Visit by Chinese polar research icebreaker Xue Long 2 has cleared path for Hong Kong scientists to join national missions, experts say
- Scientists buoyed after pledge by mainland Chinese officials that Hongkongers will be able to join future polar research missions, with details to be announced later this year
- Xue Long 2, the country’s first domestically built polar research icebreaker, has departed after five-day visit
But the specialists said that despite the large pool of scientists in the city, a lack of coordination and funding could pose challenges for those interested in polar research.
Professor Ho Kin-chung, who headed the visit’s organising committee, said mainland Chinese officials had pledged that Hong Kong scientists would be able to participate in the vessel’s future missions, telling the Post that more information would be revealed by the end of the year.
Ho, the founder of visit organisers the Green Future Foundation Association and Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong, said the city needed a platform to connect local experts with mainland authorities, as scientists at present had to seek opportunities in their own capacity.
“We need a platform or committee for overall planning and better connectivity. We don’t know whom to approach now in Hong Kong,” he said
