What they say
Editor’s Note: Five foreign scientists and one international NGO received the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, which was presented by President Xi Jinping and other State leaders at a ceremony in Beijing on Monday. Established in 1994, the annual award is part of the State Science and Technology Awards. It honors up to 10 overseas individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the scientific and technological development of China. China Daily interviewed four individual recipients and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.
“I’ve seen Chinese scholars go from having only a few contributions of international visibility to being one of the top leaders in academic research. I have seen many young researchers grow and seen cutting-edge equipment brought into Chinese laboratories that increasingly feature a high international standard.
China is also recruiting top, internationally trained talent in science and engineering fields. Changes may address more intense collaboration across fields, early independence of brilliant young scholars in the academic system and encouragement of female scientists to pursue an academic career.
While there are world-class universities and research institutes in China, the overall level across the country may be more diverse than in many places in Europe or North America.” Katharina Kohse Hoeinghaus, German expert in combustion “The research teams with which I have worked at Western Kentucky University have nearly 40 years of experience in the study of karst hydrogeology and increasingly high-resolution monitoring of water hydrochemistry.
While our institute has at times introduced innovative methodology and ideas to our collaborations that have been developed in the United States and Europe, this has been a mutually beneficial relationship in which the experience we have brought to the projects has been matched by our Chinese colleagues’ scientific skills, strong work ethic and deep knowledge of Chinese karst regions, thus producing great synergy.
I was first attracted to visit China — Guilin, in particular — in the 1990s by the beautiful landscapes and the reputation of the Institute of Karst Geology, which at the time was located at the edge of the suburbs of Guilin. Since then, it has not only increased its international reputation, but also serves as an important scientific and educational center in Guilin.” Christopher Gordon Groves, US expert in karstology “Cooperation between the scientific communities in France and China is already underway in many aspects, in particular in student exchanges.
There is also important cooperation between industrial institutions in my field in both countries. It’s important to continue to actively support and improve such cooperation — that of formal and rigorous development of safety-critical systems.
I want to continue cooperating with China. Again, education is of utmost importance. I will continue to give lectures and participate in practical work with students, as I see already how interested and active they are. I’m very interested in continuing my participation in research with East China Normal University’s software engineering department.” Jean Raymond Abrial, French computer scientist “The center has enjoyed collaboration with China over the past 30 years. Our objective is to improve crop productivity and quality, and maintain a healthy environment.
Chinese scientists have done an excellent job in improving the productivity of wheat and maize. For example, the average wheat yield in China has increased from 645 kilograms per hectare in 1949 to 5,385 kg per hectare, up by a factor of eight, thanks to the use of improved varieties and crop management technologies.
China has made significant contributions in basic research, such as crop genomics and gene cloning. Integration of basic research with conventional technologies will be needed to ensure the basic research findings have an impact in the fields and improve social development.” International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center “China is using cooperation with various high-tech companies to benefit both sides. The companies selected in Germany with their international networks can mostly access a grown and highly efficient innovation culture as a basis for their economic success.
A highly developed innovation culture with corresponding free space for creativity, as well as an innovation-friendly linked location, are the best conditions for a successful innovation process. In such a climate, the ideas of the necessary creative heads and talent thrives, and a real innovation team forms. Hence, ideas can mature into innovations.” Werner Alfred Hufenbach, German expert in lightweight material