Science, culture bring Netherlands, China closer, says Dutch academic

Meijerink said collaboration, particularly in areas like green technology, is a shared priority. "Green technology is something where China and the Netherlands can really cooperate, because everybody is in favor of that," he said.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Scientific collaboration and cultural exchange between the Netherlands and China are not only mutually beneficial but also contribute positively to the world, said Dutch scientist Andries Meijerink in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"I truly enjoy visiting China," said the Dutch scientist, who is a professor at Utrecht University and a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, as he reflected on his visits to China over the past two decades.

Since his first visit to China in 2005, Meijerink has been a frequent guest at educational institutions across the country, including universities and schools in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Lanzhou, and others. Over the years, he has witnessed the country's rapid development.

"If I look at how the infrastructure, the economy, the people have changed in 20 years, it's really incredible," he said. "China ... with beautiful airports, train stations, roads, shops. And to do that in 20 years, I think it's incredible."

As a leading expert in luminous materials and energy-efficient lighting technologies, Meijerink is particularly encouraged by China's strong investment in science.

"I've seen the level of science really improve in China," he noted. "Now they're doing good original science, getting great results."

He attributed much of this success to China's long-term commitment to scientific research. "Because you have such a large population, you have a huge workforce, and also China is investing in science. The investment is enormous," he said, adding that such efforts "bring the country forward."

Meijerink said collaboration, particularly in areas like green technology, is a shared priority. "Green technology is something where China and the Netherlands can really cooperate, because everybody is in favor of that," he said.

In his own field, luminous materials used in LED lighting are an important contributor to global sustainability efforts. Meijerink stressed stronger cooperation between Dutch and Chinese research groups under a shared platform. "I think that makes it a nice focused effort," he added.

Meijerink has interacted extensively with Chinese students, both in China and in his Utrecht lab. "They are really bright, hardworking students, and also aware of the world around them," he said, noting that it's really nice to interact with them.

Beyond academia, Meijerink also touched upon aspects of Chinese culture, particularly its values of respect and hospitality. "There's a lot of respect for teachers, for elders," he said. "The attitude of the Chinese people and the respect they have for older generations and family values. That is really good."

He also emphasized that it's good to keep communicating, especially in the scientific community, adding, "We can learn from China. Chinese people can learn from us. And if we keep communicating, that's good for the world."  ■