On April 2, 2025, President Dou Xiankang of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), met with a delegation led by Dr. Lawrence Banks, the Director-General of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). Fan Yingjie, the director of the Bureau of International Cooperation of NSFC presided over the meeting and presented an overview of NSFC along with its key aspects of international cooperation initiatives.

Dr. Dou Xiankang extended a warm welcome to Dr. Banks and highly appreciated the efforts made by ICGEB in supporting the global development of genetic engineering and biotechnology. Dr. Dou introduced NSFC’s latest initiatives in refining the talent support system and in promoting international cooperation. He underscored the NSFC’s strategic commitment to continuously strengthening ties and expanding its cooperation with international scientific organizations. To date, NSFC has signed cooperation agreements or MoU and implemented fruitful joint funding programs with over ten international scientific organizations.

Dr. Banks commended NSFC’s pivotal contributions to advancing the basic scientific research in China. He expressed anticipation that this meeting would serve as an opportunity to explore new models of cooperation, jointly fund high-level research programs, and cultivate innovative scientific and technological talents to promote sustainable development in the Global South nations. Professor Jin Li, Member of the ICGEB Scientific Board and President of Fudan University, expounded on the joint research programs for young researchers with ICGEB as well as their forward-looking work priorities.

Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on ICGEB's operational mechanisms, its cooperation with Chinese research institutions, and potential models for future collaboration.

Also in attendance were Ms. Elena Benedetti, Head of the ICGEB Fundraising, Technology Transfer and Innovation Department, scientists from the ICGEB China Regional Research Centre and Fudan University, as well as staff from Division of Asia, Africa, and International Organizations under the Bureau of International Cooperation.