To deepen international cooperation in basic research and integrate into the global innovation network, in accordance with NSFC’s annual work plan, and at the invitation of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Lu Jianhua, Vice President of NSFC, led a delegation to Germany and Switzerland from August 10 to 15, 2026.

In Germany, Vice President Lu Jianhua met with DFG Secretary General Heide Ahrens. Both sides held in-depth discussions on a range of topics including the future direction of Sino-German basic science cooperation, exchanges between young Chinese and German researchers, and development of Germany’s information technology and electronics sector, reaching a series of consensus on cooperation. Vice President Lu Jianhua stated that NSFC attaches great importance to long-term pragmatic cooperation with Germany’s scientific research community, and stands ready to further deepen the joint funding mechanism with the DFG, jointly supporting exchanges of scientific talents and high-quality development of basic research in both countries. The German side expressed appreciation for NSFC’s open stance on cooperation. Vice President Lu Jianhua also met with Markus Zanner, Secretary General of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The two sides exchanged views on funding models for young talents and international cooperation and exchanges in basic science. He also held discussions with Michael Hoch, President of University of Bonn, to discuss on scientific exchange and cooperation and preparations for the 2027 Sino-German University Presidents’ Dialogue.

In Switzerland, Vice President Lu Jianhua held talks with Torsten Schwede, President of the Research Council of SNSF. The delegation actively promoted international cooperation programs of NSFC and gained an in-depth understanding of the current status and future needs of the Swiss scientific community for cooperation with China. The two sides exchanged views on topics including sustainability, applications and challenges of AI in basic science, and talent support. During the stay, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, to exchange on deepening China-Switzerland innovation cooperation with Ambassador Qian Minjian. The delegation also visited the China Automotive Standards Internationalization Center (Geneva) to discuss on developments of international standards for the automotive industry.

Fan Yingjie, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the NSFC, together with members from the General Office (Office of Research Integrity), the Department of Engineering and Materials Sciences, and the Bureau of International Cooperation, accompanied the visit.

Visit to SNSF

Visit to DFG