The College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences (CHFS) at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) hosted the 2025 International Student Recruitment Promotion Meeting on January 14, 2025, at the Gene Building and virtually via Zoom. This event aimed to introduce prospective international students to the college’s academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.

Over 100 participants from various countries joined the meeting, reflecting the global interest in CHFS’s offerings. The attendees included faculty members, the International Student Office representatives, and a diverse audience of prospective students eager to explore higher education opportunities at HZAU.

Professor Xu Qiang, Director of the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops and Vice Dean of CHFS, delivered an insightful presentation on the college’s innovative academic programs and state-of-the-art research facilities. He highlighted the opportunities available for international students and showcased the college’s commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration.

Following Professor Xu’s presentation, Professor Zhang Yuyang, an expert in tomato genetics and molecular breeding, introduced the vegetable research team. He shared his expertise on the genetic basis of important agronomic traits in tomato and advanced molecular breeding techniques. Professor Lin Zongcheng then delved into the molecular mechanisms of plant cell-to-cell communication, focusing on self-incompatibility and grafting incompatibility in plants, while also providing an overview of the National Key Laboratory’s pivotal research.

Dr. Shoaib Munir moderated the event. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome and culminated in an engaging Q&A session, during which prospective students enthusiastically posed questions about CHFS’s research programs, admission procedures, and available scholarships. The students’ active participation highlighted their keen interest in the college’s offerings and their aspirations to join the HZAU academic community.

Representatives from the International Student Office, including Wang Fengzhu, and Guo Zhen, also addressed the audience, sharing valuable insights about the application process and discussing the allocations available for international students at CHFS.

The overwhelming participation and engagement during the meeting highlighted the global appeal of CHFS’s programs and research initiatives. The college remains committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive academic environment, welcoming students from around the world to join its community.