The delegation from HZAU poses for a commemorative photo with experts from Imperial College London. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

The discussions centered on joint research and academic exchanges, ending with a cooperation agreement signed with the University of Cambridge. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

From Feb 4 to 8, a delegation from the College of Animal Sciences & Technology, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and other departments at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) conducted a high-level academic mission to the UK. The group visited Imperial College London, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), and the University of Cambridge to foster international collaboration in veterinary science and animal husbandry.

At Imperial College London, the delegation engaged in technical seminars with well-known experts, including professors Paul Langford and Wendy Barclay. These discussions included a tour of the institution's advanced safety management systems and research facilities.

The journey continued at the RVC, where members explored clinical skill centers and Bolton's Park Farm. This segment highlighted the RVC's model of combining animal production with veterinary practice. Both parties agreed on future student exchanges, joint research projects, and curriculum collaboration.

The mission culminated at the University of Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine. Following strategic talks on academic collaboration and research, the delegation inspected the department's small animal and equine hospitals to study their clinical management models.

A key milestone was the signing of an academic cooperation framework agreement by the College of Animal Sciences & Technology/the College of Veterinary Medicine Executive Dean Peng Guiqing and Cambridge's Professor Mark Holmes.

This landmark visit not only strengthens HZAU's global academic network but also lays the groundwork for major cross-border advancements in veterinary education and scientific discovery.