In response to the national talent recruitment strategy, to accelerate the establishment of a high-level scientific research team, and to effectively address the shortage of top-tier talent in maize breeding, SAAS has recruited internationally renowned maize expert Mr. Felix as a distinguished research fellow. On the morning of June 30, a welcome ceremony for Mr. Felix at Fengpu campus was held. Xia Minglin, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission; Cai Youming, President of SAAS; and Shi Ming, Vice President of SAAS, attended the event.

Cai Youming warmly welcomed Mr. Felix’s official appointment to SAAS and introduced the remarkable achievements since the establishment of the CIMMYT-China Special Maize Research Center, as well as Mr. Felix’s profound academic expertise and international influence. He emphasized that Mr. Felix’s joining would further accelerate the digital transformation of maize breeding at our institute, better serve the national "Belt and Road" initiative, and promote the high-quality development and internationalization of China’s special maize industry.

Xia Minglin presented Mr. Felix with his appointment letter, congratulating him on becoming a member of Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Researcher from the maize center presented Mr. Felix with flowers, expressing their warm welcome and best wishes for his integration into the team.

Mr. Felix expressed sincere gratitude for the trust placed in him by SAAS and shared his joy at joining the academy. He briefly reviewed his research journey and outlined four key goals for his future work, including: committing to intelligent and digital maize breeding platform development; enhancing the international influence of the team; leading the team to publish high-quality academic papers and  advocating for collaborative innovation across the entire team.

During the ceremony, Cao Liming, Director of the Crop Breeding and Cultivation Research Institute, detailed the support measures taken for Mr. Felix in terms of work conditions, soft environment construction, and research atmosphere. Zheng Hongjian, Director of the CIMMYT-China Special Maize Research Center, reported on the center’s recent progress and future development plans.

Officials from Minhang District Talent Work Bureau, Fengxian District High-Level Talent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Service Center, SAAS relevant departments, as well as all members of the maize center, attended the welcome ceremony.