From March 12 to 28, the ACT Talk Series invited admissions officers from Oxford University, University College London (UCL), and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), specializing in biological and medical sciences. This series offers ZJE students the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions with admissions experts from world-leading universities, gain in-depth insights into the application process, and unlock the keys to successful postgraduate applications.
01 Oxford University: Breakthrough Innovation in the Legacy of Research
On March 28, Professor Eric O’Neill, Director of Education at the Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, and Senior Industrial Research Fellow Dr. Shisong Jiang were invited to give a lecture hosted by ZJE researcher Dr. Zhuolong Zhou.
Dr. Jiang opened the session by revisiting Oxford’s landmark contributions to modern medical history, including the clinical translation of penicillin, and the development of COVID-19 diagnostics and vaccines. He provided a systematic overview of Oxford’s innovative model integrating basic research, clinical translation, and industrial application, highlighting its interdisciplinary collaborative spirit.
Professor O’Neill focused on Oxford’s cutting-edge progress in cancer research, particularly in translational medicine, precision medicine, and immunotherapy. He also offered a detailed explanation of the seven master’s and doctoral programmes offered by the Department of Oncology, outlining their structure, training approach, and application requirements—offering invaluable insights to prospective students in the field.
During the interactive session, both professors shared their perspectives on Oxford’s admissions preferences and interview techniques. They encouraged students to develop critical thinking and research capabilities, illustrated how to highlight personal academic strengths and research enthusiasm through case examples, and emphasized the importance of effective communication with prospective supervisors to enhance competitiveness.
About the University of Oxford
Located in Oxford, Oxfordshire, in the southeast of England, the University of Oxford is a world-renowned collegiate public research university. It is a core member of the UK’s “Golden Triangle,” the “G5” elite universities, the Russell Group, and the Global University Leaders Forum. Consistently ranked among the top five universities globally, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest continuously operating higher education institution in existence. Its community includes 72 Nobel Laureates among alumni, faculty, and researchers.
02 University College London: Cultivating Interdisciplinary Research Skills
On March 24, Professor Yanlan Mao, professor in Developmental Biophysics at University College London (UCL), delivered a keynote session hosted by ZJE Vice Dean Professor Suhong Xu.
Professor Mao gave a comprehensive overview of UCL’s MSc in Computational Cell Biophysics, explaining the programme’s structure, training methodology, and future development pathways. She emphasized UCL’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, noting that the programme aims to cultivate research talents with integrated backgrounds in biology, physics, and computational sciences.
During the Q&A session, Professor Mao addressed students' concerns regarding admissions criteria, preparation of application materials, academic background requirements, and the distinctions between taught and research postgraduate programmes in the UK. Her responses provided clarity and guidance for students planning their applications.
About University College London (UCL)
UCL is a public research university located in London, and is the third oldest institution of higher education in England. It comprises 11 academic faculties and over 100 academic departments and research centers. UCL consistently ranks among the top ten universities globally and among the top five in the UK, according to QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU, and U.S. News rankings. The university boasts 32 Nobel Laureates among its faculty, students, alumni, and researchers.
03 The University of Hong Kong: Exploring Research Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area
On March 12, Professor Cheng-Han Yu of the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) delivered a talk moderated by ZJE Vice Dean Professor Suhong Xu.
Professor Yu began by analyzing the geographical and strategic advantages of HKU’s Faculty of Medicine within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He introduced the School of Biomedical Sciences and its collaborative network for clinical translation with affiliated hospitals. He then outlined key information on the application process and academic requirements for HKU’s master’s and doctoral programmes, elaborated on the school’s four major research areas, and explained the scholarships and stipends available to postgraduate students, providing practical insights for aspiring applicants.
About the University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU is a comprehensive, international public research university in Hong Kong, often regarded as the “Ivy League” of Asia. With the motto “Sapientia et Virtus” (“Wisdom and Virtue”), HKU ranks 17th in the QS World University Rankings, 31st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and 2nd in the QS Asia University Rankings.
The “ACT” Lecture Series
The “ACT” Lecture Series, hosted by the ZJU-UoE Institute (ZJE), is designed to broaden students’ academic, professional, and entrepreneurial horizons. Through its three modules—A-Talk (Alumni), C-Talk (Celebrity), and T-Talk (Teacher)—the series builds a robust student development support system at the college level. By integrating resources from alumni, industry, and academia, it creates a “growth toolkit” covering further education, employment, and research, supporting students in career planning and enhancing their competitiveness.
(translated by Yitong Zhao)
