Cornell University, United States of America repatriated a large number of Chinese fungal specimens that it helped keep for over 70 years to China. A repatriation ceremony was held on November 7 in the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

There are altogether 2278 specimens. They were collected and filed in the early of 20th century. Dr. DENG Shuqun sent the specimens to the Cornell University during the Anti-Japanese War to prevent them from being destroyed. DENG was the founder of mycology in China and a well known forestry pathologist. He received his Master’s and Ph. D degrees from Cornell University in 1928. Cornell University had kept the specimens for over 70 years since then.　

Cornell University initiated to give the specimens back to China since the new century. After a series of discussion Cornell University and CAS announced on April 13, 2009 that the specimens would be repatriated to China.

"This is a great occasion for the cooperation between CAS and the Cornell University and even between China and United States of America. It will create new opportunities, and bring forth further cooperation between the two institutions," noted LI Jiayang, vice-president of CAS at the ceremony.

The specimens are a great supplement to China’s collection of fungal specimens, therefore of great scientific value. 

Chinese fungal specimens repatriated from Cornell University (Picture by DUAN Xu)