Professors from National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture visit China
USQ visitors enjoy Chinese hospitality
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Two USQ researchers from the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, Associate Professor Thomas Banhazi and Dr Jack McHugh, were recently invited to speak at the 2011 International Conference on Agricultural Engineering New Technology in China. Professor Banhazi and Dr McHugh were also invited to visit the China Agricultural University, and have since been appointed honorary professors at the university.
The 2011 International Conference on Agricultural Engineering New Technology aimed to bring together researchers and practitioners in the field of low-carbon and agricultural technology, as well as intelligent computing theory and methodology with applications to sustainable energy and food safety testing from across the world.
During their stay in China they were also invited to speak on Precision Livestock farming at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Engineering- China’s peak Agricultural Engineering body and part of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Professor Banhazi said the relationship between USQ and CAU was invaluable.
'The relationship with CAU is very important as China is currently investing literally millions of dollars in agricultural related research and development. We are hoping that by developing a close working relationship with our Chinese colleagues we will be able to develop joint research and development projects as well as facilitate student and staff exchange between USQ and CAE,' he said.
'I have been maintaining a close working relationship with our Chinese colleagues. They have invited me to spend over a week at CAU talking to colleagues, formulating research projects and assessing potential students.
'We had the honour of being invited for a work-dinner by the vice-president of CAU, Prof. Wang Tao. This was also an indication how seriously our Chinese colleagues are taking the relationship building with Australian academics and in this instance with USQ academics.'
Dr McHugh said his relationship with CAU dates back to 1996 when he undertook a technology transfer and promotion of Conservation Agriculture across northern China.
'Every chance I get I return to CAU and arid north western China to support my colleagues and their postgraduate students in their research and agricultural development,' he said.
'Importantly much of what we have in Australia we take for granted, such as access to agricultural information and research and development resources. In China, at many universities the students do not have access to the world of scientific agricultural research beyond their Chinese borders as we do.
'Even when they come across overseas scientific research literature and activities it is difficult for them to grasp the concepts, without close mentoring and demonstrations. My role and the role of western universities like USQ is to bridge the gaps, be they technical English comprehension, the lack of worldliness and or the minimal cross discipline attributes often displayed by young Chinese postgraduates.'
Following the success of the visit to China, Associate Professor Banhazi and Director of USQ’s NCEA Erik Schmidt have been invited convene the 2011 CIGR International Conference of the Australian Society for Engineering in Agriculture at the Gold Coast in September. Associate Professor Banhazi said they were expecting a large number of Chinese academics to attend the conference.
Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977