Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 1993

Other plans for 1994 and 1995 include a conference on 'Modernity and China' to be organized in association w i th the Chinese Department of the University of Bonn. The Cen t re f o r I n t e r n a t i o n al Services to Mushroom Biotechnology was recently set up with a grant of US$48,830 from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to strengthen facilities for research on mushrooms. Prof. S. T. Chang of the Department of Biology will serve as the centre's first director, and Dr. J. A. Buswell, as deputy director. The centre's first task will be to develop a Mushroom Biotechnology Database and I n f o rma t i on Ne two rk (MUSHNET) for the collection and dissemination of information relating to mushroom production and mushroom biotechnology. A Mushroom Depository and Genebank for the conservation of mushroom genetic resources will also be established. The centre will provide technology transfer services to organizations in developing countries through training courses, workshops and consultant activities, and undertake research into many aspects of mushroom biology including cultivation technology, genetics and molecular biology of mushrooms, bioconversion of agricultural and industrial wastes, mushroom products, and processing and marketing. It will also interact with regional an d national resource centres worldwide in the provision of necessary technological back-up support for the promotion of regional and national development of mushroom and mushroom-related industries. Tin Ka Ping Building Formally Opened The Tin Ka Ping Building was formally opened on 10th September 1993 by the Rt. Hon. Christopher Patten, Governor of Hong Kong, Mr. Tin Ka Ping, managing director of Tins' Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd., and Prof. Charles K. Kao, vice-chancellor of the University. The function was attended by over 100 guests. Located on the central campus right next to the University Library, the new buildin g has 11 storeys and a gross floor area of 9,000 square metres. It provides high-quality accommodation for a number of important academic exchange and research centres, including the Hong Kong-America Center, the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, the Office of Academic Links and the Universities Service Centre. The new building also houses an extension to the University Library and an Independent Learning Centre, where students can improve their English on a self-learning basis. The 11-storey tower has been named after Mr. Tin Ka Ping, an eminent local industrialist and philanthropist, who donated HK$25 million to the University last year in support of academic research and development programmes. New Language Learning Centre on Campus An Independent Learning Centre ( I LC) was formally opened on 30th October to provide self- access language learning facilities for staff and students. Located on the fourth floor of the Tin Ka Ping Building, ILC is equipped with a wide range of self- access materials including software teaching packages, audio and video tapes, laser discs, CD- ROM discs, language worksheets, and a selection of books, magazines, and newspapers. A satellite dish on the building makes foreign language television broadcasts available. The I LC also contains a Writing Centre which provides one-to- one tutorial services for undergraduates, postgraduates, and staff members who want to improve their writing skills. The centre is open to the entire University community and is run by the English Language Teaching Unit. Its main goals are to encourage students to assume personal responsibility for their continued language learning and to enhance their language skills in a variety of ways. While set up News in Brief 44