Investing in Global Partnerships: Reenergizing the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship in China and Taiwan

Earlier this year, the World Food Prize Foundation embarked on a mission to reintroduce internship placement sites for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship in China and Taiwan. Rebecca Picard , Director of Internships and Youth Impact, traveled to visit longtime partners in Beijing, Changsha and Shanhua to strengthen relationships and learn more about the work our internship partners do to continue to fulfill our mission of elevating the innovations in global food security.?

Since 1998, the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship has placed 431 students at top research centers worldwide, offering hands-on opportunities to work with leading scientists. This unique program prepares students for careers in science, agriculture and global development, focusing on solving critical issues like food security and environmental sustainability.?

“Watching young leaders from all walks of life learn and grow in environments far outside their comfort zones is a gift. From the excitement of the unknown before they travel abroad to the excitement of the deep impact of their experience after they return home; every step of the way is an opportunity for transformation,” said Rebecca.

The first stop on the itinerary was 中国农业大学 (CAU) in Beijing, where the Foundation has placed 16 interns over the last 20 years. Dr. Yuyi Zhou, a dedicated supporter of the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship, welcomed Rebecca, provided a tour of the two CAU campuses, and even facilitated an excursion to the Summer Palace. Dr. Zhou’s commitment to the interns has gone above and beyond, and her enthusiasm for returning the program to CAU was infectious.

Next, at the Graduate School at the Chinese Academy for Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Rebecca was welcomed by the leadership and given tours of the Institute of Crop Sciences, the Vertical Farm operation and an exhibition about the history of farming in China, CAAS and food security at their library. Over time, CAAS has played a key role in feeding 600 million Chinese people and ensuring the supply of basic agricultural products in China. Today, CAAS focuses on innovation-driven development for supporting rural revitalization in China through science and technology. Since 2002, the Foundation has placed 17 interns at CAAS and given their forward-looking strategy, we look forward to continuing to send Borlaug-Ruan International Interns to their graduate school.?

Racing at speeds close to 200 mph, Rebecca traveled almost 950 miles south on the high speed rail from Beijing to Changsha to visit the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center (CNHRRDC). This research facility honors the legacy of 2004 World Food Prize Laureate Dr. Yuan Longping, a Chinese agronomist and inventor, known lovingly as the “Father of Hybrid Rice.” The two decade relationship the Foundation has had with CNHRRDC and the late Dr. Longping was evident in the researchers’ commitment to cultural exchange and scientific diplomacy. In the spirit of exchange, Ms. Xiao Shuang played the role of tour guide for Rebecca, showing her cultural sites in beautiful Changsha (sister city to Rebecca’s hometown, St. Paul, Minnesota!) where the interns past and future learn about the cultural and geographical context of the research they do with CNHRRDC.

Rebecca’s journey concluded in southern Taiwan, where she was welcomed by the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg). Since 2013, WorldVeg has hosted 35 Borlaug-Ruan International Interns among their research centers around the world, and their enthusiasm for the return of our interns in Shanhua reflected the growing demand for in-person internships and the potential for deeper collaboration. The time Rebecca spent on campus learning from internship advocate Dr. Srinivasan Ramasamy, communications lead Nick Pasiecznik, and other key scientists resulted in excited anticipation for 2024 Borlaug-Ruan International Intern Justine Magdalene Chavez to arrive in June. Justine, a high school student in Houston, Texas, spent a busy summer exploring the vital components of contemporary vegetable breeding processes at WorldVeg through the support of her supervisor Dr. Ya-Ping Lin, Omics Breeder.

“Successful interns bring curiosity, courage, empathy, gratitude and a growth mindset to their experiences, and our partners nourish those qualities to help these young leaders flourish in their learning environments. It’s beautiful to see interns return with a new worldview and wealth of new knowledge - all thanks to our dedicated partners," said Rebecca.

These visits highlighted the importance of dedicated partnerships and tailored internship experiences, the potential for continued expansion of the program and the critical role of cultural exchange in a globalized world. By strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities, the Foundation continues to invest in young leaders committed to solving the world’s most pressing food security challenges.