October 21-25: Hangzhou, guest of Professor Zhou Qi

This visit gave me the opportunity to discuss the genetics and epigenetics of sex determination in vertebrates, and vertebrate genome evolution with Professor Zhou, whose work I have followed for several years. I toured his laboratory and talked to some of the scientists and students in his group.

I presented a talk “Epigenetics to genomics and back again: a woman’s life in sex and science” at Zhejiang University, from which I got excellent questions and feedback. I also presented the video of “Origins – of the Universe, of Life, of Species, of Humanity”, a new oratorio celebrating science that I recently wrote and had performed. I was also thrilled to tour the Xixi wetlands and the beautiful West Lake with my host on the weekend.

October 25 - November 3: Institute of Zoology, CAS, Beijing, guest of Professor Zhan Xiangjiang

I have followed, and collaborated in Professor Zhan’s work over a wide front of animal genetics and genomics for several years, and have published with him on the genetics and evolution of falcon populations, as well as on a new type of mutation.

This extended visit allowed me to catch up with the progress on these and several highly original projects. It was also thrilling to hear of exciting new projects from members of Professor Zhan’s group. It was a treat to have the time to discuss many of these projects in detail with individual staff and students, and to be able to follow up on some of them with new information and ideas. I joined a laboratory meeting to hear an impressive presentation, and was able to offer comments on the drafts of two manuscripts.

I presented an informal talk at a laboratory meeting during which I outlined my experience establishing a scientific career and building a research group. I hope this discussion might be especially useful for the many young women trainees in Professor Zhan’s group. I was also able to discuss career choices informally with individual students during the week.

Toward the end of my visit, I gave a formal talk to the institute, and received the certificate of my PIFI selection and several gifts, which I value greatly. I was delighted with the response to my talk, and impressed with the creativity and knowledge revealed by comments and questions. I also presented the Origins video to interested members of the Institute of Zoology.

Apart from these formal opportunities to share ideas and research plans and to discuss techniques and analyses, there was ample time and inclination to share experiences in science with a wide range of colleagues during several splendid dinners and banquets. I also deeply appreciate the time and companionship of members of the group who led expeditions to the National Museum and the Summer Palace.

November 3 - 6: Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), CAS, guest of Dr Hu Li

I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit YIC and learn of the work on restoring and conserving coastal areas, which aligns strongly with my work in conservation genetics. I presented a talk on “Sex, genes and chromosomes” to YIC staff and students, describing my work on genetic and environmental sex determination.

I greatly appreciated an expedition to the beautiful Yantai Mountain on Saturday before leaving China on Sunday.

Overall arrangements

I was extremely grateful for the excellent organization of my schedule, and particularly for the high level of hospitality and care I received in all three centres. I was particularly appreciative of the time Ms Tang and Dr Hu spent escorting me between cities.

I greatly value opportunities to strengthen my ties with Chinese colleagues who share my interests in animal genetics and genomics. The CAS PIFI program enabled me to make the most of my excellent contacts. I hope I will be able to reciprocate, in hosting visits from my colleagues in Hangzhou, Beijing and Yantai.