On September 6, 2026, the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology welcomed a delegation from the People’s Republic of China headed by Professor Zhang Yumei, Vice-Rector of Qingdao Agricultural University. The visit aimed to strengthen scientific ties, enhance mutual understanding, and lay the foundation for further cooperation and academic exchange between the institutions.
The delegation included:
Zhang Yumei — Vice-Rector, Professor, Qingdao Agricultural University;
Li Jinping — Deputy Director, Associate Professor, SCO Regional Research Center, Qilu University of Technology;
Mou Xiaoguang — Director, Researcher, Information Management Center, Qingdao Agricultural University;
Zhang Enying — Vice Dean, Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Qingdao Agricultural University;
Zou Xiaoxia — Professor, College of Agriculture, Qingdao Agricultural University;
Li Lin — Lecturer, College of Science and Information Science, Qingdao Agricultural University.
During the visit, the guests learned about the Institute’s main research activities, toured its scientific laboratories, and discussed promising areas for joint research with the Institute’s staff. Madina Kumarbayeva and Aidana Kharipzhanova, researchers at the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, delivered scientific presentations on wheat diseases, particularly tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and common root rot caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana. They presented the main directions of their ongoing research and approaches to studying wheat resistance to these diseases.
The Chinese delegation highly appreciated the scientific potential of the Institute and emphasized the extensive expertise of its researchers. The guests noted that the scientific knowledge, methodological approaches, and practical experience accumulated by Kazakhstani scientists are of considerable value for addressing current agricultural challenges in both Kazakhstan and China.
An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Scientific Cooperation between the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology and Qingdao Agricultural University. The Memorandum was signed by Kanat Abayevich Yermekbayev, Director General of the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, and Professor Zhang Yumei, Vice-Rector of Qingdao Agricultural University.
The signing of the Memorandum provides a foundation for the further development of joint scientific research, exchange of expertise, academic mobility of scientists and young researchers, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of plant biology, biotechnology, genetics, and breeding.
The visit marked another important step in strengthening scientific ties between Kazakhstan and China and opened new opportunities for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.
