International Workshop Promotes Collaboration in Horticultural Plant Biology

  • March 14, 2024
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The College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) hosted a bilateral workshop in collaboration with Kyoto University (KU) from March 11 to March 12, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei, China. The event focused on Horticultural Plant Biology and aimed to facilitate scholarly exchange and promote collaborative research efforts between the two institutions. The event saw over 150 scholars and students from Kyoto University, Tarim University, and Huazhong Agricultural University in attendance.

The workshop, organized by HZAU’s National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, the Joint International Research Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, and Horticultural Advances Editorial Office, attracted distinguished guests, faculty members, and students from both universities.

In the opening session, held on March 11, Vice President Ping Qing of HZAU delivered a welcoming address, highlighting the university’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in research and education. He expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the workshop and encouraged participants to engage in fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange.

Speech by Vice President Ping Qing at the bilateral workshop with Kyoto University.

Professor Ryutaro Tao, Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture at Kyoto University, also delivered an opening speech, reflecting on the longstanding collaboration between the two institutions dating back to the early 1990s. He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to encompass various departments and areas of collaboration, highlighting the role of young faculty members and students as catalysts for future partnerships.

Professor Ryutaro Tao from Kyoto University shares insights during the opening session of the bilateral workshop.

The Opening session was chaired by Qiang Xu, Director of the National Key Laboratory for Horticultural Crops and Vice Dean of the College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences at HZAU. He extended a warm welcome to all attendees and introduced the distinguished guests, including Professor Ryutaro Tao and his delegation from Kyoto University, as well as representatives from Tarim University and various departments of HZAU.

Qiang Xu Chairs Bilateral Workshop with Kyoto University.

The workshop agenda featured four oral sessions and a poster session, providing a platform for researchers to present their latest findings and explore potential areas of collaboration. The Workshop featured presentations from 11 faculty members and 6 doctoral students, covering diverse topics such as germplasm resources, stress response mechanisms, and crop domestication. Additionally, 27 graduate students showcased their research through academic posters.

Participating students engaged with posters at the workshop’s poster session.

In parallel, a bilateral meeting on March 12 further strengthened collaboration between HZAU and KU, with discussions focused on research priorities, talent cultivation, and student exchanges. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration and highlighted the transformative potential of joint research endeavors.

Bilateral meeting to discuss future research collaborations.

The Workshop also facilitated visits to key research facilities including the National Citrus Breeding Center and the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticulture Crops. The exchange extended beyond academic realms, with cultural activities like paper-cutting and embossing art, providing a platform for intercultural dialogue.

Visit the Citrus research base on campus.
Visit the south lake Persimmon research base.
Teachers and students engage in paper-cut plant embossing painting at Beiyue Bookstore, immersing themselves in a creative botanical experience.
Teachers and students experiencing Chinese tea culture.

In conclusion, the workshop and bilateral meeting marked significant milestones in the ongoing partnership between HZAU and KU, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and scientific innovation in horticultural plant biology.

 

(Written by Shoaib Munir, Reviewed by Wenxing Chen, Photos by Yuhua Cheng)