Agrobiotechnologists Further Research Collaborations

To establish international collaboration and inspire innovative research ideas, an international mini-symposium was held in Shenzhen by the Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (PSKLA), CUHK, the China Agricultural University and the Peacock Programme of CUHK's Shenzhen Research Institute on 24–25 November 2017. At the opening ceremony, Prof. Christopher H.K. Cheng, Director of Shenzhen Research Institute, delivered a welcoming address to over 150 participants from the UK, the US, Taiwan, Mainland China and Hong Kong. Then, Prof. Lam Hon-ming, Director of PSKLA, CUHK, delivered the opening remarks to greet the keynote speakers and officiating guests and to elaborate on the visions and research endeavoring to enhance China's agricultural productivity, to safeguard national food security and to improve the livelihood of the people in the nation and beyond.

The symposium featured keynote lectures delivered by world renowned scientists in the field of agrobiotechnology, namely, Prof. Christine Foyer (University of Leeds, UK), Prof. Samuel S.M. Sun (Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering), Prof. Anthony H.C. Huang (University of California, Riverside) and Prof. Maurice S.B. Ku (Emeritus Professor, National Chiayi University & Washington State University). The keynote lectures were followed by four plenary talks and 15 high level seminars showcasing the latest outstanding academic achievements in the areas of genomics, modelling research and biotechnology. All participating academic leaders agreed that the mini-conference served as an effective exchange platform between the participating institutes for establishing comprehensive mutual understanding to formulate collaborative research.

Concerted efforts from all the hosting research units and administrative team of the co-organizing units are highly praised by the participants including the overseas speakers for the excellent, friendly and efficient arrangement.

Over 120 participants from the UK, the US, Taiwan, Mainland China and Hong Kong participated in the symposium: (from left, front row) Prof. Zhang Shuchuan, Deputy Director of PSKLA, China Agricultural University; Prof. Jiang Liwen, Deputy Director of PSKLA, CUHK; Prof. Lai Jinsheng, Director of National Maize Improvement Center, China Agricultural University; Dr. Lin Huangquan, Associate Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute; Ms. Wang Ning, Director of Shenzhen Virtual University Park; Prof. Christopher H.K. Cheng, Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute; Prof. Qun He, Director of PSKLA, China Agricultural University; Prof. Lam Hon-ming, Director of PSKLA, CUHK; Prof. Samuel S.M. Sun, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Christine Foyer, University of Leeds; Prof. Anthony H.C. Huang, University of California, Riverside; Prof. Maurice S.B. Ku, Emeritus Professor of National Chiayi University and Washington State University; Prof. Zhao Yaofeng, China Agricultural University; Prof. Wong Kam-bo, Director of School of Life Sciences, CUHK; and Dr. Liu Pui-shan, Research Manager of PSKLA, CUHK.