A three-month research stay at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography in Urumqi

Sergio Velasco Ayuso

Assistant Professor, University of Buenos Aires (Argentina), PIFI visiting scholar at XIEG

China? Why not? These were the two questions that came to my mind when, at a conference held in Chihuahua (Mexico), ZHOU Xiaobing suggested the idea of writing a project proposal for the PIFI program. We had already been talking about this program for some time, but it was exactly two years ago that I seriously thought that it would be a great opportunity for me to visit Xiaobing in Urumqi and get a first-hand look at the excellent work being carried out here on biological soil crusts.

China! Excellent! These were the two expressions that came to mind when, less than a year ago, the project was approved and Xiaobing told me that they would be waiting for me the following year, this year, as a visiting scientist. Now, during the last week of my visit, I cannot do anything other than be grateful for the opportunity, which has allowed me to learn not only how research is conducted in China, but also how life is here.

Coming from the other side of the planet to Xinjiang —I am from Argentina— is not easy. It is a long and tiring journey. I remember arriving in Urumqi in the early hours of the morning. And I clearly remember the feeling of being in a different country, but, in a way, a familiar one. I did not know why I was having these two opposite feelings. Now, after almost three months, I can say that it is different because the culture is very different from what I am used to. But, in a way, it is also the same because everyday life is very similar to what I know. This surprised me, in a good way.

These almost 12 weeks have gone by very quickly. I have not stopped learning, meeting people, and working on what I love: biological soil crusts. The Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography is a great research center, with a diverse mix of people, perspectives, and approaches, and with a very good working atmosphere. I was very warmly welcomed by the director, ZHANG Yuanming, who opened the doors of the institute to me and, together with Xiaobing, introduced me to the whole research group working on the biological soil crusts of the deserts of northwestern China.

I now have a much better understanding of all the work carried out by this group, which I had had the opportunity to read several times. I have no doubt that the work that lies ahead will only further strengthen the group’s scientific quality. During this time, I have also been able to build a bridge that I hope will remain strong in the coming years, allowing us to exchange knowledge about the biological soil crusts of China and Argentina, as both countries are unique natural laboratories for studying these important biological communities in drylands.

But, above all, I will remember the people. When you are almost 20,000 km from home, having people treat you with such kindness, warmth, and familiarity means a lot. And that is what I have received in Urumqi: kindness, warmth, and familiarity.

Perhaps this explains why, from the beginning, I felt that China, in a way, is similar to Argentina. And I was not wrong.