On March 13, 2026, the A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology FEB RAS had an online meeting with the Dalian Ocean University. From the Russian Party, the meeting was attended by Dr. K.A. Lutaenko (Cand. Sci. Biol.), the Deputy Director for International Cooperation, Dr. V.V. Mordukhovich (Cand. Sci. Biol.), a senior researcher of the Laboratory of Marine Ecosystems Dynamics, and Mrs. A.I. Grishina, a leading engineer of the International Cooperation Department. The Party of the Dalian Ocean University was represented by Mr. Zhu Hui, the Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Prof. Huo Zhongming, the Dean of the College of Marine Science and Environment, Mrs. Shao Jingyi, the Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, and postgraduate students of the University. 

The Parties discussed prospects of a China-Russia Joint Laboratory on Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Mariculture of marine invertebrates, in particular bivalve mollusks, to be established as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. For further implementation of the project, it is necessary to develop a concept and roadmap for the joint laboratory, identify key research areas, sources of funding, form working groups, and sign additional agreements. The Parties agreed to combine forces to increase the project and develop scientific collaboration in the future. Discussions covered also visits to China for getting acquainted with the research works conducted by the Dalian Ocean University, participating in a scientific conference, and for mutual internships for young scientists, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. A journey of the Rector of the University to Vladivostok was also scheduled.

Previously, representatives of the University visited the Center three times and participated in the Fourth Mariculture Young Scientists’ School and the Seventh Russian-Chinese Bilateral Marine Biology Conference. Three cooperation agreements covering various research areas were signed between the Center and the University.

The Dalian Ocean University, located in the coastal city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, is a national leader in marine sciences and fisheries in China. The University offers a variety of education programs in medical sciences, engineering, agriculture, management, humanities, and law. The University’s key departments are the College of Fisheries and Life Sciences and the School of Maritime Law and Humanities. It is also actively developing ties with research centers abroad, including joint projects with Russian institutions.