Joint U.S. China Biotechnology Research and Extension, UT

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Agreements focused on collaborative research and training in the areas of agricultural biotechnology and production agriculture have been established between Utah State University and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Xiamen University and the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in the People's Republic of China. This proposal outlines methods for expanding and enhancing these agreements between USU and the two Chinese institutions. Utah State University and Xiamen University will develop joint research programs in animal models for the study of infectious diseases in both humans and animals, animal fertility and modification, and food safety. In addition, Utah State University and the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University have agreed to explore joint research programs in agricultural water use, climate change, and plant physiology. The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology has also expressed an interest in exploring an extension service for agricultural producers and local communities, based on the Cooperative Extension system at Utah State University. Funding within this proposal will also be used to explore opportunities with other Chinese institutions through support of professorial exchanges, joint research programs, intensive short courses, graduate training, and internships in the areas of research and extension.

<P>APPROACH: In order to stimulate and enhance USU/China relationships, the focus of this project will be on: Faculty exchanges: Connecting faculty with potential partners in the Peoples Republic of China is a critical first step of the initiative. These connections will expand as more and more faculty develop international activities. In addition, visits by COA faculty and administrators to China show our commitment to the partnerships while gaining cultural understanding and respect, insights into potential opportunities, and friendships with our foreign colleagues. These visits can also include contact and recruitment of USU alumni to form advisory boards that will assist the COA through cultural advice and contacts. Graduate students: Attracting top-quality graduate students into U.S. research programs is becoming more difficult each year. China is a source of outstanding students that want to work hard and gain knowledge in areas that are beneficial to their country, including many of the programs offered by the COA. A coordinated program identifying and placing Chinese graduate students with relevant USU faculty is a viable mechanism for connecting USU faculty with quality students, and through the students, extend those connections to scientists in China. Undergraduate students: Undergraduates can also experience China through research study abroad. Although the two Chinese universities do not have English language programs in agricultural sciences, USU undergraduates could spend a semester in China conducting appropriate research while learning about Chinese culture, under the dual direction of Chinese and USU professors. Research investment: MOST has identified agricultural biotechnology as a key research area for stimulating economic growth, especially in Western China. Similarities in climate, elevation and topography between Utah and Western China suggest that a focus on crop biotechnology to improve yield and quality will bring maximum mutual benefit to the Utah and Chinese institutions, with emphasis placed on drought resistance and salt tolerance crop varieties. Programs in food safety, bioactive compound discovery, and animal health are also being explored. Joint research programs in these areas are currently underway through student and faculty exchange programs. Expansion of research topics to include the molecular mechanisms of water stress will further benefit both groups. Extension expertise: Dissemination of unbiased, research-based information is a hallmark of the Cooperative Extension system. USU Cooperative Extension has 101 years of experience in providing relevant and timely educational programs in a variety of areas to the citizens and communities of Utah. Many of the programs and materials developed by USU Extension may be of interest to Chinese extension personnel and vice versa. In addition, awareness of the similarities and differences between the two organizations will increase global awareness.