dr. XY (Xiaoyong) Zhang

Strategic Engagement with Chinese Partners

International collaboration is fundamental to the mission of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in addressing global challenges. Engagement with Chinese academic, governmental, and private-sector partners represents an important component of WUR’s international collaboration portfolio, building on more than four decades of structured cooperation.

Many Chinese partner institutions are rapidly advancing in the scientific domains in which WUR operates, supported by significant investments in research infrastructure, large-scale experimental facilities, and the development of high-level academic talent. These capabilities complement WUR’s strengths and create valuable opportunities for joint impact in areas such as climate change, sustainable food systems, food security and safety, and the living environment. The scale and diversity of research environments offered by these partnerships also provide opportunities to generate new scientific insights and accelerate innovation.

WUR is committed to equitable, long-term partnerships with Chinese collaborators, conducted in full alignment with its codes of conduct and policies on scientific integrity, intellectual property, and data protection. Collaboration takes place through joint PhD programmes, staff and student exchanges, and both fundamental and applied research initiatives with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners.