that the partnership would contribute to addressing climate change risks, expanding access to advanced scientific knowledge and technology, and strengthening research capacity in Bangladesh.

According to university authorities, one of the key objectives of the MoU is to establish the International Centre of Excellence (ICoE-Bangladesh) under the International Data Network for Earth Observation (IDN4EO).

The MoU will remain effective for three years from the date of signing and may be renewed upon mutual agreement between the two parties.