Peking University, November 26, 2024: On November 14, Mark Scott, President of the University of Sydney led a delegation to Peking University for the unveiling ceremony of the Peking University–University of Sydney International Joint Centre for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development. Gong Qihuang, President of Peking University welcomed the delegation and reflected on the fruitful exchanges between the two institutions in recent years. With the establishment of the Centre, Scott looked forward to have both universities carry out more academic exchanges and collaboration in the future.
Group photo
Also in attendance was Fang Fang, Vice President of Peking University, who added that the Centre aims to achieve results in the areas of research innovation, talent development, and industrial transformation. This would help promote food security and sustainable agricultural development in China, Australia and other developing countries.
In his speech, Scott emphasized the role of international academic cooperation in addressing complex global issues. Given the focus on food security and sustainable agricultural development internationally, as well as the long agricultural traditions shared by China and Australia, Scott hoped for both institutions to tap on the Centre to achieve greater results in these fields.
Mark Scott, President of the University of Sydney giving his speech
This was followed by the unveiling ceremony by the Presidents of both universities.
Unveiling ceremony
Next, the Centre held its first academic workplan symposium, which was co-chaired by the Centre’s Chinese Director Liu Chengfang and the Australian Director Brent Kaiser. Liu focused on the establishment, mission, organizational structure, and goals of the Centre, highlighting the Centre’s commitment to contribute in scientific research innovation and nurturing of talents. PKU and USYD speakers then took the stage to report on topics related to rural transformation, ammonium management, wheat vernalization, wheat rust research, molecular breeding, and plant root effects.
The Centre Directors Liu and Kaiser then expressed their gratitude for the support from PKU and USYD, as well as the speakers for offering new perspectives and directions to support the development of the Centre.
Written by: Guan Yikang
Edited by: Rachel Lee
Source: PKU News (Chinese)