A delegation from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), led by President Yan Jianbing, visited Lincoln University from April 28 to May 1, marking a significant step forward in the two universities' long-standing partnership.

During the visit, both sides signed cooperation agreements, established two international joint laboratories — focused on soil and water microbiology and agricultural operations management — and held extensive discussions on advancing high-quality collaboration.

Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Grant Edwards warmly welcomed the delegation, reaffirming international collaboration as a cornerstone of the university's global strategy and expressing a commitment to deepening ties with HZAU in joint talent cultivation and research.

Yan introduced HZAU's reform initiative to integrate education, technology, and talent cultivation and noted that the bilateral partnership has entered a new phase.

He proposed expanding the joint institute to develop more globally minded graduates, leveraging the new laboratories for doctoral training and scholarly exchanges, and launching initiatives in agricultural development ahead of both universities' 2028 anniversaries.

The two sides also renewed their memorandum of understanding and adopted a dual-director system to jointly oversee the new laboratories.

On April 30, the delegation visited the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum, where Yan expressed gratitude for the consulate's support and highlighted the importance of carrying forward Alley's internationalist spirit.

The visit concluded with an overseas session of HZAU's 11th South Lake Forum for International Young Scholars, held at Lincoln University and attended by more than 20 scholars.

Grand Edwards, vice-chancellor of Lincoln University, leads the HZAU delegation on a visit to the campus. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]

Both sides formalize their partnership by signing agreements. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]

On April 30, the delegation visits the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]