On June 17-21, the 2ndChina-South Africa Workshop on Big Data Challenge in Astronomy was held in Shanghai followed by Astronomy for Development Forum in Xinchang. More than 40 participants from both China and South Africa joined the workshop. Participants from both sides presented and discussed on big data challenge in astronomy, SKA and other large projects, Virtual Observatory, education and social development.

Mr.Xin Li from Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOS) attended the workshop and gave an opening speech. Prof. Jun Tao, Deputy Director-General of Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of CAS (SHAO), welcomed all the participants including those from South Africa on behalf of the organizing committee. Prof. Jinxin Hao, Deputy Director-General of National Astronomical Observatories of CAS (NAOC), gave a brief review of the collaboration between China and South Africa in astronomy. Mr. Takalani Nemaungani from the Department of Science and Technology of South Africa and Mr. Yunus Manjoo from National Research Foundation of South Africa introduced the big picture of BRICS astronomy collaboration. Representatives from two sides discussed future collaboration in astronomy between China and South Africa and among BRICS countries. The participants believed that the astronomical collaboration between China and South Africa should continue to develop in depth. More young researchers from both sides should be evolved in joint research programs.

Group Photo