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IPSR Professors visit two Taiwanese scientific centers

In search for suitable IPSR global research allies, Profs. Shin Taketa (Group of Genetic Resources and Functions) and Nobuhiro Suzuki (Group of Plant Microbe Interactions) have just returned from visiting two renowned research centers in Taiwan, the Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology (IPMB), Academia Sinica in Taipei and National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) in Taichung. Their visit took place on March 25-26, 2015.
At the meeting with the Director, Chen Long-Fang and the Vice-Director, Shu-Hsing Wu at IPMB, the participants introduced each other’s institutes with the focus on future cooperation. IPSR professors were also introduced to young and senior IPMB faculty members working on plant/microbe interactions and plant development. In an overall impression, the institute is well equipped with cutting-edge facilities and leading-edge expertise in science. Importantly for us, many common research interests between IPSR and IPMB have been identified.
In the second leg of the trip, the IPSR members visited three divisions of NCHU, the Departments of Phytopathology, Biotechnology, and International Affairs. The former (Prof. Yeh-Shyi Dong) and present Vice Presidents (Prof. Hsu Yau-Heiu), the Chairman of the phytopathology (Prof. Jan Huh-Jyh) and the Dean of the International Affairs (Prof. Liaw Sam Sy-Sang) sincerely welcomed the IPSR delegation. Similar to IPMB, the departments appeared well equipped with particularly strong expertise in production of transgenic crops. Historically, NCHU is also known as a contributor to breeding of some important rice cultivars, namely Taichung 65.
We are pleased to report that this exciting visit brought awareness to both Japanese and Taiwanese sides of what could be done to develop our mutual partnerships. Despite a spell of rainy days in Taipei, and some unexpected travel adventures, with a warm hospitality extended by Dr. Lin Yu-Hsin, former IPSR student and native from Taiwan, the whole trip was felt as very productive and pleasant. Moreover, it should not be forgotten that Taiwanese people and food are always wonderful!
All’s well that ends well!
Two IPSR Professors meet the IPMB Director (Chen Long-Fang) and Vice Director (Wu Shu-Hsing)

Prof. Lin Na-Sheng is introducing Dr. Suzuki to her laboratory

A gift from IPMB, two types of coasters…

National Chung-Hsing University, Department List

Prof. Yeh Shyi-Dong is introducing P2 level GM greenhouse facilities to Dr. Suzuki