On June 15th afternoon, we met Dr Karu of Peradeniya University of Sri Lanka, for research updating and a discussion about a new ANSO proposal. Huanfang gave a presentation updating the CKDu ancient water tank (AWT) results, which is fascinating. We want to work on more sediment cores and more analytes to further confirm the story. We then had a discussion on possible topic for the new ANSO proposal which will be submitted in mid July from the Sri Lankan side. Li Jun, Guangcai, Huanfang attended the meeting; Shizhen chaired the meeting. It is wonderful to meet old friend again, although online.

Click to see Dr Karu’s first visit to us.

Click to see how the AWT sediment cores were sampled.

On the 19th of April, we had a catch-up meeting with CSIR team. The participants inlcude Zhang Gan, Zhao Shizhen, Kwadwo Ansong Asante, William Arko and He Kun.The discussion theme is about the preliminary cooperation details of the Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Toxic Chemicals in the Air (MORATOX) project and the research topic of William’s PhD project.

First, Zhao Shizhen introduced the background, project targets and contents, and the funding budget of the entire project. Asante proposed some questions about research methods. Everyone’s active discussion finally solved these problems and initially identified the future research division. Zhang Gan made a comprehensive summary of the project, and it is recommended to promote Ghana Joining the Alliance of International Science Organization (ANSO) to seek more opportunities for cooperation. It concludes with a discussion of William’s work and PhD dissertation, where he will continue sampling and research in the future. Meanwhile, Zhao Shizhen and He Kun should develop a more detailed project sampling program for future cooperation.

On Oct 18th, we successfully defended our bidding for an ANSO project, MORATOXA (Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Toxic Chemicals in the Air ) in Beijing.  MORATOXA stands for a well extension of our completed SCP program, by which we are able to collaborate with six of our partners along the Maritime Silk Road. The key topic becomes air toxics and their health risks. We could image more international travels, to different countries in Africa , South Asia and Southeast Asia~!