Interview
The payload specialist selection in Macau for the country’s manned space program is of great significance to the development of science and related education in the special administrative region, Joseph Lee Hun Wei (aka Joseph Hun-wei Lee), president of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday.
Lee told Xinhua that the selection, held here for the first time, was expected to inspire research in fundamental physics and education in related disciplines in Macau , thus laying a solid foundation for nurturing the next generation of scientists.
“The move will also inspire young people in Macau to make greater efforts in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration of science,” Lee said. “The effect is limitless.”
Hailing the selection as a historic opportunity for Macau, Lee said the special administrative region should increase investments in science and research, further enhance cooperation with the Chinese mainland in this regard and better tap Macau’s advantages as an international platform to train more scientists and engineers.
“The development of space science and technology will bring about numerous exciting frontier scientific research,” Lee said, adding that MUST hopes to engage in cross-disciplinary space research such as stem cell experiments, biological research of microgravity and research on materials.
As early as in 2005, MUST started to participate in data analysis and research of the nation’s lunar exploration programme. Later is began to carry out broad cooperation with top-notch national-level science and research institutes.
In 2018, the Ministry of Science and Technology approved the establishment of the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences at MUST. It represented the first state key laboratory specializing in the field of astronomy and planetary sciences in the nation.
In recent years, MUST has taken part in several major national deep space exploration projects, fostering a competitive team of young researchers.
Lee encouraged Macau’s young scientists to apply for the selection program. “Macau should seize this opportunity to take its science and technology development to a higher level,” he stressed.
– Xinhua, MPD
Joseph Lee Hun Wei (aka Joseph Hun-wei Lee), president of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), gestures during an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday. – Xinhua
