As technology makes the world ever-smaller, research collaborations are linking scientists around the globe, including from countries seen as global rivals.

Researchers in the United States and China are working together in greater numbers, something that raises challenges of promoting scientific integrity when research cultures collide.

This issue will be discussed from 12-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the Old Dominion University's Learning Commons @ Perry Library.

Philip Langlais, professor of psychology in Old Dominion University's College of Sciences, will describe the growth of global research and the collaborative efforts of the U.S. and China to develop and implement effective strategies to improve scientific integrity globally.

The talk is presented by the Confucius Institute at ODU and the Office of Research. It is open to the campus community, but space is limited. Email Dan Campbell in ODU's Office of Research, at dcampbel@odu.edu for more information.

For seven years, Langlais served as Vice Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies and Assistant Vice President for Research at Old Dominion University. In July, 2010, he stepped down from the position of Vice Provost to dedicate full-time effort to national committees on research ethics and integrity.

His current primary interest is in understanding the social, cultural, and pedagogical factors that influence responsible conduct of research and ethical decision making among faculty and students.

Founded in April 2013, Old Dominion University's Confucius Institute partnership with China's Minzu University is aimed at promoting cross-cultural ties with a country regarded as a critical trade partner of the United States and one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Together with the ODU China Center, the Confucius Institute forms the umbrella organization under which all China-related initiatives in the university's colleges are coordinated.

The designation of a Confucius Institute is made by Hanban, Worldwide Headquarters of Confucius Institutes of China. ODU was recognized for its strong affiliations with the regional community, through its China Center and Institute of Asian Studies, in addition to having a strong College of Education program and Chinese language instruction already in place in the College of Arts and Letters.

With a total of only 70 Confucius Institutes awarded to American universities, the designation places ODU among an impressive peer group composed of some of the nation's top academic institutions.

Confucius Institutes exist for three main purposes: to facilitate the instruction of the Chinese language at the host university and in public and private schools within each institute's geographic area; to impart knowledge of Chinese history, literature, the arts and other aspects of Chinese culture; and to create, through the promotion of language and understanding of China as a country, partnerships that foster mutual understanding between the United States and China.