Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Strengthens Its Partnership with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
On June 22, 23, and 24, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech hosted a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China. This visit is part of a long-standing collaboration between the two institutions, which began in 2013 and has notably resulted in Gembloux hosting numerous Chinese doctoral students. To date, this cooperation has already led to the graduation of 143 PhDs and continues with the selection of 25 new doctoral students.
A Long-Term International Collaboration
Since 2013, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have maintained an active scientific and academic collaboration in the field of agricultural sciences.
This collaboration is exemplified in particular by the annual admission of Chinese doctoral students to the Faculty in various fields related to agronomy, the environment, food, natural resources, and sustainable development.
Between the 2013–2014 and 2025–2026 academic years, 286 CAAS doctoral students enrolled at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. Of these, 143 have already earned their doctorates, demonstrating the scope, continuity, and success of this special relationship between the two institutions.
Three Days of Exchanges in Gembloux
During their visit, the delegation members participated in several key events in the Faculty’s academic and scientific life.
In particular, they selected 25 new doctoral students, attended the thesis defense of a doctoral student already enrolled in the program, met with students currently studying at Gembloux, and toured several research facilities on campus.
These meetings helped strengthen existing ties, take stock of ongoing collaborations, and open up new opportunities for the years ahead.
An International Outlook in the Service of Research
This collaboration with CAAS demonstrates Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech’s international reach and its ability to train researchers capable of addressing global challenges.
In a context marked by challenges related to food security, agricultural transition, sustainable management of natural resources, and the adaptation of production systems, international partnerships play an essential role.
By welcoming doctoral students from China each year, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech contributes to the exchange of knowledge, the development of joint research, and the training of a new generation of scientists committed to addressing major agronomic and environmental challenges.
A Relationship Set to Continue
This delegation’s visit confirms the shared commitment of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to continue and strengthen their collaboration.
Beyond hosting doctoral students, this cooperation provides a sustainable framework for scientific, academic, and personal exchanges between Belgium and China, in support of agricultural research and its practical applications.
