On the morning of May 17, the official launch of the National Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization, jointly established by Anhui Agricultural University, the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Hunan Agricultural University, took place in Hefei alongside the First Session of the Laboratory’s Academic Committee.

The event convened 19 distinguished experts from related fields across the nation, including Liu Zhonghua, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Laboratory’s Academic Committee. Notable attendees also included Xia Tao, former Vice Chairman of the Anhui Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Zhang Hongjun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Anhui Provincial People's Government; Ye Yujiang, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Zou Xuexiao, President of Hunan Agricultural University; Yao Qun, Deputy Director of the Anhui Provincial Department of Science and Technology; Liu Yexun, Deputy Director of the Anhui Provincial Department of Education; Liu Xuegui, Deputy Director of the Anhui Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Wang Liangui, Vice Mayor of Hefei; Zhang Qingliang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Anhui Agricultural University; Cao Haiqun, President of Anhui Agricultural University; Wu Xiangwei, Vice President of Anhui Agricultural University; and Professor Wan Xiaochun, Director of the Laboratory.

The launch ceremony was chaired by Cao Haiqun, while the first academic committee session was presided over by Academician Liu Zhonghua. Professor Wan Xiaochun outlined the laboratory’s development strategy and research priorities.