On January 12^th, 2005, Tibetan Plateau Research Community (TPRC) held its fourth council in Tibet Hotel in Beijing. Prof. Zheng Du, director of TPRC presided over the council.

At the conference, Prof. Lu Dadao, CAS academician and Chinese anthrop-geographer and Prof. Hou Zengqian, director of Institute of Mineral Bed Study, Chinese Geological Academy of Sciences were invited to share their own insights in Tibetan Plateau study. Their reports were respectively about “Developing Factors and Economical Development in Tibetan Plateau Region” and “Continental Collision Belts and Their Effects on Mineral Formation.”

Prof. Zhu Liping, secretary of TPRC also gave a work report, ranging from TPRC’s achievement in 2004 to its preliminary plan for 2005, which included the following aspects: 1) addressing the oncoming Symposium of Tibetan Plateau Research, which aims to study global change and human coping strategies; 2) publishing its members’ academic achievements through various channels; 3) organizing the activity involving mountain climbing and scientific investigation on Himalayas; 4) helping Chinese scientists as they had planned to trek across Kekexili to look into its mysteries; etc.

Prof. Liu Dongsheng and Prof. Sun Honglie, honorary directors of TPRC sat in at the conference. They draw TPRC’s attention to the financial support for its work, calling for more publication and socialization in its future engagement.

Present were some other Chinese scientific staff in Tibetan Plateau study. They also extended their concerns about certain issues and exchanged views with the TPRC administrative team.