Recently, the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), held a symposium for the International Joint Laboratory for Plant Protection to congratulate the Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory on the French side, Prof. Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly of the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), on being awarded the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award. Mr. Li Zheng, Chief Representative of INRAE in China, Prof. Zhang Jie, Deputy Director General of IPPCAAS, Prof. Wang Guirong, Deputy Director General of the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, and Ms. Zhang Libin, Deputy Director of the Exchange and Service Division, Department of International Cooperation at CAAS attended the symposium. Dr. Tian Fang, Deputy Director of Department of Research and International Cooperation at IPPCAAS, chaired the symposium.

Dr. Yang Bin, Secretary of the Joint Laboratory opened the session with a comprehensive overview of the collaboration between the Insect Genomics Research Group at IPPCAAS and Professor Jacquin-Joly, showcasing the notable achievements in scientific research, project applications, product development, talent training, and the construction of the Joint Laboratory. Prof. Wang Guirong, Co-Director of the Joint Laboratory on China side, commended Prof. Jacquin-Joly for her pivotal role in addressing global agricultural pest challenges and her significant contributions to China’s academic development, talent cultivation, and platform building. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, with the aim of making further contributions to global pest control initiatives.

In her remarks, Prof. Jacquin-Joly expressed her sincere gratitude to her Chinese colleagues and the Chinese government, emphasizing that the partnership not only reflects a successful scientific collaboration but also embodies the deep friendship between China and France. She voiced her optimism for the future of China-France cooperation and the potential for further achievements.

Mr. Li Zheng conveyed a congratulatory message on behalf of INRAE President Philippe Mauguin, extending warm congratulations to Prof. Jacquin-Joly. Prof. Zhang Jie of IPPCAAS expressed deep appreciation for the continued support from Prof. Jacquin-Joly and her French colleagues. Both parties underscored the critical importance of China-France collaboration in plant protection for promoting sustainable agricultural development globally. They noted that Prof. Jacquin-Joly’s receipt of the China Government Friendship Award not only recognizes her remarkable contributions in plant protection but also stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between China and France in science and technology.

The China Government Friendship Award, the highest honor conferred by the Chinese government on foreign experts, recognizes outstanding contributions to China’s economic development, social progress, and international exchange. Since its establishment in 1991, the award has been presented annually to foreign experts who have made significant contributions to China's progress in areas such as science, education, and cultural exchange. Recipients are nominated by ministries, provincial governments, and national institutions and selected through a rigorous evaluation process. This award not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the strengthening of international partnerships. Prof. Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly is the fifth foreign expert from IPPCAAS to receive this distinction since 2012, with a total of 16 foreign experts from CAAS having been honored to date.