UOS, Hunan Agricultural University establish international lab

The agreement was formalised in a ceremony held at the University of Sharjah. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agami, Chancellor of the UOS, and Dr Zhou Xuexiao, President of Hunan Agricultural University, and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

During the signing ceremony, Prof. Agami warmly welcomed the Hunan delegation, emphasising the strategic importance of this collaboration. The joint laboratory marks a significant step in raising the UOS's profile as a global hub for scientific innovation and international research cooperation. He stated that this partnership reinforces the University’s commitment to addressing pressing global environmental challenges, especially in food security and environmental protection, which are vital to human and ecological health.

Prof. Agami highlighted how the new lab offers vast opportunities for Sharjah’s researchers and students to leverage China’s advanced expertise in food security and environmental science. The initiative is expected to enrich academic and research exchanges, fostering innovative solutions to complex environmental issues.

The collaboration embodies a shared vision between the two institutions to tackle worldwide challenges linked to environmental sustainability, food safety, and agricultural innovation. Multidisciplinary research teams will focus on developing cutting-edge smart detection methods for emerging pollutants in agricultural regions. They will also investigate the toxicological effects and environmental risks of such contaminants, working toward creative and effective strategies to minimise pollution and ensure sustainable, safe agricultural production.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures from both universities. Representing the University of Sharjah were Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdelaziz Soufyane, Director of the International Relations Office; Prof. Mohamed Adel Serhani, Deputy Director of the International Relations Office; Dr Karim Moussa from the Department of Applied Life Sciences at the College of Sciences; Prof. Moataz Ali Atiya, Chemical Engineering and Water Desalination specialist at the College of Engineering; and Dr Asma Awad, Director of the Language Institute.

The Hunan Agricultural University delegation included Wu Xiaosong, Director of Human Resources; Yue Hao Ping, Director of International Exchange; and Zhou Xiao, Director of the International Cooperation Programme Office.