2026 Frontier Research Excellent Youth School — Formation and Sustainable Development of Habitable Planets
(中国-南美联合地学研究中心2026宜居星球的形成与可持续发展前沿研究优秀青年营, Dec 5-20):
Call for Participants
The quest to understand the origins and sustainability of habitable planets defines a critical frontier of modern science. China and South America, linked by the Belt and Road and vital to a shared human future, preserve unique and complementary geological records ideal for such inquiry. Leveraging South American scientific assets alongside the premier capabilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this program facilitates vital youth exchange. It reinforces global scientific diplomacy and drives international collaboration. Anchored by major initiatives such as the CAS PIFI Program, CITEF grants, the National Deep-Earth Major Project, and NSFC international partnerships, the China-South America Joint Geoscience Research Center (IGGCAS) hosts the 2026 Frontier Research Excellent Youth School recruiting primarily from South America (December 5-20). This gathering seeks to forge frontier expertise in planetary evolution, supply theoretical bedrock for deep-Earth and space exploration, and pioneer a new model for global research excellence.
I. Participants
(1) Approximately 20 youths from South American and 5 youths from other Belt & Road countries;
(2) PhD students and post docs in the field of Earth and Planetary sciences, especially geosciences, are most suitable, early career scientists are also applicable.
II. Important dates
- July 10, 2026: Application opens
- Sep 30, 2026: Application deadline
- Oct 20, 2026: Release of list of participant
- Oct 25, 2026: Letter of Admission and Formal Invitation Letter sent
- Dec 5–6, 2026: Registration
- Dec 7–18, 2026: Main activity period
- Dec 19–20, 2026: Departure from Beijing
III. Activity Contents
The project is organized and implemented around three main themes: Academic Exchange, Scientific Research Practice, and Cultural Experience.
(1) Frontier Lectures: Invite top-tier frontier scientists in the field of Earth and planetary sciences to give lectures;
(2) Technical Training: Conduct training on new technologies and methods oriented towards "Future Earth Science";
(3) Fieldwork: Organize fieldwork along classic field routes of early Earth geology;
(4) Academic Cooperation: Exchange academic research and assign project supervisors to youths with academic needs to promote academic cooperation;
(5) Talent Exchange: Publicize China's science and technology policies and talent exchange/recruitment mechanisms, disseminate China's influence, and promote talent exchange visits and work in China;
(6) Academic Visiting: Visit a few key universities/institutions/labs in the field of Earth and Planetary sciences;
(7) Cultural Experience: Exchange Chinese and South American cultures, and experience and disseminate the charm of Chinese culture.
IV. Application procedure
(1) The applicant needs to fill in the application form (in excel format, attached), along with a resume and a letter of recommendation from one professor of the field or his/her own institution/university;
(2) All the materials should be sent to the administrative office by September 30, 2026 (chengchenting@mail.iggcas.ac.cn).
(3) The Scientific Committee of the China-South America Joint Research Center (CSAJC-IGGCAS) will evaluate the materials submitted and decide the selection of youths.
V. Host
China-South America Joint Research Center (Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)
VI. Funding Sources
Chinese Academy of Sciences
China International Talent Exchange Foundation
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Deep Earth Probe and Mineral Resources Exploration - National Science and Technology Major Project
VII. Key contacts
Ms Chenting CHENG (administrative office)
86-10-82998486
chengchenting@mail.iggcas.ac.cn
Prof/Dr Peng PENG (project leader)
86-10-82998530
pengpengwj@mail.iggcas.ac.cn
