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

Non-Technical Summary: This project will expand and enhance existing agreements between USU and Chinese institutions, with a focus on collaborative research and training in the areas of agricultural biotechnology and production agriculture. Specifically, Utah State University and Inner Mongolian University will develop joint research programs in animal models for the study of infectious diseases, natural bioactive compound development, and cellular communication networks. In addition, Utah State University and the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University have agreed to explore joint research programs in crops and forages (especially alfalfa), livestock cloning and genetics, water resources, and irrigation. Opportunities for partnerships with other institutions, such as Shenyang Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin will also be explored. Collaborations will be established through the 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 People's Republic of China is a critical first step of the initiative. These connections will expand as more USU 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. Contact with USU alumni may lead to advisory boards that will assist the COA through cultural advice and contacts. Graduate students: 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. In turn, USU graduate students will be sent to partner institutions in China either for short term research stays that provides international experience through teaching scientific English. Undergraduate students: Undergraduate service learning study abroad will prepare students for study abroad in China through pre-departure acculturation courses and Chinese language training. At partner institutions, USU undergraduates will teach courses in TOEFL preparation, with a focus on speaking and listening skills, and also courses in American academic culture that will prepare them for the U.S. classroom. In turn, Chinese universities are interested in sending their top undergraduates study in the U.S. through split/dual degree programs where the first 2-3 years occur at their home institution and complete the final 1-2 years are completed at an institution like USU. Research investment: MOST has identified agricultural water, climate change and biotechnology as key research areas for stimulating economic growth, especially in Western China. Similarities in climate, elevation and topography between Utah and Western China suggest that collaborative research on agricultural water, climate change, and crop biotechnology to improve yield and quality will bring maximum mutual benefit to the Utah and Chinese institutions. A collaborative center on these topics with NWAFU has the potential of Chinese government funding. Training programs: Training workshops offered by CIB, ADVS and PSC are a conduit for determining mutual interest while establishing potential partnerships. We propose to use the USU training programs as an entree into additional research collaborations, such as genomics, cloning, and climate change. In addition, scientific English training workshops are being developed so that Chinese faculty can increase their capacity to publish in English-language international journals.