Sustainable Mountain Development No. 56, ICIMOD, Winter 2009
The Institute of Tibetan Plateau
The Institute’s scientifi c approach revolves around
Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences
core issues such as the uplift processes of the Tibetan
Lhasa, Beijing and Kunming
Plateau and their impact on the regional climate
and environment, while also addressing scientifi c
frontiers such as Tibetan Plateau geodynamics, land
Namucuo lake fi eld station, Tibetan Plateau
surface processes, environmental changes, biological
adaptability under radical environments, and biological
genetic resources. So far, ITP has succeeded in
constructing quantitative interactive models between
paleo-proxies and modern climate/environmental
parameters through the study of stable isotopes in
atmospheric precipitation, spores and pollen on ground
surfaces over different regions, and the compositional
study of micro-biological species in lakes. With these
quantitative models, paleo-environmental reconstruction
can be accomplished, which helps understanding of the
unique land surface processes on the Tibetan Plateau
and associated regional environmental effects.
ITP laboratory and conference hall in Lhasa
ITP has already established three CAS key fi eld stations:
The Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) is one
the Nam Co Station for Multi-sphere Observation and
of the research institutions established by the Chinese
Research (NAMOR), the Southeast Tibet Station for
Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2003. It consists of
Alpine Environment Observation and Research (SETS),
three campuses located in Lhasa, Beijing, and Kunming.
and the Qomolangma Station for Atmospheric and
The Beijing campus hosts state-of-the-art laboratories for
Environmental Observation and Research (QOMS).
scientifi c research and analysis, provides a convenient
In addition, ITP itself is initiating and fi nancing two
platform for international academic exchange, and, in
additional fi eld stations: the Ngari Station for Desert
the spirit of teamwork, attracts outstanding talent from
Environment Observation and Research (NASDE),
at home and abroad to engage in China’s Tibetan
and the Muztagh Ata Station for Westerly Environment
Plateau research. The Lhasa campus acts as a base
Observation and Research (MASWE). For laboratory
for fi eldwork, facilitates the normal operation of fi eld
research and analysis, ITP hosts the Key Laboratory
monitoring and observation stations on the Plateau,
of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface
and serves Tibetan social and economic development.
Processes (TEL), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the
The Kunming campus, managed by the Kunming
Laboratory of Continental Collision and Plateau Uplift
Institute of Botany, CAS, focusses on the study of life
(LCPU), Chinese Academy of Sciences.
processes under extreme natural environments. The
The international ties and academic scope of established
Institutes in Beijing and Lhasa are currently staffed by
ITP research projects will continue the distinguished
over 140 professionals, including one academician,
achievements of the Institute and will form the basis for
19 professors, and 32 associate professors. In addition,
leading scientifi c research into the twenty-fi rst century.
there are 120 graduate students (58 PhD and 62
master’s candidates) and 16 post-doctoral students.
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