XIEG Holds New Year Reception for Foreign Experts 2026

To further enhance international scientific collaboration and better support foreign experts working and living in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully held the New Year Reception for Foreign Experts 2026 on February 9.

The gathering, attended by over 30 foreign researchers from a dozen countries—including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Australia, Nepal, Rwanda, and Egypt—along with representatives from Xinjiang's governmental bodies and the China Construction Bank, served a dual purpose: festive celebration and practical dialogue.

Participants engaged in discussions on their research experiences, daily lives in Xinjiang, and facilitation policies for foreign experts in China. The event also offered attendees a chance to experience traditional Chinese craft.

Group Photo

At the reception, Prof. DUAN Weili, Deputy Director of XIEG, extended Chinese New Year greetings to all participants on behalf of the institute. Reflecting on the institute’s significant achievements in 2025, including progress in international cooperation, national research platform development, and major scientific outcomes, he credited these achievements not only to robust governmental backing but also to the indispensable contributions of the foreign experts themselves.

Looking ahead to the Chinese New Year, he emphasized that XIEG will continue strengthening its research platforms, optimizing its collaborative ecosystem, and providing comprehensive support to cultivate an environment where foreign experts can feel at home, enabling their unimpeded pursuit of cutting-edge research—transforming XIEG into a 'second home' for global scientific talent.

DUAN Weili Delivers Welcome Remarks

During the research sharing Session, Prof. Tohir Bozorov, Associate Prof. Mohsin Tanveer, Associate Prof. Sabina Koirala, and Specially Appointed Research Assistant Mustafo Safarov spoke on the theme “My Research at XIEG”, sharing their research experiences and achievements.

Associate Prof. Vyacheslav Shurigin and Postdoctoral Fellows Nigora Kuchkarova, Alphonse Kayiranga, and Hamza Tariq presented on “My Life in Xinjiang,” describing the region’s harmonious living environment, rich cultural diversity, and magnificent natural landscapes.

They expressed that Xinjiang provides an excellent platform for scientific research and that its multicultural environment is deeply memorable. They voiced their willingness to serve as bridges to share authentic and positive stories of Xinjiang with the world.

Foreign Experts Share “My Research at XIEG”

Foreign Experts Share “My Life in Xinjiang”

Centered on topics including scientific research, talent programs, essential daily services, representatives from the relevant government authorities and the China Construction Bank engaged in in-depth and constructive discussions with the experts during a roundtable session.

Government officials detailed national and regional research funding opportunities and talent programs, with particular emphasis on promoting the “Tianshan Award” for Foreign Experts and encouraging active applications. Representatives from the Urumqi Entry-Exit Administration provided latest information on visa and residence permit regulations and addressed key concerns. Updates on policy evolution were also presented, underscoring Xinjiang's sustained investment in science and technology and its drive to optimize cooperation frameworks for high-quality regional development.

In terms of daily services, the China Construction Bank presented customized financial services for foreign experts, including a dedicated counter at its branch near the institute, multi-currency exchange services, and international salary remittance. Officials from Xinshi District in Urumqi detailed the application process of the “Hongshan Talent Card,” which offers 111 convenience services.

Furthermore, local residential compound officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing high-quality services and fostering a harmonious living environment for foreign experts.

Roundtable session

The reception also featured a lively cultural interaction. Dr. Muhammad Farhan sang a song, while local residential compound officials guided participants in experiencing the traditional Chinese craft of lacquer fan making, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Lacquer fan making

XIEG has held the New Year Reception for Foreign Experts for several consecutive years and has combined the Reception with the Salon for Scientific Exchange. It serves not only as a crucial channel for policy communication and the resolution of practical challenges but also cultivates a vibrant atmosphere for academic exchange, bolsters the sense of belonging among foreign experts, and underpins their sustained scientific contributions to Xinjiang.

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn