On October 19, 2026, Prof. Zhan Hao, Vice President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, met with the delegation led by Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer of Springer Nature.

Vice President Zhan Hao welcomed Mr. Jegadeesan and his delegation, and introduced NSFC's key work in supporting basic research, cultivating scientific talent, and expanding international cooperation. He noted that NSFC is willing to continuously deepen exchanges with top international academic publishers such as Springer Nature, to jointly enhance the quality and global influence of China's basic research.

 Mr. Jegadeesan introduced Springer Nature's business priorities and development strategies in journal and book publishing, as well as open science. He stated that Springer Nature is willing to establish a long-term and stable partnership with NSFC to support the international dissemination of China's basic research achievements. The two sides also had an  exchange of views on topics such as research integrity, open access, international cooperation, and talent cultivation.

Also attending the meeting were Arnout Jacobs, President of Springer Nature Greater China; Joe Bennett, Director of Research and Publishing Strategy; Ruth Wilson, Director of Publishing Strategy, Nature Portfolio; Paola Teti, Publishing Director of npj series; Wang Chongfang, Journals Growth Director, China; and Li Jing, Commercial Director of Open Access China, Springer Nature. Representing NSFC were Dr. Fan Yingjie, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation; Guo Jianquan, Deputy Director of the General Office (Office for Research Integrity Construction); and Li Dong, Deputy Director of the Science Communication and Achievement Transformation Center, along with relevant staff from the Bureau of International Cooperation and the Science Communication and Achievement Transformation Center.