For well-known physical geologist Michael Meadows, Professor in the School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University (NJU), China's openness has made a significant difference in his research journey. After years of commuting to a university in Shanghai, joining NJU felt like finding a new home. "I feel privileged to be part of [advancing science with my co-workers]," Meadows said. His story shows China's open policies have created a nurturing environment for international researchers.

For decades, China's commitment to welcoming talent from around the globe has transformed it into a hub for innovation and cooperation, inviting scholars, professionals, and thinkers to contribute to its progress narrative.

Inclusive academic ecosystem

"I think China is the best place for promoting research, motivating young people, and gaining governmental support in research," said German engineer Omer Sahin Ganiyusufoglu, an industrial development consultant at Qingdao International Academician Park.

"China's long-term strategic vision and its commitment to advancing research and development should be valued," he added.

Russian Professor Igor Alexandrov, a prominent figure in the field of nanomaterials from Changzhou University in Jiangsu province, cannot agree more. "The academic environment is perfect, especially when you get access to well-equipped institutions," he said, adding that China provides great opportunities for scientists, especially young researchers from different countries, to come and achieve significant results.

Land of opportunity

Italian chemical engineer Enrico Marsili, at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), lauded China's commitment to quality research. "China's investment in quality research and researchers is a wise move," Marsili said.

His colleague at UNNC, Dr. Alain Chong, Vice Provost in Global Engagement and Partnerships, pointed out that China's inclusiveness extends to funding and grants for researchers regardless of nationality. "These little things that the government does make a big difference," he said, emphasizing how international talent is recognized and valued in China.

Breaking barriers and fostering collaboration

In China, the idea that "women hold up half the sky" is not just a well-known saying. It is a guiding principle that drives significant advancements in supporting the career growth of female researchers.

After working in China for almost 12 years, American Uromi Manage Goodale, Professor of Plant Ecology at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University, applauded the country's supportive policies and environment for young female scientists. "There are no extra barriers for a female scientist," she said, pointing to the inclusive environment that welcomes women in science.

Resonating with this view, Italian scientist Sara Platto's story is particularly inspiring. The professor of animal behavior and welfare at Jianghan University is the first female foreign scientist to work on animal welfare in China. She has pioneered projects and educational programs in a then-emerging field. "I have seized the opportunity to initiate projects with the government's support," Platto said.

In recent years, new policies have been gradually introduced, such as setting up female scientist-led projects in major national sci-tech plans and projects and extending the eligibility for early career awards. The National Natural Science Foundation of China now allows female researchers to apply for early career awards up to the age of 48, three years later than before.

"That way, the decision-makers recognize that women spend more time raising kids and taking care of their families. So that's quite a nice gesture," said Marie-Luce Chevalier, a French/Belgian research professor at the Institute of Geology of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

Fostering global collaboration and mutual benefit

China's commitment to openness goes beyond academia and research, reaching into international cooperation initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The year 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the launch of BRI. With joint efforts of all parties, this important initiative has progressed with vitality and benefited the world.

Dr. Saulebek Kabylbekov, an ophthalmologist from Kazakhstan who has been at the Daqing Ophthalmology Hospital, Heilongjiang province, for 25 years, believes the BRI fosters collaboration and development among nations. "It's all about mutual benefit and win-win cooperation," he said, underscoring the importance of exchange in advancing medical science and facilitating educational cooperation and mutual understanding.

In terms of the educational field, the Luban Workshops, named after Lu Ban, an ancient Chinese engineer, inventor, and carpenter, and symbol of Chinese craftsmanship, serve as international platforms for vocational education.

According to Jarun Youbrum, director of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Technical College in Thailand, China attached great importance to international education cooperation through the construction of 27 Luban Workshops in 25 BRI partner countries. "The Luban Workshop is a 'future center' for modern technology learning, keeping up with changes in the industrial world and meeting the needs of entrepreneurs," Youbrum said.

Muhammad Kashif, a Pakistani Professor at the School of Electrical and Information Engineering of Tianjin University, specifically mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the initiative. According to him, the CPEC is regarded as a "game changer" for Pakistan's economy, and the BRI shares this transformative potential on a global scale.