The 9th International Conference on Paleoceanography, or ICP9 currently being held in Shanghai from September 3 to 7 has brought about to China a youthful and academic spirit.

The Science and Technology Daily reported on Wednesday that the conference, titled "The Future Ocean: Perspectives from the Past", gave greater floor to young scholars to show off their talents. This is probably the first ever such international academic conference that is held in China without even having a cliched official opening ceremony and official speeches.

The report said that all speakers who present at the conference on paleoceanography are outstanding young-and middle-aged scientists selected from around the world, while famous authorities are only organizers or lecturers in the evenings.

During the conference, some 140 exhibition boards are reserved to students, and about 35 percent of the excellent dissertations displayed there are expected to be awarded to young faces.

Started in 1983, this is the first time that the conference is held in a developing country.

A new branch of science developed in late1970's, paleoceanography has been designated a study of the history of the oceans, which, through scientific analysis of the qualitative changes of ocean waters, provide more accurate forecast services regarding global climate and environment change.