From September 25 to December 26, 2024, with the joint funding from the university, the college, and the research group, PhD students Zhang Taixue and Zhang Siyue, along with two undergraduates, Fu Zihan and Peng Jiaxue, embarked on a three-month study visit to the John Innes Centre in the UK. The foreign supervisor for this visit, Professor Xiangming Xu, is the Deputy Director of the UK’s National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), Director of the John Innes Centre, a researcher, and an honorary professor at the University of Kent. Professor Xiangming Xu has extensive research experience and international recognition in plant disease epidemiology, soil microbiome populations, and biocontrol, making him a leading figure in the field of plant pathology and plant disease epidemiology.

1. Scientific Cooperation Boosts Wheat Stripe Rust ResearchThe primary task of the two PhD students during their short-term visit was to participate in population genetics research on wheat stripe rust and to establish a wind-borne transmission model for the disease. Under Professor Xiangming Xu's careful guidance, Zhang Taixue and Zhang Siyue successfully completed several research projects related to wheat stripe rust, including analyzing the genetic diversity of the rust population and developing the wind-borne transmission model. Meanwhile, the two undergraduates also deeply engaged in the research projects at the John Innes Centre. Professor Xiangming Xu highly praised the performance of the four students. The team members stated that through this study visit, they not only made significant progress in their scientific research but also gained a deeper understanding of cutting-edge research in agricultural plant pathology and disease epidemiology.

2. Deepening Academic Exchange and Promoting Scientific InnovationDuring the study visit, the four students actively participated in academic discussions and research activities at the John Innes Centre. They engaged in in-depth exchanges with renowned international scholars on topics such as plant pathology, disease forecasting, and microbiome populations. This exchange not only broadened their academic horizons but also laid a solid foundation for their future research endeavors.

3. Immersing in British Culture and Academic AtmosphereIn addition to academic achievements, the four students made full use of their spare time during the visit to deeply experience the rich history, culture, and academic atmosphere of the UK. At the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, they toured the academic buildings and historical sites of these world-renowned institutions, immersing themselves in the strong academic atmosphere and long-standing academic traditions. In London, they visited famous landmarks such as the British Museum and Tower Bridge, enjoying the cultural heritage and historical depth of the UK.

4. Summary and OutlookThis short-term study visit fully reflects the high importance that the university, college, and research group place on the training of PhD students and undergraduates, and demonstrates the crucial role of international collaboration in promoting scientific innovation and enhancing academic standards. It is hoped that in the future, more students will have similar opportunities to broaden their academic horizons, improve their research capabilities, and make greater contributions to China’s technological innovation and agricultural development.