April 20 2015, Dr. LI Jiayang, Vice Minister of MOA and President of CAAS, met with Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino, President of the University of Guelph. Both parties agreed to build closer ties in research collaboration and capacity building for international talents.

Dr. LI Jiayang spoke highly of the collaboration accomplished by the two sides. In the past few years, CAAS and the University of Guelph have made in-depth understanding through visits by high level leadership, scientist and scholars. Together they made science discoveries in various fields, including biotechnology, animal husbandry and veterinary, food science and plant pest and diseases. New converging points for joint research in animal molecular breeding are being developed between researchers. Based on the common interest of both sides, LI made two proposals to closer collaboration. One is to build a joint research center on animal sciences to push forward joint research on pig molecular breeding and poultry genetics; the other is to continue consultation on a joint PhD training program which recruits both Canadian and Chinese Students.LI also shared with Dr. Vaccarino the implementation of ASTIP program at CAAS.

Dr. Vaccarino endorsed LI’s suggestion. He commented that CAAS and the University of Guelph have many similarities in terms of international strategy and innovation development. University of Guelph, with traditional advantage in agricultural sciences and as one of the top universities in Canada, is willing to build closer ties with CAAS in all rounds.

Dr. Vaccarino and his delegation visited the National Agricultural Science and Technology Demonstration Park after the meeting. Representatives from the Department of International Cooperation, Beijing Institute of Animal Sciences and the Graduate School of CAAS attended the meeting.