I have long-standing research expertise in the fields of cell biology and targeted biopharmaceuticals. Throughout my scientific career, I have always maintained an open and proactive attitude toward international academic and industrial collaboration. In 2024, I came across this talent program by chance through Ms. Xiaoting. After carefully reviewing the program rules and collaboration models, I proactively submitted my application and was successfully selected at the end of 2025.

Initially, I had considerable concerns. I was unsure about the actual R&D environment of Chinese companies and their remuneration payment processes, and I also worried that this cross-border part-time collaboration model might be difficult to implement. Ms. Xiaoting spent a significant amount of time communicating with me. She thoroughly understood my research focus, available working hours, and collaboration needs, and based on my academic background, she precisely matched me with several biopharmaceutical companies located in Nanjing. After multiple rounds of discussions and several online meetings with the R&D directors of these companies, I ultimately selected the most suitable partner and submitted my formal application.

Given my full-time position at a UK university, I chose the part-time collaboration model, which allows me to retain my existing job under flexible working arrangements. Our formal project collaboration commenced in April 2026. The project offers a stable and comprehensive remuneration package, and Ms. Xiaoting negotiated my monthly salary with the company on my behalf. Recently, the company has also begun assisting me with applications for living subsidies. In addition, the company fully covers my round-trip airfare between the UK and China, as well as my local accommodation expenses during my stay in Nanjing. The overall support system is very well-established, and I have not encountered any difficulties in adaptation to date.

The collaboration has progressed smoothly since its launch. The head of the Nanjing-based company is sincere, approachable, and easy to communicate with. The team maintains a relaxed and harmonious working atmosphere, with full respect for my research ideas and professional advice. Despite the time difference between the UK and China, both teams collaborate closely and efficiently through a combination of online discussions and on-site implementation. Steady progress has been made in areas such as cell sample processing and biopharmaceutical process optimization.

Overall, this talent program has enabled me to initiate a long-term cross-border research collaboration with a Chinese biotechnology company. The stable remuneration, comprehensive travel support, and sincere, relaxed collaborative environment together create an excellent part-time research experience. I look forward to maintaining our long-term partnership and sincerely thank Ms. Yan Xiaoting for her thoughtful and efficient coordination throughout the entire process.