On the afternoon of May 16, 2023, Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of the School of Law of University College Cork, and his delegation visited the School of Law of BIT. Professor Li Shouping, Dean of the School of Law, Professor Gong Qianqian, Vice Dean of the Institute for International Dispute Prevention and Resolution, Associate Professor Yang Kuan, Assistant to the Dean, and Assistant to the Dean, Assistant Professor Pei Yi, attended the meeting. The two teams had a friendly discussion about the cooperation between the two law schools in the conference room K306-307, Wencui Building, Liangxiang Campus.

During the meeting, Dean Li Shouping firstly welcomed Prof. Mark Poustie and his delegation, and provided a comprehensive introduction to the School of Law of BIT from the six aspects of historical development, faculty and staff, construction of disciplinary platforms, talent cultivation, scientific research achievements, and international cooperation and exchanges. Dean Li Shouping said that since the establishment of the School of Law of BIT has always insisted on promoting the construction of first-class disciplines, gathering together first-class faculty and staff, and cultivating “Law + Science and technology” and “Foreign Rule of Law” composite law talents.

Afterwards, Prof. Mark Poustie, Dean of the School of Law of University College Cork, provided a detailed introduction to the University College Cork. As one of the top universities in Ireland, University College Cork (UCC) is a world-renowned research institution. Prof. Mark Poustie highlighted the international cooperation programs of UCC. Dean Li Shouping and Prof. Mark Poustie had an in-depth discussion on the cooperation and exchange between the two Schools.

At the end of the meeting, the two teams reached a further intention on the next in-depth cooperation in scientific research, personnel cultivating and other aspects.

In the subsequent Theme Forum, Professor Mark Poustie delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Will the High Seas Treaty better protect our oceans?”. The lecture was moderated by Assistant Professor, Assistant to the Dean Pei Yi. Deputy Director of the Institute for International Dispute Prevention and Resolution, Professor Gong Qianqian, and Assistant to the Dean , Associate Professor Yang Kuan served as the discussants..

In the lecture, Prof. Mark Poustie introduced the existing legal framework for the protection of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and expanded on the background, framework, and general provisions of the treaty, and finally, discussed the current challenges of the High Seas Treaty. Prof. Mark Poustie argued that the High Seas Treaty is an important step forward in the protection of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, but still relies heavily on the goodwill of the parties in terms of implementation and compliance. The presentation was insightful and thought-provoking.

Afterwards, the representatives of the students of the Law School asked questions about the content of the lecture, and Prof. Gong Qianqian and Associate Prof. Yang Kuan launched a wonderful commentary and in-depth discussion on the relevant issues.

Finally, all the participants of the forum took a group photo. The theme forum was successfully concluded in a friendly atmosphere, looking forward to the future of the two schools to carry out long-term cooperation in scientific research, talent cultivation, faculty training and other aspects.