CUHK establishes a joint Experimental Field Station with the China Agricultural University (CAU) in Gansu, marking a new level of scientific collaboration between the two universities. The inauguration ceremony of the Station was held at the CAU Shiyang Experiment Field Station at Wuwei, Gansu Province on May 21.
The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Kang Shaozhong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China of CAU; Prof, Zhang Jianhua, Director of the Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of CUHK; Prof. Du Taisheng, Deputy Director of the Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China of CAU, together with some 40 delegates from China Research Institute of Water Saving in Arid Regions of the Northwestern University of Agricultural Forestry, the CAU China Agricultural Water Research Centre, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Gansu Province, the Institute of Potato Research, the Institute of Plant Protection Research, Gansu Agricultural University, Science and Technology Bureau and Water Affairs Bureau of Wuwei City.
Prof. Kang thanked for the generous support and smooth collaboration with Prof. Zhang's research team of CUHK for the past 20 years, which has significantly enhanced the quality of the research team, and promoted the development of efficient water use in agriculture. Prof. Zhang mentioned that the Hexi Corridor, with an arid climate and scarce rainfall, can provide an extensive landscape for field research and experiments for drought-resistant and salinity stress-resistant crops. Through the establishment of this joint experimental station, both sides will be able to consolidate research strengths to expand fields of collaboration, encourage interdisciplinary research and innovation, facilitate the development of water-saving agriculture research and sustainable agriculture. Prof. Kang visited CUHK earlier via the CAE Academicians Visit Program organized by the Office of Academic Links (China) invited by Prof. Zhang Jian Hua, Director of the Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of CUHK. The visit paved the way for the collababoration between the two partieis.
CUHK collaborated with the China Agricultural University to establish the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology (CUHK) in 2008. The national-level laboratory aims to up-scaling China's agricultural technology to the world frontier to increase agricultural productivity. The establishment of the joint station will enhance the application of efficient water use technologies in arid areas and facilitating the development of regional water-saving agriculture.
