On April 1st, the National Fundamental Science Center for Earth Spatiotemporal Reference, led by Li Jiancheng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Central South University, was officially launched in Changsha.
Commencement of the Conference: Image provided by Central South University
The Foundation Science Center Project, initiated in 2016, represents the pinnacle of initiatives designated by the National Natural Science Foundation Committee. Its mission: to target the forefront of international science, concentrate and integrate domestic advantageous scientific research resources, generate a batch of original achievements at the forefront of the international community, seize the commanding heights of international scientific development, and establish several academically influential highlands.
This center will aim at constructing a comprehensive spatiotemporal system, focusing on the scientific and technological issues related to establishing and maintaining the Earth's spatiotemporal reference frame. It will delve into the intricate structure of the Earth's gravity field, nonlinear surface changes, and mechanisms, tackle key technologies such as millimeter-level Earth reference frames, centimeter-level geodetic heights, nanosecond-level timing, comprehensive PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing), and build high-precision Earth spatiotemporal reference models. These endeavors will yield a slew of original achievements at the forefront of international standards, secure the international heights of spatiotemporal reference construction, and establish a world-class innovation talent cultivation base.
Reportedly, this is the second Foundation Science Center undertaken by Central South University. The accomplishments of the "Earth Spatiotemporal Reference" National Foundation Science Center will serve major national projects such as satellite navigation and deep space exploration, providing strong impetus for Hunan Province to realize its vision of "Three Highs and Four News" and making new and greater contributions to basic scientific research in China.
