It is a remarkable event that the Center for Earth observation and Digital Earth (CEODE) and East China Normal University (ECNU) cemented an alliance by establishing a corporative institution, namely, Jointly Laboratory for Environmental Remote Sensing and Data Assimilation. On November 6, the signing ceremony is held at ECNU whereupon ECNU President Yu Lizhong and CEODE Director Guo Huadong signed a cooperation agreement. Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Yin Hejun sent a congratulatory letter on behalf of CAS to show his regards to this constructive collaboration.

Presided over by the ECNU Vice-Chancellor Chen Qun, the signing ceremony started with the two principals of the collaborative institutions, ECNU President Yu Lizhong and CEODE Director Guo Huadong respectively, to address the meeting. From these leaders’ perspectives, the joint lab would be beneficial for the human resources accumulation, technology reservation and scientific research enhancement, accordingly promoting the theoretical innovation and practical application of remote sensing technologies. Furthermore, it is expected to play a significant role in the maintenance of National and regional sustainable development with the purpose of better orientation to national needs.

After the signing of a cooperation agreement by ECNU President Yu Lizhong and CEODE Director Guo Huadong, CAS Member Kuang Dingbo, Director of the Overseas Affairs of Shanghai Cui Minghua, ECNU Party Secretary Zhang Jishun, as well as CEODE Director Guo Huadong, simultaneously unveiled the nameplate of "Jointly Laboratory for Environmental Remote Sensing and Data Assimilation" and declared the laboratory was officially established.