On November 21, an agreement was signed establishing the Ocean Research Centre between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The signatories were the Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS) of IST, the Laoshan Laboratory, the University of São Paulo, and the University of Macau.

The launch ceremony of the centre took place in Macau, with the presence of the President of LARSyS, Prof. José Santos-Victor, and the President of DEEC, Prof. Nuno Horta. It was also attended by the Consul of Portugal in Hong Kong and Macau, representatives of the government of the People’s Republic of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region, the Rector and Vice-Rector of the University of Macau, representatives of the Laoshan Laboratory, and Prof. Ettore Barros from USP.

The agreement provides for the development of research projects, advanced training, and the exchange of students and researchers.