International Training on Plant Factory System Models Launches in Shanghai

On October 28, 2025, the "PIFI Outstanding Young Scientists Summer School on Plant Factory System Modelling" launched in Shanghai. Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this international programme builds upon the consensus between CAS and the Dutch Research Council (NWO). It brings together a top-tier Sino-European teaching team, spearheaded by Wageningen University & Research, to systematically train the next generation of young scientists in advanced system modelling and control technologies for plant factories – a core field of future agriculture.

The opening ceremony saw a strong turnout of distinguished guests, underscoring the high importance both sides place on this strategic collaboration. Professor Bin Han, Academician and Director of the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, delivered the welcome address. This was followed by a video speech from Professor Carolien Kroeze, President of the Executive Board of Wageningen University & Research. Dr. Dhoya Snijders, Education and Science Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China; Mr. Bolun Ning , Director of the European Affairs Division of the CAS Bureau of International Cooperation; and Mr.  Gang Liu, Chief Economist of the Shanghai Municipal Agricultural and Rural Affairs Commission, attended and addressed the event. The ceremony was chaired by Professor Xinguang Zhu from the host center, a key initiator of the summer school.

Speakers unanimously highlighted that plant factories and facility agriculture are crucial pathways towards agricultural industrialisation and intelligence, playing a significant role in ensuring global food security. This training programme is a concrete step to deepen Sino-Dutch scientific cooperation in smart agriculture and serves as an important platform for CAS's strategic focus on future agriculture and enhanced collaboration with Europe.

The summer school attracted over 50 outstanding young scientists from leading European institutions like Wageningen University, the University of Potsdam, and the University of Sheffield, as well as prestigious Chinese universities and research institutes including Peking University, Zhejiang University, and the CAS Institute of Automation. With equal representation from China and Europe, it fosters a truly international exchange environment.

During the intensive 10-day programme, participants will immerse themselves in systematic modelling training and cutting-edge academic exchange. The curriculum is designed to be both forward-looking and practical, covering core topics such as:

• Steady-state photosynthetic models (FvCB model)

• Dynamic modelling of photosynthesis

• Genome-scale metabolic modelling in plants

• GreenLab plant growth model

• Functional-Structural Plant Models (FSPM)

• Environmental climate modelling and control for plant factories

• Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

• Intelligent control systems

The training combines theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions, ensuring participants gain in-depth skills in modelling and optimising the entire system from plant physiology to environmental control.

Beyond classroom learning, the schedule includes visits to the plant growth facilities, core instrumentation center, and field stations of the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, alongside academic exchanges in Nanchang. These activities are designed to bridge theory and practical research scenarios.

The summer school is funded by the CAS International Cooperation Project, the PIFI Summer School Programme, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, demonstrating strong national support for this research direction and talent development. Plans are underway to establish this as a sustainable annual flagship event, serving as a core link to foster stronger partnership institute relations with Wageningen University & Research and other institutions, jointly supporting global technological innovation and industrial advancement in facility agriculture.