Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) held the International Summer School for "Growth Partners" of National Base for Training Outstanding Students in Basic Biological Sciences 2.0 and the CSC International Summer School Program 2026 on July 11. These twin events brought together students from China and abroad to explore cutting-edge research in life sciences and agricultural innovation.
The program attracted a total of 20 international students from the University of Birmingham, Al-Azhar University, Benha University and more, as well as students from the HZAU's student base. It is designed to strengthen academic exchanges and foster international collaboration in biological sciences.
At the opening ceremony, Qing Ping, vice-president of HZAU, encouraged young students to embrace cross-cultural dialogue and scientific cooperation, urging them to contribute to global agricultural development with international perspectives and innovative approaches.
The summer school featured lectures by leading scientists, including Chinese Academy of Sciences scholars Zhang Qifa and Deng Zixin, who shared their latest research achievements. Deng highlighted breakthroughs in DNA sulfur modification and its applications in synthetic biology, while Zhang introduced advances in green nutritious super rice and whole-grain initiatives for improving public health.
Other sessions covered plant-microbe interactions, artificial intelligence in biology, and DNA damage modeling, reflecting the interdisciplinary development of modern life sciences.

Qing Ping, vice-president of Huazhong Agricultural University, addresses participants at the opening ceremony of the international summer school. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]