To deepen international cooperation in basic research and integrate into the global innovation network, Zhan Hao, Vice President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), led a delegation to Australia and New Zealand from July 19 to 24, 2026. Over the six-day visit, the delegation engaged in consultations with key partner agencies, renewed an MoU, and explored joint funding mechanisms to expand collaborations between China and the two Oceanian countries.

In Australia, Vice President Zhan Hao met with Ute Roessner, CEO of the Australian Research Council (ARC), and Anthony Murfett, Deputy CEO, to discuss priority areas for basic research and the application of artificial intelligence in the peer review process. He also held talks with Steve Wesselingh, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and Prue Torrence, Deputy CEO, and renewed the MoU with the NHMRC on behalf of NSFC. The two sides reached a key consensus on resuming bilateral cooperation, deepening multilateral engagement, and establishing a regular strategic dialogue mechanism. In addition, Vice President Zhan Hao held discussions with TJ Higgins, former Vice President and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), to discuss promoting academic exchanges, joint research, and support for early-career researchers.

In New Zealand, Vice President Zhan Hao held talks with Anna Clark, Deputy Secretary for Labor, Science and Enterprise at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They shared views on peer review mechanisms, research integrity, and the cultivation of early-career researchers, while mapping out the future cooperation. The delegation also visited the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and Victoria University of Wellington, where they promoted NSFC's international cooperation programs and learned about local institutions' research priorities and future engagement with China.

The visit reopened joint funding channels for basic research between China and Australia and defined the next steps for China-New Zealand research cooperation. It also provided valuable insights into the latest developments in the scientific communities of both countries, infusing fresh momentum into NSFC's efforts to deepen international exchanges and cooperation in basic research.

Vice President Zhan Hao signing MoU with NHMRC CEO

Visit to MBIE