The 2026 International Summer School on Horticultural Plant Biology wrapped up on July 14 at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU). It brought together more than 50 students and faculty members from HZAU and overseas universities, including the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, Cardiff University in the UK, the University of Lodz in Poland, and United Arab Emirates University.
The program was co-organized by the China Scholarship Council and the China Education Association for International Exchange.
Focusing on cutting-edge research in horticultural plant biology, the summer school combined academic lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, industry visits, and cultural activities to promote international academic exchange and research collaboration.
The program featured nine lectures covering topics including plant epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, photosynthesis, chloroplast development, and plant small RNAs.
Participants also attended six laboratory sessions on citrus developmental biology, plant cell-to-cell communication, and molecular marker development, gaining insights into HZAU's research strengths and latest advances in horticultural science.
Beyond all the academic activities, participants visited agricultural technology companies and explored Chinese culture through museum tours and traditional experiences such as paper cutting and tea culture activities.
At the closing ceremony, they received certificates and shared their experiences, highlighting the program's role in expanding academic perspectives and fostering future international cooperation.

Students from China and abroad pose for a group photo after receiving their completion certificates at the summer school's closing ceremony. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]