Desert Research Institute renews partnership agreement with prestigious Chinese research base in Xian

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2012

(RENO) - The Desert Research Institute, an internationally renowned multidisciplinary environment research organization, and the Chinese Academy of Science's Institute of Earth Environment, or IEECAS, a prestigious international research base located in Xian, announced during Governor Brian Sandoval's trade mission to Asia late last week, the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to share ideas, resources and exchange of students and scientists.

Governor Sandoval was joined by Dr. Stephan G. Wells, DRI President; Dr. Judith Chow, a renowned air quality expert in DRI's Division of Atmospheric Sciences; and Dr. Junji Cao, IEECAS President in announcing the renewed partnership that focuses on research in the field of atmospheric sciences and builds upon a collaborative relationship between DRI and IEECAS that dates back to 1997.

Since that time, DRI and Chinese scientists have undertaken collaborative work examining long-term evidence of pollution and climate change in Tibetan glaciers and most recently, the examination of methods of preservation necessary to maintain remnants of China's Terra-Cotta Warriors (often referred to as one of the greatest archeological discoveries of modern times). The collaboration efforts have also generated a steady stream of Chinese graduate research students to DRI's Reno and Las Vegas research facilities to study state-of-the-art air quality monitoring and analytical techniques.

"This MOU will further our collaboration and most importantly continue the exchange of scientists and students," said Dr. Chow, "which is extremely beneficial not only to DRI and the Institute of Earth Environment, but also supports the economies of Nevada and China."

Among other things, the relationship will continue to foster collaboration in the development and application of ambient air quality mechanisms, methods for the measurement of organic carbon and elemental carbon, instrument development, aerosol measurements and modeling, development and application of air quality models.

"I'm very pleased with this renewed relationship with the Institute (IEECAS)," Dr. Wells said. "Historically our MOUs have created an encouraging climate for collaboration, and scientists from all the organizations involved are continuing to pool their ideas to develop plans for ground-breaking research programs that we hope will continue for many years."