From Pok Fu Lam Road to the Shores of Qizhen Lake A Record of the Visit by Faculty and Students of HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine to ZJE

Event Review

From March 9 to 16, 2025, a delegation of 18 faculty members and students from the LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), visited the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE). ZJE Dean Professor Ke Yuehai, Executive Dean Professor Sue Welburn, Vice Deans Ye Zhiguo and Professor Xu Suhong, along with other faculty members, participated in a series of exchange activities.

First Encounter with Zhejiang University: A Glimpse into Its Glorious Heritage

During the welcoming ceremony, Professor Ke Yuehai warmly welcomed the HKU delegation on behalf of ZJE and provided a comprehensive introduction to Zhejiang University, highlighting its historical development, academic strengths, and achievements in talent cultivation. He particularly emphasized the overall structure of Zhejiang University’s School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals, as well as ZJE’s philosophy and practices in internationalized education. Dr. Liu Rong from HKU’s School of Biomedical Sciences presented an overview of its historical evolution, key research areas, and undergraduate training system.

In 2012, both Zhejiang University and University of Hong Kong became the first institutions in China to establish a biomedical sciences program, contributing to the development of medical scientists for the nation. Given this shared commitment to talent cultivation, strengthening exchanges between faculty and students of both institutions holds profound significance.

During the visit, the HKU delegation explored Zhejiang University’s History Museum, gaining insights into over a century of academic evolution and experiencing the essence of the university’s motto: "Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation." At the Zhejiang University Museum of Art and Archaeology, they toured the "Splendid Classics: The Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Across Dynasties" exhibition, which showcased the artistic heritage and aesthetic pursuits of Chinese civilization through centuries of masterpieces. Led by ZJE student volunteer guide Yu Fei, the delegation also visited the School of Medicine’s Human Specimen Museum, where they delved into the mysteries of life and reflected on the medical humanities and ethical considerations embodied in the concept of "Silent Mentors." These experiences deepened their understanding of life sciences education and medical ethics.

Deepening Exchanges and Promoting Academic Cooperation

During the joint academic symposium hosted by ZJE and HKU’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, ZJE Associate Professors Xu Suhong and Hong Zhi, along with HKU’s Chair Professor Huang Jiandong, Associate Professor You Chenghan, and Lecturer Liu Rong,delivered insightful presentations on topics spanning cell biology, neuroscience,synthetic biology, immunology, and medical education. The discussions were highly engaging, fostering a rich academic atmosphere.

In the specialized experimental course "Measuring Homeostatic Changes in the Human Body," HKU students collaborated with paired ZJE undergraduates to conduct experiments investigating dynamic changes in heart rate and blood pressure under acute stress conditions induced by psychological and physical stimuli. This hands-on experience provided an in-depth understanding of ZJE’s research-oriented undergraduate experimental teaching system. Additionally, the HKU delegation attended a lecture by ZJE Assistant Professor Dr. Aaron Trent Irving, titled "From Bat Immunity to Human Therapy: The Translational Journey of ASC2." Dr. Irving shared his research journey, illustrating how fundamental discoveries can be effectively translated into clinical applications, thereby inspiring young scholars to engage in medical research and translational medicine.

Industry-Academia Integration: Exploring Innovation Hubs

In Haining Juanhu International Science and Technology Park, the HKU delegation visited Alikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Regen Geek (Haining) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,gaining firsthand knowledge of innovative drug development and cutting-edge biotechnological applications. Zhejiang University’s Haining International Campus actively supports regional innovation strategies by fostering an integrated model of "education, research, talent, industry, and urban development," leaving a lasting impression on the HKU delegation.

Additionally, the delegation visited the Zijin Port Science and Technology City in the Hangzhou West Science and Innovation Corridor, where they explored BGI Life Sciences Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial Spatial Omics Key Laboratory, and the Life Omics Big Data Center. Here, they engaged in discussions on BGI’s innovative educational models and talent cultivation systems, exploring new pathways for collaborative education and industry-academia integration.

The Legacy of Two Chas

Coinciding with the 101st birthday of Jin Yong (Louis Cha Leung-yung), the HKU delegation, along with their ZJE counterparts, visited his former residence in Yuanhua Town, Haining. The delegation also visited the ancestral home of Cha Chi-Ming, another prominent Haining-born recipient of the Hong Kong Grand Bauhinia Medal.These visits deepened the delegation’s appreciation of the historical and cultural ties between Zhejiang, Hong Kong, and Macao.

In Jianshan Village, Haining, the HKU delegation conducted field research on the "Dajianshan" rural revitalization project, gaining firsthand insight into Zhejiang Province’s pioneering efforts in building a common prosperity demonstration zone. They experienced the harmonious integration of beautiful countryside and ecological civilization, exemplifying the "Zhejiang Model."

Joining Hands to Shape the Future of Biomedical Sciences

During the ZJE-HKU joint roundtable discussion on "Opportunities and Career Development in Biomedical Sciences in an Era of Transformation," ZJE Associate Professor Chi Ying and Assistant Professor Jin Yinhua, together with HKU Chair Professor Huang Jiandong and Associate Professor You Chenghan, explored interdisciplinary research, translational applications, and career prospects in the biomedical sciences amid technological advancements and industrial transformation. They encouraged young scholars to adopt a global perspective, embrace challenges, and strive for scientific excellence in seizing the vast opportunities within biomedical sciences.

To enhance HKU students' integration into ZJE’s academic and campus life while fostering stronger peer interactions, the event introduced a buddy program pairing each HKU student with a ZJE undergraduate and graduate student. Through collaborative academic discussions, daily interactions, and social activities—including hiking up Haining’s Dajianshan, participating in a friendly dodgeball match, and engaging in various experimental courses and lectures—students from both institutions forged deep friendships and shared a joyful, memorable experience.

This exchange program not only strengthened educational and research collaboration between ZJE and the University of Hong Kong LKS Faculty of Medicine but also fostered deeper academic and cultural exchanges among students. Looking ahead, both institutions will continue to deepen their cooperation, jointly contributing to the cultivation of globally competitive biomedical talents and the advancement of human health.(Translated by Yitong Zhao)