The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) recently signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Beijing to foster collaboration on talent exchange and research.
The agreement was signed by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and PUMCH President Prof. ZHANG Shuyang, and witnessed by HKUST Associate Provost (Mainland Affairs) Prof. Penger TONG, Acting Head of Division of Integrative Systems and Design Prof. ZHANG Qian, PUMCH Secretary of the Party Committee Prof. WU Peixin, as well as PUMCH Vice President Prof. HAN Ding, among others.
According to the agreement, the two parties will jointly explore innovative paradigms to enhance collaboration between Hong Kong universities and mainland hospitals. By leveraging HKUST's pioneering research capabilities and PUMCH's prominent position in clinical medicine, they aim to drive comprehensive collaborations encompassing talent development, medical education, MedTech innovation, and knowledge transfer, contributing to the development of biomedical and health care industries in the two regions. The first cohort of young doctors and scholars from PUMCH is expected to commence academic exchange at HKUST later this year.
Prof. Ip said during her remarks at the signing ceremony, "With the economy and society undergoing rapid development, there is an urgent demand for innovative medical professionals with both research and clinical treatment capabilities to shape the future of healthcare. This strategic partnership with PUMCH represents a significant milestone, enhancing cooperation and exchange in medical research and clinical practice between Mainland China and Hong Kong. By working together to nurture new generations of medical talent and accelerate the translation of pioneering research into practical applications, we aspire to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of the healthcare industry."
Prof. Wu Peixin said: "HKUST has made significant progress and contributions in promoting technological innovation, talent development, and interdisciplinary research. Together, by adhering to the principles of 'facilitating exchange, mutual learning and co-development', we will engage in practical and in-depth collaboration in various fields, such as promoting frontier technology research, knowledge transfer of research outcomes, building interdisciplinary platforms, and the cultivation of multidisciplinary medical professionals. By unlocking new models of collaboration between mainland hospitals and Hong Kong universities, we strive to actively contribute to provide lifelong holistic health care to citizens."
As Hong Kong's first research university, HKUST has built a robust research foundation and assembled a pool of talented professionals from various fields worldwide, particularly in neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, multi-omics, and precision drug discovery. With an eye toward addressing future societal needs, HKUST is now in the planning stages of establishing a world-leading research-based medical school. This innovative medical school aims to nurture clinicians and medical professionals equipped with strong research and translational skills. It will drive integrated advancements in frontier technology and medical practices, while fostering collaborations with mainland medical institutions including PUMCH to develop medical manpower training programs.
PUMCH is a Grade 3A General Hospital that integrates medical treatment, teaching, and scientific research. It has been designated as a national intractable and severe diagnosis and treatment guidance center by the National Health Commission, a national base for demonstrating higher medical education and standardized training for resident doctors, as well as a core national facility for clinical medical research and technological innovation. The hospital has earned a reputation, both at home and abroad, for its comprehensive range of disciplines, strong technical expertise, outstanding specialties, and robust multidisciplinary capabilities. It came first in the performance assessment of national Grade III public hospital.
HKUST and PUMCH have maintained a close cooperation. In March 2024, Prof. Ip visited PUMCH to explore collaboration opportunities, where she met with Honorary President Prof. ZHAO Yupei, President Prof. Zhang Shuyang, Vice President Prof. DU Bin. In April, Prof. Zhang led a delegation from PUMCH to HKUST, visiting laboratories and exploring avenues for cooperation in medical education and research.
Under this three-year strategic cooperation agreement, the parties will establish a comprehensive platform for research collaboration, medical talent exchange, and medical service delivery through different strategic initiatives.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).
