From January 24 to 25, 2019, a delegation led by Academician Li Jinghai, President of NSFC, visited the UK National Research and Innovation Agency (UKRI) and the Royal Society (RS).

At UKRI, President Li Jinghai met with Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive of UKRI, and Prof. Andrew Thompson, Head of International Affairs of UKRI. President Li gave an introduction of the NSFC's reform plan and measures. Sir Walport introduced UKRI's positioning and development strategy. The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and jointly organizing the international strategic symposium on the National Science Fund.

At RS, President Li Jinghai met with Prof. Richard Catlow, VicePresident and Secretary for foreign affairs of RS, and Dr. Julie Maxton, Executive Director of RS. The two sides introduced the latest developments of their respective institutions, reviewed the bilateral cooperation and discussed the future direction of cooperation.

        Dr. Dong Chao, Deputy Division Director from General office, NSFC was also on the delegation.