Huazhong Agricultural University opened the 2026 international summer school on horticultural plant biology on July 2, bringing 24 young students and scholars from 10 countries to Wuhan, Hubei province, for two weeks of academic training, research practice and cultural exchange.

The program was jointly organized by the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops and HZAU's College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences. Participants came from the United Kingdom, Poland, Australia, Mexico, South Korea and other countries.

Zeng Hongxia, head of international cooperation and exchanges at HZAU, welcomed the participants and said the summer school would help them strengthen academic exchange, deepen mutual understanding and experience both Chinese culture and HZAU's research environment.

Xu Qiang, director of the national key laboratory and dean of the college, said the lab focuses on key scientific questions in horticultural germplasm innovation and biological breeding. He encouraged participants to broaden their international vision through lectures, laboratory practice and research discussions.

The two-week program includes academic reports, laboratory practice, industry visits, seminars and Chinese culture activities.

Experts will teach topics including plant development, genetics and breeding, biotechnology and germplasm innovation. Supported by the Chinese Scholarship Council Summer School project, the program reflects HZAU's efforts to expand international horticultural cooperation and young talent training.

International participants attend the international summer school project at HZAU in 2025.  [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]