Recently, the President of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft , Prof. Martin Stratmann, addressed a letter to Prof. Xi Kang, the leader of the partner group between Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG) and the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), congratulating on the successful mid-term evaluation of the group, and promised to support it up to the end of 2016.

   The partner group is established in Jan 2012, based at Purple Mountain Observatory, CAS. It is to support young Chinese scientist to develop an independent research group and to achieve internationally recognized scientific work. Up to end of 2014, the partner group has published 11 papers, organized two international meetings, and 3 students from China have been working with scientists in MPG in Germany. Attached is the full letter from Prof Martin Stratmann：

Dear Professor Kang,

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on the convincing outcome of the mid-term evaluation of your partner group.

Meanwhile, I have received the report of the scientific advisory committee certifying the successful establishment of your group. In addition, the report points out the impressive scientific output of the Partner Group.

You have fulfilled the expectations placed on you and the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft is therefore happy to continue supporting you as Head of the Partner Group until the end of your term in December 2016.

I wish you and the members of your Group all the best for your future endeavors.

Your sincerely,

Martin Stratmann