From September 6 to 13, Xia Yamin, Vice President of Shanghai Ocean University, led a delegation to Italy and Spain for in-depth exchanges on aquaculture and marine sciences, with the aim of consolidating and expanding the University's international partnerships in these fields.

During the visit to Italy, the delegation held dedicated meetings with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, and the Office of Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The parties engaged in in-depth discussions on key areas, including the University's application for designation as an FAO Reference Centre for fisheries and aquaculture research, international cooperation projects, and talent development for international organizations, further deepening strategic cooperation between the institutions.

At the only side event devoted to aquaculture during the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries, Xia Yamin delivered a thematic presentation entitled "Empowering Aquaculture Innovation through Science and Education" on behalf of the University. Addressing the side event's theme, "Advancing Aquaculture Innovation for Green and Sustainable Development," she highlighted Shanghai Ocean University's achievements in aquaculture innovation and development. She stated that the University stands ready to work with FAO and partners from around the world to deepen joint research, strengthen capacity development and youth training, and fully support the implementation of FAO's Blue Transformation and the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture, thereby contributing the expertise and strength of higher education to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda. The delegation also visited SHOU faculty members and students undertaking study visits and internships at FAO, encouraging them to contribute their youthful energy to global sustainable development.

In Spain, the delegation focused on advancing cooperation in the implementation of major scientific initiatives under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The University held in-depth discussions with the Institute of Marine Sciences of the Spanish National Research Council (ICM-CSIC) on the Deep Ocean Microbiomes and Ecosystems (DOME) project, with particular emphasis on preparations for establishing its European Regional Centre. The delegation toured the institute's research facilities and laboratories. The two sides reached consensus on jointly applying for international research projects, strengthening the joint development of marine sciences, and establishing a regular academic exchange mechanism. During the visit, the delegation paid a special call on Meng Yuhong, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Barcelona, and briefed her on the University's overall cooperation with Spain. They exchanged views on the establishment of the DOME European Regional Centre, inter-university cooperation, international student recruitment for study in China, and youth and cultural exchanges, receiving guidance and support from the Consulate General.

The visit also further expanded the University's channels for cooperation with Spanish universities. Shanghai Ocean University and the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) formally signed a memorandum of understanding, launching international cooperation in science and education. The two sides refined cooperation plans for joint doctoral training leading to dual degrees, collaborative research, and mutual visits and exchanges for faculty and students. The delegation delivered international student admissions presentations, visited jointly trained PhD students, and toured research facilities, further promoting the cross-border integration of marine research and education and strengthening the foundation for inter-university cooperation.

The visit further consolidated the University's cooperative ties with FAO and relevant universities and research institutions in Spain, advancing cooperation in aquaculture innovation, large-scale marine science research, and international talent development from consensus to implementation. Building on the visit, the University will accelerate the implementation of the various cooperation intentions and agreements, continue to expand its global network for cooperation in marine research and education, and make greater contributions to global ocean governance and the high-standard opening up of education.

Source：Study at SHOU