To further advance Shanghai's international agricultural science and technology cooperation, enhance the SAAS's capabilities in animal health breeding, companion animal nutrition, and disease prevention, and respond to an invitation from the University of Melbourne (Australia) and Massey University (New Zealand), Vice president Liu Hong led a four-member delegation on a recent visit to Australia and New Zealand. The delegation aimed to discuss bilateral cooperation agreements and exchanged in-depth views on talent cultivation, scientific research collaboration, and platform development, reaching multiple consensus points for future partnerships.

During the visit to the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, the delegation engaged in academic exchanges with the molecular epidemiology team. Professor Wang Tao from the University of Melbourne delivered a research progress report, while Dr. Liu Huili from the SAAS's Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences introduced the key research directions of the disease prevention and control team. The two sides discussed topics such as high-throughput drug screening assisted by multi-omics platforms and disease prevention technologies, and explored potential areas for collaboration. The delegation also visited veterinary laboratories and a public multi-omics analysis research platform.

At Massey University, the delegation held discussions with Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Geor, Professor David Thomas and Dr. Sarah Pain from the School of Agriculture and Environment, and Ms. Grace Liu, Director of the International Office. Professor Geor welcomed the delegation and introduced Massey University's history, disciplinary strengths, and international cooperation initiatives. He highlighted existing collaboration models and priority areas with Chinese universities and research institutions, expressing strong interest in establishing long-term partnerships in talent cultivation and technical training.

Liu Hong briefed the Massey University representatives on the SAAS's disciplinary layout, research achievements, and international exchanges, affirming the existing foundation of cooperation between the two sides. She expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a catalyst for deeper and broader collaboration. The two sides then discussed potential areas of cooperation, collaboration formats, and reached consensus. After the meeting, the delegation visited animal science laboratories, experimental animal centers, farms, and a pet hospital. During the visit, Liu Hong met with Dr. Cai Xuan, a researcher from SAAS currently studying at Massey University, encouraging him to act as a bridge for bilateral cooperation and promote in-depth collaboration across multiple fields.