On October 26, 2026, Prof. Lan Yujie, Vice President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), met with a delegation led by Prof. Pavel Kabat, Secretary General of the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO).

Vice President Lan welcomed Prof. Kabat introduced NSFC’s efforts to nurture young scientific talent and expand international cooperation. He noted that HFSPO is a distinctive international research funding organisation at the forefront of life sciences, with a unique funding model that promotes interdisciplinary international collaboration and supports high-risk, high-reward frontier research. He expressed NSFC’s willingness to further strengthen exchanges with HFSPO and work together to advance openness and cooperation within the global life sciences community.

Prof. Kabat outlined HFSPO’s funding philosophy and programmes. He commended China’s rapid progress and remarkable achievements in life sciences, noting that HFSPO attaches great importance to cooperation with the Chinese scientific community and is keen to establish a long-term, stable cooperative relationship with NSFC. The two sides also exchanged views on topics of mutual interest, including the application of artificial intelligence in scientific research.

Mr. Richard Stone, Special Advisor for Science Diplomacy and Engagement at HFSPO, Ms. Li Wencong, Deputy Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation; and staff members from the European Division also attended the meeting.