A group of 49 academicians from around the world signed contracts with Qingdao International Academician Park to conduct research there during the second Overseas Academicians' Qingdao Tour and Qingdao International Academicians Forum, which concluded in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province on Aug 18.

Their pieces of research mainly focus on bio-medicine, information technology, design and R&D, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and new materials, which are also consistent with the park's prioritized industries. 

One notable academician amongst the group is Nobel Chemistry Prize laureate Daniel Shechtman from Israel, who has been engaged in the field of scientific education and research for more than 30 years. 

In addition, 53 companies and 41 institutions of higher education and research institutes signaled their intention to cooperate with the park. 

This year's forum attracted 109 academicians from 22 countries and regions, including 102 overseas academicians, accounting for more than 90 percent of the total. 

The forum this year also saw a wider participation and more emphasis on communication and exchange between the academicians and companies, higher education institutions and research institutes. 

The forum sent invitations to prestigious universities, research institutes and industrial leaders all over the country, according to Wang Xijing, Party chief of Licang district, where the Qingdao International Academician Park is located. 

A total of 218 companies and financial institutions and 106 universities and colleges and institutes attended the event, Wang noted. 

He said the forum will help launch a close cooperation model between academicians and companies, higher education institutions, research institutes and the government, and maximize the park's role in attracting high-caliber professionals and investment to the province.

"I think the academician park will be a model that many countries and cities will emulate", an academician from the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters said.

The signing ceremony is held on Aug 18 during the second Overseas Academicians' Qingdao Tour and Qingdao International Academicians Forum. [Photo/dzwww.com]

The Qingdao International Academician Park in Licang district, Qingdao. [Photo provided to China Daily]