Historical background

I/1 Historical background

These are the major milestones prior to the official start of UNU/IIST on July 2, 1992:

1. First formulation of UNUIIST concept -- August 1984

2. Informal discussion with SSTCC -- April 1985
   SSTCC: State Science and Technology Commission for China

3. The Rector appoints special advisor on UNUIIST -- October 1986

4. Consultative meeting in Macau -- 2-4 March 1987
   See section I/2/1 on the Exploratory Study Report.

5. Formal consultations: Government of Macau & UNU, Tokyo -- May 1988

6. Sino/Portuguese Joint Liaison Group discusses UNUIIST -- September 1988

7. Feasibility Study launched -- December 1988

8. Feasibility Study meeting in Macau -- February/March 1989

9. Feasibility Study Report -- June 1989

10. UNU Council Adoption of UNUIIST Statute -- December 1989
    See section I/2/3

11. Signing of Agreements -- 12 March 1991
    See sections I/2/4, I/2/5 and I/2/6.

12. Search for Director -- March/April 1991

13. Nomination of Director: Professor Dines Bjørner -- May 1991

14. Ratification of Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding -- 1992

    1. Portugal -- 30 January -- 28 April 1992

       1. Legal Status:
          Passed by the Assembly 30. January 1992;
          Signed by The President 30 March 1992, and by The Prime Minister 2 April;
          Government decree published 28 April 1992.

       2. Establishment, Operations & Location:
          Passed by Council of Ministers 25 June 1992;
          Signed by The President 9 July 1992, and by the Prime Minister 13 July 1992.

       3. Memorandum of Understanding:
          -- as for Establishment, Operations & Location above.

    2. People's Republic of China -- 1992

    3. Macau -- 11 May & 31 August 1992

       1. Legal Status -- 11 May 1992

       2. Establishment, Operations & Location +
          Memorandum of Understanding -- 31 August 1992

15. Start of UNU/IIST -- 2 July 1992

The first Director, Professor Dines Bjørner, completed his five-year term of office on 1 July 1997 and was succeeded by Professor Zhou Chaochen, previously Principal Research Fellow.

Historical background