National Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops held a construction promotion meeting on February 11, 2023, which was attended by several important figures, including Deng Xiuxin, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Li Zhaohu, Chairman and President of the Key Laboratory, and other representatives of various departments and units involved in the construction of the laboratory.

The meeting covered a range of topics related to the laboratory’s development, including the selection of laboratory researchers, the establishment of scientific research and management positions, postgraduate training, funding guarantee, infrastructure construction, discipline construction, and the output of scientific research achievements. Xu Qiang, the director of the laboratory, presented an overview of the laboratory’s construction, direction, and operation management, highlighting the laboratory’s goal of contributing to major national strategies.

Yang Shaobo, a Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University, emphasized the importance of building an “international horticultural talent center, scientific research center, and innovation highland” as the goal. He stressed the need to handle the relationship between the national key laboratory and other relevant units, such as the key laboratory of horticultural plant biology of the Ministry of Education, relevant disciplines of the school, cooperative units, relevant national universities and research institutes, and related enterprises. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a well-functioning decision-making system, resource allocation mechanisms, and talent introduction strategies.

Li Zhaohu, the Chairman and President of the Key Laboratory, put forward three opinions on the construction of the laboratory, emphasizing the importance of playing a creative role in solving national strategic problems, conducting scientific research, and forming a joint force with relevant colleges to achieve the output of landmark achievements and the cultivation of national strategic talents.

Academician Deng Xiuxin expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the teachers and students involved in the construction of the laboratory for more than 20 years. He emphasized that the laboratory has a heavy responsibility and a glorious mission and that it should have a long-term vision and aim to contribute to major national strategies.

The meeting provided an opportunity for important figures and relevant departments and units to discuss and exchange ideas on strengthening of the National Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops. The discussions covered a wide range of topics related to the laboratory’s development and provided guidance for its future construction and operation, aiming to establish a world-class laboratory that will contribute to China’s national strategic development.

Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2023/0213/65582.shtml