At the invitation of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development of Brazil (CNPq) and the International Potato Center (CIP), Han Zhiyong, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), led a delegation to visit Brazil and Peru from April 21 to 27, 2026.

In Brazil, the delegation attended the China-Brazil Scientific Ocean Drilling Workshop. Dr. Han, along with Professor Fabio Passos of Fluminense Federal University, and Professor Farid Chemale Junior of INCT-Atlântico, delivered opening remarks. Dr. Han stated that China’s Deep Ocean Drilling Program (DODP) is designed as an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international platform. More than 70 scientists from over 30 Chinese and Brazilian institutions engaged in in-depth discussions. The delegation also participated in the China-Brazil Ocean Drilling Cooperation Promotion Meeting, where both sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral collaboration.

In Peru, the delegation visited CIP and met with Dr. Hugo Campos, Deputy Director General for Science and Innovation, and other scientists from CIP. The delegation was briefed on CIP’s organizational structure, research goals, and cooperation with China, and visited the Genebank and Cryobank. Both sides agreed to optimize cooperation models and pursue practical, long-term collaboration.

The delegation also visited the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation of Peru (CONCYTEC) and met with its President, Dr. Sixto Enrique Sánchez Calderón. The two sides discussed establishing a long-term science and technology partnership and  advancing cooperation in basic research and talent development.

The visit strengthened basic research partnerships with Brazil and Peru, expanded engagement with international organizations, advanced collaboration in ocean drilling and agriculture, and reinforced NSFC's role in global innovation networks.