Analysis and Thinking on International Exchanges and Cooperation of Research Institutes —Taking Professionals of National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Overseas Mission as an Example

Objectives In order to summarize the conditions of international exchanges and cooperation of professionals for the overseas mission in the past 15 years (2003-2017), the information was sorted out from the National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NIEH, China CDC).

Methods The database on international exchange and cooperation was developed through consultation of archives, task interviews, informed discussions and information inquiries, etc. Kolmogorov-Smirnov One-Sample Test and Chi-square Test were used for statistical analysis.

Results In the period of 15 years, 58.2% (89/153) of the official tasks were attending international conferences, and the rates of personnel visit of air pollution, drinking water sanitation and climate change and human health were accounted for 34.5% (81/235), 13.6% (32/235) and 11.9% (28/235), respectively. The most of professionals were professors and associate professors (81.3%, 191/235). The great number of visiting funds were supported by inviting organizations (60.1%, 92/153), and the percentage of vising developed countries and regions was accounted for 70.8% (114/161). In the period (i.e. 2003-2007, 2008-2012, 2013-2017), there was no statistically significant difference in the number of official tasks (F=0.97, P>0.05), number of visiting professionals (F=3.55, P>0.05) and number of professionals in the above three principle fields annually (F=3.46, 2.08 and 2.96, P>0.05). However, significant differences were found in the proportion of relevant funding sources of the NIEH, China CDC (χ²=40.3, P<0.01).

Conclusions The international exchange and cooperation activities were increased frequently, and the effects of official tasks were gradually prominent in the NIEH, China CDC. Nevertheless, the distributions of scientific fields and academic titles were not balanced, and most of them preferred to the developed countries and regions. The authors recommended that further attention should be paid to enhance the effect assessment, promote the balanced development of scientific fields and talent teams, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road.