By forming a sustainable alliance of leading Dutch and Chinese researchers carrying out joint-interdisciplinary research in both China and other developing countries, the objective of the SURE+ Center of Expertise is to provide scientific evidence-based research to promote sustainable use of natural resources and the environment in agriculture and food provision in both China and other parts of the world.

To fulfill our goal, the SURE+ Center of Expertise has developed two unique approaches in conducting our research: (1)a nexus approach, and (2) evidence-based action research. A nexus approach indicates that our research should be interdisciplinary and inclusive, where different disciplinaries and stakeholders should be involved and developed. While evidence-based action research shows that it is no more enough to just tell what the problems are, but also how to solve the problem. Our research should be innovative problem-solving, and action should be taken in the field.