{"id":13625,"date":"2024-11-25T22:19:05","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T15:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/?p=13625"},"modified":"2024-11-25T22:19:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T15:19:05","slug":"young-international-scientists-say-seeking-knowledge-and-opportunities-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/?p=13625","title":{"rendered":"Young International Scientists Say: Seeking Knowledge and Opportunities in China"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"legendSpanClass\"><span class=\"xn-location\">BEIJING<\/span><\/span>, <span class=\"legendSpanClass\"><span class=\"xn-chron\">Nov. 25, 2024<\/span><\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ &#8212;\u00a0 <span>A news report from Science and Technology Daily:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference\">\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/mma.prnasia.com\/media2\/2566542\/Osama_Abdalla_Abdelshafy_Mohamed__COURTESY_PHOTO.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mma.prnasia.com\/media2\/2566542\/Osama_Abdalla_Abdelshafy_Mohamed__COURTESY_PHOTO.jpg?p=medium600\" title=\"Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)\" alt=\"Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)\" \/> <\/a> <br \/><span>Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>, as an Arabic old saying goes.<\/p>\n<p>For\u00a0Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed, an Egyptian young scientist, his journey in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has not only been about knowledge-seeking but also life-rewarding, reflecting the flourishing talent exchanges between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Many memorable moments<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Over the years,\u00a0Osama has gone through many memorable moments in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>, such as publishing his first Science Citation Index article, receiving his PhD and landing a research job. The newest one was receiving the Chinese Government Friendship Award last year.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It is an extraordinary honor and a deeply humbling experience,&#8221;\u00a0Osama remarked.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The award symbolizes the warmth, support, and trust I have received from the Chinese, especially in\u00a0Xinjiang, where I have had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated scientists and embracing a rich, inclusive culture,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>He has been working at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for almost 10 years, and calls Xinjiang his second home.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, he received his Chinese &#8220;green card&#8221;, <span class=\"xn-location\">China&#8217;s<\/span> permanent residence permit, and calls it as a &#8220;milestone&#8221; in his life, representing his deeper connection to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Osama&#8217;s research focuses on plant-associated microbial communities in arid land, particularly medicinal plants from arid lands in Xinjiang and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>. Together with his teammates, he has developed eco-friendly solutions to support sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Living and working in\u00a0Xinjiang has been deeply rewarding,&#8221; he said, recounting a memorable experience during a research trip to a remote area. &#8220;After a long day of fieldwork, a local Uyghur family invited us to dinner. Despite the language barrier, we communicated through gestures and laughter, shared stories, and enjoyed a delicious homemade feast. That moment, where work and life intersected so naturally, left an indelible mark on me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><b>Two life-changing decisions<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Coming to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> to do my\u00a0PhD study was one of the best decisions I&#8217;ve made,&#8221; said Osama.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the geographical distance between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> and the differences in language and culture, he was drawn to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> when considering studying abroad. After realizing that about 70 percent of the references in his master&#8217;s thesis were from Chinese scientists, he was resolved to go to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>So he applied for a scholarship to the China Scholarship Council and was eventually admitted by the Northwest A&amp;F University in <span class=\"xn-location\">Shaanxi<\/span> province in 2008.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has given me the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. I&#8217;m grateful every day for following my heart and seeking knowledge even as far as <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>,&#8221; said\u00a0Osama. He called his PhD study at the university &#8220;transformative&#8221; in the sense that it shaped both his academic career and his outlook on life.<\/p>\n<p>After graduation, he briefly worked in <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Italy<\/span>, but always felt drawn back to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>When he learned that there was a chance to work at the\u00a0XIEG, he immediately applied through a support program initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology and successfully seized the opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I flew directly from <span class=\"xn-location\">Rome<\/span> to\u00a0Xinjiang, with only a brief stop in <span class=\"xn-location\">Cairo<\/span> to change flights and meet my family at the airport,&#8221; Osama said, calling the journey the beginning of a new chapter in his life.<\/p>\n<p>He applauds a series of programs launched by <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> to support young scientists from other developing countries to do research in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Such programs empower researchers like myself to access cutting-edge facilities, engage with accomplished mentors, and collaborate on transformative research,&#8221; he said. &#8220;They foster innovation, cultivate scientific expertise, and strengthen international ties between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and participating nations, creating a ripple effect of positive impact on global science and technology.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><b>A bigger dream<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Talking about his future plans,\u00a0Osama is excited about continuing his R&amp;D on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation solutions, and eager to mentor young scientists, particularly those from developing countries, at the XIEG.<\/p>\n<p>His perseverance in scientific research, passion for life and love of Chinese culture has made a deep impression on his colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Osama has encountered many challenges in his work and life in Xinjiang,&#8221; said Zhang Yuanming, director of the XIEG. &#8220;Faced with challenges, he always forged ahead with optimism and hard work.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Through Osama, the XIEG has established a long-term and stable cooperation relationship with <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt&#8217;s<\/span> Arish University, according to Zhang, who commended Osama&#8217;s &#8220;bridging&#8221; role in advancing sci-tech cooperation between the two institutions.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Without Osama, our research on Sinai desert farming systems would have been impossible,&#8221; Li Wenjun, research fellow at the XIEG and Osama&#8217;s team leader, said. &#8220;He went back to <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> alone to collect all the samples we need.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We understand and support each other,&#8221; Li said, speaking highly of Osama&#8217;s role in his team.<\/p>\n<p>Now, Osama has an even bigger dream \u2014 to establish a China-Africa Joint Center for Agricultural Research in <span class=\"xn-location\">Cairo<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>He wants the center to be a hub for scientific innovation, providing advanced research facilities and offering training courses and workshops led by Chinese scientists.<\/p>\n<p><b>More cooperation opportunities<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every time I go back to <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>, I talk about my work and life in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> through lectures, workshops and other events,&#8221;\u00a0Osama said. &#8220;In addition to its natural beauty and cultural richness, <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> also provides immense opportunities for scientific research and international cooperation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>&#8211;<span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two countries have pledged to work together to confront international challenges, such as food security, climate change and\u00a0desertification.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Xinjiang, located at the center of the Eurasian continent, is a natural place to study temperate desert ecosystems,&#8221; Zhang said, who has witnessed an increasing number of young researchers like Osama coming to the XIEG.<\/p>\n<p>In the last five years, the\u00a0XIEG has signed more than 60 agreements and memorandums with 56 universities, research institutions and international organizations from 23 countries and regions, and has established a number of platforms for joint research and international cooperation, such as the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance for Arid Lands, according to Zhang.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In our team, we have almost the same number of Chinese and foreign members,&#8221; Li said. &#8220;This illustrates the strong atmosphere for international cooperation at the\u00a0XIEG.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the future, more international young students and researchers will be recruited,&#8221; said Li. He plans to establish joint labs with countries such as <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> in the field of microbial resources and utilization in special habitats to support sustainable agriculture. This will provide more opportunities for young talents from developing countries.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has provided me with incredible opportunities to develop my scientific skills, especially through my work in Xinjiang,&#8221; Osama said. &#8220;If I were to describe <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> in a few words, I&#8217;d say it is a land of beauty, peace, and opportunity.&#8221;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><!-- wp:html --><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"legendSpanClass\"><span class=\"xn-location\">BEIJING<\/span><\/span>, <span class=\"legendSpanClass\"><span class=\"xn-chron\">Nov. 25, 2024<\/span><\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ &#8212;\u00a0 <span>A news report from Science and Technology Daily:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference\">\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/mma.prnasia.com\/media2\/2566542\/Osama_Abdalla_Abdelshafy_Mohamed__COURTESY_PHOTO.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mma.prnasia.com\/media2\/2566542\/Osama_Abdalla_Abdelshafy_Mohamed__COURTESY_PHOTO.jpg?p=medium600\" title=\"Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)\" alt=\"Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)\" \/> <\/a> <br \/><span>Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed. (COURTESY PHOTO)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>, as an Arabic old saying goes.<\/p>\n<p>For\u00a0Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed, an Egyptian young scientist, his journey in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has not only been about knowledge-seeking but also life-rewarding, reflecting the flourishing talent exchanges between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Many memorable moments<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Over the years,\u00a0Osama has gone through many memorable moments in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>, such as publishing his first Science Citation Index article, receiving his PhD and landing a research job. The newest one was receiving the Chinese Government Friendship Award last year.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It is an extraordinary honor and a deeply humbling experience,&#8221;\u00a0Osama remarked.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The award symbolizes the warmth, support, and trust I have received from the Chinese, especially in\u00a0Xinjiang, where I have had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated scientists and embracing a rich, inclusive culture,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>He has been working at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for almost 10 years, and calls Xinjiang his second home.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, he received his Chinese &#8220;green card&#8221;, <span class=\"xn-location\">China&#8217;s<\/span> permanent residence permit, and calls it as a &#8220;milestone&#8221; in his life, representing his deeper connection to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Osama&#8217;s research focuses on plant-associated microbial communities in arid land, particularly medicinal plants from arid lands in Xinjiang and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>. Together with his teammates, he has developed eco-friendly solutions to support sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Living and working in\u00a0Xinjiang has been deeply rewarding,&#8221; he said, recounting a memorable experience during a research trip to a remote area. &#8220;After a long day of fieldwork, a local Uyghur family invited us to dinner. Despite the language barrier, we communicated through gestures and laughter, shared stories, and enjoyed a delicious homemade feast. That moment, where work and life intersected so naturally, left an indelible mark on me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><b>Two life-changing decisions<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Coming to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> to do my\u00a0PhD study was one of the best decisions I&#8217;ve made,&#8221; said Osama.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the geographical distance between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> and the differences in language and culture, he was drawn to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> when considering studying abroad. After realizing that about 70 percent of the references in his master&#8217;s thesis were from Chinese scientists, he was resolved to go to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>So he applied for a scholarship to the China Scholarship Council and was eventually admitted by the Northwest A&amp;F University in <span class=\"xn-location\">Shaanxi<\/span> province in 2008.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has given me the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. I&#8217;m grateful every day for following my heart and seeking knowledge even as far as <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>,&#8221; said\u00a0Osama. He called his PhD study at the university &#8220;transformative&#8221; in the sense that it shaped both his academic career and his outlook on life.<\/p>\n<p>After graduation, he briefly worked in <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> and <span class=\"xn-location\">Italy<\/span>, but always felt drawn back to <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>When he learned that there was a chance to work at the\u00a0XIEG, he immediately applied through a support program initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology and successfully seized the opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I flew directly from <span class=\"xn-location\">Rome<\/span> to\u00a0Xinjiang, with only a brief stop in <span class=\"xn-location\">Cairo<\/span> to change flights and meet my family at the airport,&#8221; Osama said, calling the journey the beginning of a new chapter in his life.<\/p>\n<p>He applauds a series of programs launched by <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> to support young scientists from other developing countries to do research in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Such programs empower researchers like myself to access cutting-edge facilities, engage with accomplished mentors, and collaborate on transformative research,&#8221; he said. &#8220;They foster innovation, cultivate scientific expertise, and strengthen international ties between <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> and participating nations, creating a ripple effect of positive impact on global science and technology.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><b>A bigger dream<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Talking about his future plans,\u00a0Osama is excited about continuing his R&amp;D on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation solutions, and eager to mentor young scientists, particularly those from developing countries, at the XIEG.<\/p>\n<p>His perseverance in scientific research, passion for life and love of Chinese culture has made a deep impression on his colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Osama has encountered many challenges in his work and life in Xinjiang,&#8221; said Zhang Yuanming, director of the XIEG. &#8220;Faced with challenges, he always forged ahead with optimism and hard work.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Through Osama, the XIEG has established a long-term and stable cooperation relationship with <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt&#8217;s<\/span> Arish University, according to Zhang, who commended Osama&#8217;s &#8220;bridging&#8221; role in advancing sci-tech cooperation between the two institutions.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Without Osama, our research on Sinai desert farming systems would have been impossible,&#8221; Li Wenjun, research fellow at the XIEG and Osama&#8217;s team leader, said. &#8220;He went back to <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> alone to collect all the samples we need.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We understand and support each other,&#8221; Li said, speaking highly of Osama&#8217;s role in his team.<\/p>\n<p>Now, Osama has an even bigger dream \u2014 to establish a China-Africa Joint Center for Agricultural Research in <span class=\"xn-location\">Cairo<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>He wants the center to be a hub for scientific innovation, providing advanced research facilities and offering training courses and workshops led by Chinese scientists.<\/p>\n<p><b>More cooperation opportunities<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every time I go back to <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span>, I talk about my work and life in <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> through lectures, workshops and other events,&#8221;\u00a0Osama said. &#8220;In addition to its natural beauty and cultural richness, <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> also provides immense opportunities for scientific research and international cooperation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span>&#8211;<span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two countries have pledged to work together to confront international challenges, such as food security, climate change and\u00a0desertification.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Xinjiang, located at the center of the Eurasian continent, is a natural place to study temperate desert ecosystems,&#8221; Zhang said, who has witnessed an increasing number of young researchers like Osama coming to the XIEG.<\/p>\n<p>In the last five years, the\u00a0XIEG has signed more than 60 agreements and memorandums with 56 universities, research institutions and international organizations from 23 countries and regions, and has established a number of platforms for joint research and international cooperation, such as the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance for Arid Lands, according to Zhang.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In our team, we have almost the same number of Chinese and foreign members,&#8221; Li said. &#8220;This illustrates the strong atmosphere for international cooperation at the\u00a0XIEG.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the future, more international young students and researchers will be recruited,&#8221; said Li. He plans to establish joint labs with countries such as <span class=\"xn-location\">Egypt<\/span> in the field of microbial resources and utilization in special habitats to support sustainable agriculture. This will provide more opportunities for young talents from developing countries.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;<span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> has provided me with incredible opportunities to develop my scientific skills, especially through my work in Xinjiang,&#8221; Osama said. &#8220;If I were to describe <span class=\"xn-location\">China<\/span> in a few words, I&#8217;d say it is a land of beauty, peace, and opportunity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:html --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cision-pr-newswire","category-cision-pr-newswire-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13625\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thaipropertynews.com\/feeds\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}