In order to promote bilateral cooperation between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Durham University in the United Kingdom, and explore new ways of international scientific and technological cooperation during the epidemic, on October 29, 2020, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Durham University launched web lectures of "Knowledge Across Borders".

　　The first issue of "Knowledge Across Borders" was jointly conducted by Professor David Harper from Durham University and ZHAN Renbin, a researcher at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS). Their theme was focused on "The First Carnival of the Animals: Causes and Consequences of the Diversification of the Early Paleozoic Marine Life".

　　The webinar started at 16:00 Beijing time (8:00 UK time). After the first broadcast of the "Knowledge Across Borders" video, Stuart Corbridge, Vice President of Durham University, UK, warmly welcomed the participants and Vice President of Chinese Academy of Sciences ZHANG Yaping delivered an opening speech, then the series of web lectures on "Knowledge Across Borders" officially opened.