New Horizons for Scientific Cooperation between MATE and ZAAS

Cooperation between the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) and the Chinese Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS) could be further strengthened in the fields of plant protection, biotechnology and agricultural biosafety. A high-level delegation from the Chinese agricultural research institution, which boasts a history of more than a century, visited MATE’s Gödöllő Campus to discuss the expansion of existing research ties, new joint projects, and the possibility of establishing a Hungarian–Chinese agricultural biosafety laboratory.

The Chinese delegation was welcomed by MATE Vice-Rectors Zoltán Kovács and István Szabó, Institute Director József Fail, Deputy Institute Director Anikó Veres, and International Coordinator Melinda Petra Dora. The visit aimed to strengthen scientific relations between the two institutions and extend their cooperation to additional research areas.

In addition to plant protection, the discussions in Gödöllő focused on plant breeding, plant biotechnology, the utilisation of genetic resources, and agricultural biosafety. These research fields can play a key role in the development of sustainable crop production technologies and the breeding of plant varieties with enhanced resilience to environmental changes and stress factors.

One of the most important future components of the cooperation could be the establishment of a joint Hungarian–Chinese agricultural biosafety laboratory. The two institutions have already begun preparing the institutional framework for the laboratory; however, further discussions are needed to develop the detailed operational and financial arrangements for its implementation. The joint research infrastructure could create new opportunities for plant protection and biotechnology research, as well as for the implementation of international scientific projects.

The meeting also addressed researcher and doctoral student mobility programmes, joint scientific publications, and new opportunities for international research funding. By expanding their partnership, experts from the two institutions will be able to engage in joint research across an even wider range of fields, fostering the international exchange of scientific expertise and innovative solutions.