Chinese partnership for agriculture and health

Thursday, 1 May 2014

The University of Adelaide will today sign an agreement with leading Chinese research institution Shanghai Jiao Tong University to work together to improve the agriculture and health of the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out the two universities' aim to work together to meet national development targets for food and wine production, soil and water conditions and a healthier population for both China and Australia.

"Shanghai Jiao Tong University is renowned as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, a member of the distinguished C9 League and the Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance," says University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington.

"Shanghai Jiao Tong and the University of Adelaide have mutual research interests and complementary research capabilities. We are ideal partners in furthering the advancement and translation of research from 'smart' agriculture, through the development of new technologies, new skills and new trading opportunities.

"The support of smart agriculture, underpinned by healthy soils and water, to produce sufficient, safe and nutritious food is fundamental to ensuring a healthy population, clean environment and strong economy for both countries."

The MOU signing, between Professor Bebbington and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Vice-President Professor Dan Wu, is the final part of a three-day visit to the University's Waite and North Terrace campuses.

The 10-person delegation from Shanghai Jiao Tong toured Waite campus to view the research facilities and meet with research and teaching staff in food science, oenology and viticulture, land and water, and plant science and breeding. They also met with staff from the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science at the North Terrace campus and representatives of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA.

The partnership will see joint research programs in four major areas - agriculture and wine, land and water, food safety and quality, and health and nutrition.

The research programs will include product development and the translation, commercialisation and internationalisation of joint research achievements.

Other initiatives include collaboration within teaching programs, postgraduate training, infrastructure development and academic staff exchange.

"We have now set the framework for the development of a vibrant new partnership that promises significant benefits for agriculture and for communities of both our nations," says Professor Bebbington.

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