Yan Jianbing, president of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), met with Professor Ove Nilsson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) on May 5, awarding him an honorary professorship.
Yan welcomed Nilsson and provided an overview of HZAU. He highlighted the strong collaborative foundation between the two universities, emphasizing HZAU's focus on research in forest genetics and breeding. This research is supported by a dynamic young research team and solid infrastructure.
Yan also expressed his hope to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two universities to jointly promote sustainable development in agriculture and forestry.
Nilsson expressed his gratitude for the warm reception at HZAU. He recalled the long-term collaboration with HZAU's research personnel, particularly mentioning cooperation in forestry with HZAU Professor Ding Jihua since 2012. They have jointly published multiple papers, applied for collaborative projects between China and Sweden, and achieved significant results in joint graduate student training.
Nilsson said he feels honored to be appointed as a visiting professor and looks forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with the university. He aims to enhance HZAU's international influence in forest genetics and breeding through joint training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and exchanges with young faculty members.
Both parties expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaboration in forestry genetics research and fostering sustainable agricultural and forestry development. The visit highlighted the strong academic ties between the institutions.

Yan Jianbing (right), president of Huazhong Agricultural University, awards Professor Ove Nilsson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences an honorary professorship. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]