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Macao’s two first-ever state key labs unveiled

 

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 The plaque-unveiling ceremony presided at by numerous personages signals a new stage in the research in microelectronics and Chinese medicine in Macao
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The AMS-VLSI Lab aims to become one of the most important silicon chip research centres in China
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The QRCM Lab will serve as an open base for international cooperation in Chinese medical sciences and technologies in order to promote the internationalization of Chinese medicines

On 25 Jan a plaque-unveiling ceremony was held for Macao’s two first-ever state key laboratories (one in microelectronics and the other in Chinese medicine) approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), signaling that the research in these two fields in Macao has entered a new stage.

The State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI (AMS-VLSI Lab), jointly established by UM and Fudan University, and the State Key Laboratory for Quality Research in Chinese Medicine (QRCM Lab), jointly established by UM, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Peking University, received approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology of PRC last November. After several months of busy preparation, a plaque-unveiling ceremony for the two state key laboratories was held yesterday at the Macau Cultural Centre. To make the ceremony a grand occasion, the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of Macao SAR invited Chief Executive of Macao SAR Dr. Chui Sai On, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao SAR Mr. Bai Zhijian, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of PRC Mr. Cao Jianlin, Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macao SAR Mr. Lau Si Io, President of the Administrative Committee of FDCT Dr. Tong Chi Kin, UM Rector Wei Zhao and MUST Rector Xu Ao Ao to jointly preside at the ceremony.

After the plaque-unveiling ceremony, Prof. Rui Martins, Vice Rector (Research) of UM and Director of the AMS-VLSI Lab, and Prof. Wang Yitao, Director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) of UM and Director of the QRCM Lab, updated the audience on the research achievements UM has attained in recent years in the fields of microelectronics and Chinese medicine. Prof. Christopher Lam Wai Kei from MUST also updated the audience on MUST’s development in the area of Chinese medicine.

At present there is only one state key laboratory in microelectronics in China—the ASIC & System State Key Lab at Fudan University. Except for a few laboratories jointly established by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and respective provinces, there have been no MoST-directly-approved state key laboratories with Chinese medicine as the main area of research. The AMS-VLSI Lab was jointly established by UM and the ASIC & System State Key Lab at Fudan University. Prof. Rui Martins, Vice Rector (Research) of UM and Director of the AMS-VLSI Lab, noted that the lab will use advanced nano chip technologies to conduct research in analogue and mixed signal integrated circuits and will also serve as a high-quality platform for the development of chip technology, human resources, software design and testing equipment through the training of master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Prof. Martins said the goal is to make the lab one of the most important silicon chip research centres in China.

The QRCM Lab is China’s first state key laboratory in Chinese medicine. It was jointly established by UM’s ICMS and MUST. The lab will cooperate with the State Key Lab of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs at Peking University in carrying out innovative research on Chinese medicines. Prof. Wang Yitao, Director of UM’s ICMS and Director of the QRCM Lab, noted that quality evaluation of Chinese medicines will be the lab’s main area of research, and the innovation and internationalization of Chinese medicines will be its main objective. He disclosed that the subjects of study will include Chinese medicines with various functions, such as medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis; medicines that reduce internal body heat and remove toxic substances; and medicines that improve the body’s immunization system, and the focus will be placed on age-related diseases and degenerative diseases. He added that research will cover numerous fields such as chemistry, analysis, medicines, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, clinic study, and information. He said the lab will be able to serve as an open base for international cooperation in Chinese medical sciences and technologies so as to promote medical and health development, the development of Chinese Medical Science and Technology Industry in Macao, and the internationalization of Chinese medicines. The last speaker Prof. Christopher Lam Wai Kei from MUST updated the audience on MUST’s development in the area of Chinese medicine.
 


25/01/2011