China National Friendship award for professor Patrick Sorgeloos

China National Friendship award for professor Patrick Sorgeloos

Professor Patrick Sorgeloos (Laboratory of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center) and professor Jan Cornelis (VUB) received the China National Friendship Award for their long-term cooperation with China. 

Professor Sorgeloos gave his first lecture at the former Shandong College of Oceanography (now the Ocean University of China) already in May 1984 in Qingdao, China. Ever since, he and his staff cooperated with several universities in China, with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, with several Chinese companies and the Flemish company INVE Aquaculture which has a successful local establishment there (Tianjin INVE Aquaculture Co). More than 10 Chinese master and doctoral students received their diplomas aquaculture at Ghent University and this year the first "PhD double degree" was delivered between Ghent University and the Ocean University of China. 

This exceptional award illustrates professor Sorgeloos' commitment to build strong partnerships with Chinese centers of excellence. He is among the 100 people from 26 countries this year who are rewarded the prestigious National Friendship Award. All winners were thanked on behalf of China for their efforts and achievements by Ma Kai, Deputy Prime Minister of China.