Prof. LEE Dong-chan from South Korea, Vice President of Asian Palaeontological Association (APA), and his research delegation were invited to visit the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS and APA in early April. In a meeting held on April 5th, 2025, APA representatives from China and South Korea convened to discuss strategies for advancing palaeontological research and collaboration under the APA. Prof. Yongdong Wang, Vice President of APA, Jun Wang, President of PSC and Council member of APA, Prof. Dany Azar, Council member of APA,and Prof. Bin Wan, Secretary General of APA, as well as Prof. Yuandong Zhang from NIGPAS joined this meeting. The meeting emphasized joint initiatives,support for early-career scientists, and strategies to address funding challenge. 

Key outcomes included proposals for bilateral workshops and fieldwork focused on Mesozoic fossils, such as dinosaurs, fish, and insects, as well as Cambrian and Precambrian strata. Professor Lee highlighted South Korea’s unique stratigraphic groups as critical for correlating geological history with Chinese counterparts.                     

                           .                   

Support for young scientists was a priority topic in this meeting, with plans to fund graduate students, organize summer schools, and enhance international exposure through APA-backed programs. Funding strategies, including leveraging bilateral projects between China and South Korea, were also discussed. APA’s role as a regional platform was affirmed, with proposals to address major scientific questions and attract public and political attention.

Participants agreed to deepen ties through joint funding applications,workshops,and media partnerships. Follow-up communication will be maintained via the APA mailbox. The meeting concluded optimistically, with delegates expressing confidence in APA’s potential to drive regional palaeontological advancements.