To advance international cooperation in agricultural science and technology innovation and promote the development of edible fungi research, President Cai Youming, President of SAAS, led a delegation on an 8-day scientific and technological exchange visit to Hungary and Japan from April 21 to 28, at the invitation of the HUN-REN Biological Research Center in Hungary and Kyoto University and Tottori University in Japan. The visit focused on core issues such as international talent cultivation, joint scientific research, and the co-construction of innovative platforms.

In Hungary:

At the HUN-REN Biological Research Center, the delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges with the fungal research team led by Professor László Nagy, an academician of the European Academy of Sciences. Through a combination of thematic presentations and laboratory visits, the two sides reached consensus on cooperation in areas such as fungal genomics and germplasm innovation. President Cai emphasized that the Academy would leverage its strengths in applied basic research on edible fungi and complement Hungary's expertise in multi-omics platform construction and other cutting-edge fields, laying the foundation for the implementation of follow-up collaborative projects.

In Japan:

At Kyoto University, the delegation worked with Professor Honda Kazuichi's team to assess the development trends of gene-editing technologies in edible fungi. At Tottori University, the two sides reached consensus on renewing their cooperation agreement, focusing on edible fungi germplasm resource innovation and industrial application, and clarified specific cooperation mechanisms such as talent cultivation and project application. President Cai pointed out the need to continuously optimize the system for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, using technological innovation to empower the development of the edible fungi "big health" industry.

At the Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum, the delegation conducted a systematic study of the innovative model for showcasing agricultural science and technology culture, gathering creative ideas for the establishment of an edible fungi-themed museum.

Outcomes and Significance:

The visit was highly productive, with the delegation successfully completing all planned exchange and cooperation tasks. Not only were multiple consensuses reached in areas such as scientific research collaboration, platform co-construction, and resource sharing, but a regular communication channel was also established for researchers from both countries. Through academic seminars, laboratory visits, and cultural experiences, young scholars from both sides broadened their international perspectives and deepened mutual understanding and friendship. Looking ahead, the two sides will take this visit as a new starting point to further deepen practical cooperation, allowing scientific and technological exchanges and cultural connections to become powerful drivers for the innovative development of the edible fungi industry.