The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Wageningen University & Research marked the 10th anniversary of their joint PhD program with a celebration event in Beijing on Wednesday, showcasing a decade of fruitful collaboration in cultivating high-level agricultural talent.

The event, attended by officials, faculty and students from both institutions, highlighted the program's achievements since its establishment in 2015.

Carolien Kroeze, rector magnificus of WUR, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the critical role of interdisciplinary innovation in addressing global agricultural challenges. Through collaborative models that bring together science, society and industry, the two sides can develop sustainable solutions for future food systems, she said.

CAAS President Huang Sanwen regarded the program as a successful example of Sino-Dutch educational cooperation in his speech. Over the past 10 years, this program has not only trained outstanding scientists but also strengthened the research ties between the two institutions, he said.

The program has demonstrated remarkable outcomes, with 187 students enrolled, 55 graduates and 119 currently pursuing their studies. Graduates have authored 206 SCI papers, including publications in top-tier journals such as Nature.

Notably, 43.6 percent of graduates have pursued postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions worldwide, while 45.5 percent work in Chinese universities and research institutes.

The collaboration has extended beyond education to include the establishment of five joint laboratories and participation in major international research initiatives such as the international potato genome sequencing program, positioning it as a model for global agricultural cooperation and talent development.

During the event, a third-phase cooperation agreement was signed to ensure the program's expansion into new research areas. Both sides will continue to strengthen collaboration, particularly in areas such as global food governance, international major science programs, global poverty reduction, and China-Europe-Africa trilateral cooperation.

CASS and Netherlands' university mark 10 years of collaboration