It is the second extension of my PIFI project for the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The objective of this research was to continue to evaluate the genetic, ecological and geographical factors of adaptive evolution and speciation in the genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae), which is the largest genus of seed plants in China. This study is not only important for understanding the mechanisms of speciation in Himalayan biodiversity hotspots, but also continues to form the scientific template for future research proposals on this Rhododendron complex. Yunnan Province, in Southwest China, is a diversification and distribution center of Rhododendron, which is a commonly used horticultural plant worldwide. My collaborator, Dr. Gao Lianming, organized fieldwork for two weeks to survey Rhododendron populations, collect research materials, train students and design future projects.

It was a fantastic opportunity for me to see and work with these unique and diverse populations that I had long desired to visit. For me the PIFI program continues to be an incredible and life-changing experience as I continue to visit areas that I have not visited before. While in China, I continue to be most impressed by the country’s well developed infrastructure, including the cutting-edge research facilities at CAS’s Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), and the new roads and tunnels connecting small communities to the rest of China, even in the remotest of locations. The friendliness and openness of the people continues to be a wonderful and refreshing experience. My hosts (the PI, other KIB colleagues, postdocs and students) all continue to go out of their way to facilitate productive research, as well as contributing to an outstanding cultural experience.

Overall, my PIFI program at KIB continues to be a huge success. I was able to successfully work with researchers, including Dr. Gao, who served as my PI and host, as well as postdocs and students, to conduct field work, experimental design, and in the implementation of a number of research projects that will directly translate into future publications. In every case, my interaction with the Chinese people has been extremely positive and my team has been fantastic to work with. I have been most impressed by their work ethic, which extended to taking the time to discuss research and the unique cultural aspects of China.

Both the work environment and living conditions at KIB are ideal for foreign research fellows to conduct high-quality and cutting-edge research that will directly translate into high-calibre publications. In fact, from 2018 to 2021, I have co-published 15 peer-review publications with CAS colleagues and have three more in submission/review. Based on my direct experience, the labs at KIB are cutting-edge and the laboratory environment is perfect for collaborations. While there, I was provided with a quiet and productive work environment in which to write and conduct research. We also applied for a joint program of CAS and were successfully funded. While at KIB I was afforded the fantastic opportunity to live on KIB campus at a relatively low cost. The close proximity to the food canteen, as well as the lab and office, provided me with the perfect work environment in which to have a very productive CAS PIFI experience.

Based on this excellent and positive experience, I strongly look forward to the unique opportunity to work with Dr. Gao through the PIFI program, in order to continue with the collection and analysis of data, the writing of manuscripts and grants, and laying the groundwork for the continued exchange of scholars between our labs. I have truly loved conducting research in China!

Source: Kevin S. Burgess,

Kunming Institute of Botany,

Chinese Academy of Sciences