Internationally renowned botanist Distinguished Professor Tony Bacic from La Trobe University, Australia, along with his delegation, visited the School of Life Sciences at TU upon invitation on May 16. The visit centered on discussions regarding academic collaboration, research innovation, and talent development. The event was chaired by Vice Dean Zong Enmin of the School of Life Sciences, with Vice Dean Fu Yongqian and Director Zeng Wei of the Institute for Plant Biomass Polysaccharide Metabolism in attendance. Faculty and students from relevant fields also participated.

Meeting and talks

Zong Enmin extended a warm welcome to Professor Bacic and his delegation on behalf of the School of Life Sciences, briefly introducing the school’s history, disciplinary strengths, and the theme of the exchange meeting.

Professor Bacic and his research team delivered an academic lecture entitled “From ‘Gut-to-Paddock’: Reinventing the Food Supply Chain” to TU faculty and students. The presentation addressed multiple challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, shifting consumer demands, and health concerns. It highlighted how the traditional “gut-to-paddock” model is undergoing transformation, with core concepts of sustainability, the circular economy, and gut health sparking enthusiastic responses from the audience.

The meeting also featured the conferment ceremony appointing Professor Bacic as an Adjunct Professor of the School of Life Sciences.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation and the Zhejiang International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base for Bio-based Resource Development and Utilization.

Adjunct Professor Conferment Ceremony

Group photo