The 9th China-U.S. Young Scientist Forum was held in Washington on April 19, 2016. Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and the U.S. Department of State, the forum was themed on “Aquaculture”. Ten young Chinese scholars from China Science and Technology Exchange Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, China Agricultural University, Shanghai Ocean University, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute were invited to attend the forum and discuss with American scientists how to strengthen international cooperation on aquaculture technologies and manage environmental issues caused by aquaculture activities. Jonathan Margolis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and Cai Jianing, Deputy Director General at the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Science and Technology, addressed the opening ceremony.

The China-U.S. Young Scientist Forum is an important part of the China-U.S. High-level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange. Eight forums have been alternately held in Beijing and Washington, and this was the third forum held in the US. According to the arrangement made by the U.S. side, on the sideline of the forum, the 10 Chinese scholars were invited to visit U.S. science & technology agencies, universities, research institutes and enterprises, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, University of Michigan, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Oregon State University. Scientists from both sides were engaged in intense discussions and amicable exchange of ideas and opinions. As an important platform for young Chinese and American scientists to exchange ideas and strengthen friendship, the China-U.S. Young Scientist Forum will lay a solid people-to-people foundation for deepened and expanded practical cooperation.