Q+A: Hse Chung-yun

Hse Chung-yun, from the United States, chief researcher at the Southern Research Station of the US Forest Service.

Hse Chung-yun, from the United States, chief researcher at the Southern Research Station of the US Forest Service. He has been devoted to strengthening Sino-US cooperation in forestry science and technology for more than three decades and has made major contributions in talents cultivation and introducing advanced technology.

How do you feel about winning this award?

Certainly, it is the greatest honor to win this award. Having said that, I really feel that this award recognizes more than three decades of collaboration in forestry science and technology research between myself and many other wood scientists in China.

In your opinion, what were the main factors behind your success in the award?

Collaboration research with China has been an important part of my research career since the 1980s. I feel very fortunate the US Forest Service has provided me the strong support, which makes all my efforts possible. I enjoyed the hardworking 100 or so Chinese visiting scientists in my laboratory over the years; the friendship, the research accomplishments and the fun have really turned this joint venture into such a success story that we will treasure forever. To me, it is very sweet indeed.

Genuine love and care of all the people involved — that has lasted more than three decades and still going — have made this happen.

What has been your most important accomplishment in China?

On a personal level, a bridge across the ocean has been built to facilitate the collaboration in forestry science and technology, which is truly mutually beneficial.

What do you feel about the level of research carried out in China compared with other places around the world?

China has made remarkable headway in science and technology since the 1980s. With the government support of recent years, the level of research carried out in China compared with other countries is less of a concern now.

How has your work in China helped your career to develop in your native country?

My career has been greatly enriched.

What plans do you have to carry out work related to China in the next 5 to 10 years?

I plan to keep the same pace for the next 3 to 5 years.