On September 18, 2025, a delegation from the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, led by Rector Prof. Dr Péter Sótonyi and Strategic Vice-Rector Dr Miklós Süth, visited our Chinese partner, Huazhong Agricultural University. The delegation was warmly received by President Yan Jianbing, while the symposium was moderated by Vice President Qingping. The event was also attended by senior representatives and experts from various departments of the Chinese university, including the Graduate School, the Institute of Science and Technology Development, and the Department of International Relations.
In his opening remarks, President Yan Jianbing extended a warm welcome and emphasised the importance of the close cooperation that has developed over recent years. He presented the strengths and research achievements of their veterinary program and highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Hungary, which underpins the current strategic partnership. He expressed his hope that this visit would further deepen educational and scientific collaboration, particularly in animal and public health.
Prof. Dr Sótonyi Rector expressed gratitude for the hospitality and praised the host university’s scientific and infrastructural accomplishments. He introduced the history and unique characteristics of our university and reaffirmed our commitment – as one of Europe’s oldest veterinary institutions – to strengthening international cooperation.
Special focus was placed on joint efforts in animal allergy diagnostics, epidemic prevention and management, and food safety, in line with the One Health approach, which both institutions consider a priority.
Dr Miklós Süth also spoke about the future of the partnership, emphasising the importance of faculty and student mobility, joint scientific events, and collaborative pharmaceutical research. The two sides discussed potential shared research platforms, exchange programs, and cooperative opportunities in DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) education, with preliminary consensus beginning to take shape.
During the visit, the delegation toured the university’s animal hospital, herbarium, metaverse classroom, and digital education and research platforms. The team found the practical methods in clinical education and the advanced integration of digital technologies into training and research particularly impressive.
As part of the official program, the two universities exchanged commemorative gifts, symbolising the strengthening of their partnership. The visit concluded with a group photo, capturing not only the moment but also the shared vision for future cooperation.
This visit marks another significant milestone in strengthening the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest’s international relations. The discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborative research and education projects and contributed to building a bridge between the scientific communities of China and Hungary. Our university remains committed to actively shaping the global future of veterinary medicine and public health through shared knowledge and experience.
