The National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) launched an undergraduate research training program on July 6, opening advanced instruments and research platforms to students.
Thirty undergraduates from a range of majors joined the first five-day intensive training course. The program relies on the lab's shared large-instrument platform and combines research practice courses, hands-on equipment training and AI-assisted data analysis to explore a new model for cultivating innovative talent.
Peng Xiaochuan, executive vice-dean of the Undergraduate School, said large instruments can serve as both foundations for high-level research and important carriers for student innovation training. She said the program brings undergraduates into real research settings, helps them access advanced equipment, and supports the integration of undergraduate and graduate training.
Lu Gang, deputy director of the national key laboratory, said the platform has built core modules in cell biology, metabolomics, sensory evaluation and gene editing, forming technical support for germplasm innovation, genetic improvement and quality assessment.
The program also reflects HZAU's push to turn major research infrastructure into undergraduate teaching resources and strengthen research-based learning. The course covers laboratory safety, literature searches, data-driven research, scientific illustration, paper submission, microscopy, photosynthesis-fluorescence measurement, metabolomics, gene editing, plant tissue culture and flavor evaluation.
Students who complete the training and assessment will receive research practice credits recognized by the Undergraduate School.

Qu Xiaolu teaches students how to operate certain instruments in the undergraduate research training program. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]