At 29th January, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute sophomore student Yuchen Xiang published a review paper Optimization strategies for ACI: A step-chronicle review at Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (JOT). The corresponding author is Professor Hongwei Ouyang who is the dean of ZJE, director of the Centre for Zhejiang University Tissue and Regenerative Engineering and doctoral supervisor. Dr. Wenyan Zhou and Dr. Vartisara Bunpetch from Dasan Li-Yaozhen Ye Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Centre are co-authors.The idea of the paper was based on Yuchen Xiang’s freshman year course assignment of Global Challenges.  Global Challenges is a special ZJE course which consists of hot topics in different fields, and experts in different fields give lectures to students to inspire students to solve problems from a global perspective. With the guidance of teacher and seniors, Yuchen Xiang extended the topic in class and refined the idea out of class. After constant revision for more than half a year, this paper final published at Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (JOT). Abstract of paper:Bearing compression from adjacent joints, the articular cartilage is cumulatively pressured in daily life thus making it prone to injuries; however, once damaged, the self-healing capacity of articular cartilage is limited due to its low metabolic property. Autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI), a 3-step repairing technique for articular lesions, has received satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes, while its long-term effect remains controversial. Currently, improved stem-cell therapies and novel biomaterials have shed new lights on ACI. We would, therefore, synthesize these optimization strategies in order of their presences in the 3-step protocol, seeking to find and amplify synergic effects between these strategies.Fig. 1 Schematic overview of layered distribution of appropriate exogenous stimuliThe pseudostratified structure of articular cartilage (the three layers) and their cellular and molecular components listed in the left panel. Appropriated exogenous stimuli added into corresponding layer listed in the right panel (blue arrow). (A) tangential zone (B) transitional zone (C) deep zone. Fig. 2 Construct self-healing units and ambush them in the neotissueSelf-healing units are constructed via electrospinning. Rings labelled with different colours contain different drugs or cells which are marked and pointed in the blue arrow. The diameter of each ring and component concentration is yet to be determined.     You can access the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214031X18301554 

At 29th January, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute sophomore student Yuchen Xiang published a review paper Optimization strategies for ACI: A step-chronicle review at Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (JOT). The corresponding author is Professor Hongwei Ouyang who is the dean of ZJE, director of the Centre for Zhejiang University Tissue and Regenerative Engineering and doctoral supervisor. Dr. Wenyan Zhou and Dr. Vartisara Bunpetch from Dasan Li-Yaozhen Ye Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Centre are co-authors.The idea of the paper was based on Yuchen Xiang’s freshman year course assignment of Global Challenges.  Global Challenges is a special ZJE course which consists of hot topics in different fields, and experts in different fields give lectures to students to inspire students to solve problems from a global perspective. With the guidance of teacher and seniors, Yuchen Xiang extended the topic in class and refined the idea out of class. After constant revision for more than half a year, this paper final published at Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (JOT). Abstract of paper:Bearing compression from adjacent joints, the articular cartilage is cumulatively pressured in daily life thus making it prone to injuries; however, once damaged, the self-healing capacity of articular cartilage is limited due to its low metabolic property. Autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI), a 3-step repairing technique for articular lesions, has received satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes, while its long-term effect remains controversial. Currently, improved stem-cell therapies and novel biomaterials have shed new lights on ACI. We would, therefore, synthesize these optimization strategies in order of their presences in the 3-step protocol, seeking to find and amplify synergic effects between these strategies.Fig. 1 Schematic overview of layered distribution of appropriate exogenous stimuliThe pseudostratified structure of articular cartilage (the three layers) and their cellular and molecular components listed in the left panel. Appropriated exogenous stimuli added into corresponding layer listed in the right panel (blue arrow). (A) tangential zone (B) transitional zone (C) deep zone. Fig. 2 Construct self-healing units and ambush them in the neotissueSelf-healing units are constructed via electrospinning. Rings labelled with different colours contain different drugs or cells which are marked and pointed in the blue arrow. The diameter of each ring and component concentration is yet to be determined.     You can access the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214031X18301554 

Reprint from Official Wechat of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang UniversityOn Dec.29，the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) published online the latest research result from Professor Linrong Lu’s group "Phosphatase PP2A is essential for TH17 differentiation". The study revealed the essential role of phosphatase PP2A in regulating TH17 cell differentiation and the development of related autoimmune diseases.Clinical analysis showed that the expression level of phosphatase PP2A was positively correlated with the severity of disease and IL17A expression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting the involvement of PP2A in the regulation of TH17 differentiation and related inflammatory responses. By using a gene knockout that leads to T cell-specific deletion, Prof. Lu and his colleagues revealed the essential role of Ser/Thr phosphatase PP2A in TH17 differentiation. They also showed that this works through the regulation of SMAD2/3 phosphorylation status, which elucidates molecular pathways by which PP2A modulates the expression of TH17 phenotypes. This finding extends our understanding of the close relationship between PP2A overexpression and inflammatory disease. PP2A is a Ser/Thr phosphatase shown to be capable of controlling TH17 differentiation via modulating R-SMADs activity. This work also demonstrated the translational potential of these findings by showing a therapeutic effect of PP2A inhibitors in controlling autoimmune disease in the encephalomyelitis model.Ph.D. students Qin Xu and Xuexiao Jin from the Institute of Immunology are the first authors of this study. Other co-authors include Zheng Mingzhu, Deepak Rohila, Fu Guotong, Wen Zhuoyu, and Qi Jun. This is a collaborative research with Professor Wu Songquan from Lishui Medical College, Professor Richard Sloan from Zhejiang University-Edinburgh University, Professor Lie Wang from the Institute of Immunology,Professor Hu Hu from the Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology and Professor Xiang Gao from the Model anima research center in Nanjing University. The corresponding authors of this article is Professor Linrong Lu and Professor Xiang Gao. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation.Figure1: PP2A promotes TH17 cell differentiation through differential regulation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 Phosphorylation ( Adapted from Gustavo J. Martinez, JEM 2017）. Link of the paper：https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/12/27/1807484116Lab link：https://person.zju.edu.cn/llr 

Zhejiang University-The University of Edinburgh Institute Granting Student Card Ceremony was held at the Haining International Campus on 27th November. Since then, all ZJE freshmen of 2018 have been officially registered as students of both Zhejiang University and The University of Edinburgh.  Dean of The University of Edinburgh School of Medicine Mike Shipston, ZJE Dean Hongwei Ouyang, ZJE Executive Dean Sue Welburn, ZJE Vice Dean Linrong Lu, ZJE programme Director John Menzies, Assistant Professor Michael Daw attended this ceremony. They granted student cards to all the freshmen. Prof. Mike Shipston and Prof. Hongwei Ouyang delivered speeches at the ceremony. Prof. Mike Shipston pointed out the bright development prospect of the biomedical industry and encouraged students to enjoy learning and living in the ZJE biomedical family. Prof. Hongwei Ouyang likened ZJE to a "Magic School", and compared ZJE student to future magicians, he believes all the ZJE members can create a magical future together. In the ceremony, all the faculty wore the ‘magic robe’, and all the students dressed formally. Everyone enjoyed this important moment. ZJE students have student status of the two universities in different countries, and we expect ZJE members will become the bridge between Chinese and Western civilizations and benefit the world with their knowledge in the future.   

Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundation recently issued a notice that Dr. Xin Xie (associate professor), Dr. Xudong Yao (postdoctoral fellow) and Dr. Wei Wei (postdoctoral fellow) of Zhejiang University-The University of Edinburgh Institute all have projects supported by the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation Program in 2019. The winning programs areDr. Xin Xie: Role of nuclear receptor COUP-TFII in colorectal tumorigenesis- Key Program Dr. Xudong Yao: Packaging and transfer of exogenous mitochondrial DNA via extracellular vesicles delays stem cell senescence- General ProgramDr. Wei Wei: Study of joint-paints based on chondroitin sulfate for superficial cartilage defects of osteoarthritis repair - General Program Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundation carries out strict double-blind review, replaces the traditional centralized review with email review, and the selection of review experts is randomly selected by the computer according to the research direction. Under this strict evaluation system, these three faculty members who obtained the fund in our Institute reflect the excellent research strength of ZJE's scientific research team! 

Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundation recently issued a notice that Dr. Xin Xie (associate professor), Dr. Xudong Yao (postdoctoral fellow) and Dr. Wei Wei (postdoctoral fellow) of Zhejiang University-The University of Edinburgh Institute all have projects supported by the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation Program in 2019. The winning programs areDr. Xin Xie: Role of nuclear receptor COUP-TFII in colorectal tumorigenesis- Key Program Dr. Xudong Yao: Packaging and transfer of exogenous mitochondrial DNA via extracellular vesicles delays stem cell senescence- General ProgramDr. Wei Wei: Study of joint-paints based on chondroitin sulfate for superficial cartilage defects of osteoarthritis repair - General Program Zhejiang Province Natural Science Foundation carries out strict double-blind review, replaces the traditional centralized review with email review, and the selection of review experts is randomly selected by the computer according to the research direction. Under this strict evaluation system, these three faculty members who obtained the fund in our Institute reflect the excellent research strength of ZJE's scientific research team! 

Zhejiang University-The University of Edinburgh Institute Granting Student Card Ceremony was held at the Haining International Campus on 27th November. Since then, all ZJE freshmen of 2018 have been officially registered as students of both Zhejiang University and The University of Edinburgh.  Dean of The University of Edinburgh School of Medicine Mike Shipston, ZJE Dean Hongwei Ouyang, ZJE Executive Dean Sue Welburn, ZJE Vice Dean Linrong Lu, ZJE programme Director John Menzies, Assistant Professor Michael Daw attended this ceremony. They granted student cards to all the freshmen. Prof. Mike Shipston and Prof. Hongwei Ouyang delivered speeches at the ceremony. Prof. Mike Shipston pointed out the bright development prospect of the biomedical industry and encouraged students to enjoy learning and living in the ZJE biomedical family. Prof. Hongwei Ouyang likened ZJE to a "Magic School", and compared ZJE student to future magicians, he believes all the ZJE members can create a magical future together. In the ceremony, all the faculty wore the ‘magic robe’, and all the students dressed formally. Everyone enjoyed this important moment. ZJE students have student status of the two universities in different countries, and we expect ZJE members will become the bridge between Chinese and Western civilizations and benefit the world with their knowledge in the future.   

The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was named Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards on Saturday, sponsored by the British Council and organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China.The 10th Anniversary Awards were held in Beijing on the 15 November and the winners announced at a gala dinner hosted by Dame Barbara Woodward GMG, the British Ambassador to China. The Awards recognise companies and individuals for ‘innovation, enterprise and endeavour’. The nine award categories drew over 200 entries from across China and many sectors. Winners were selected by a combination of multiple judging panels and online voting. Trophies were crafted in the UK and flown out from the UK for the presentation to the winners by sponsors which include BP, the British Council, Geely, GSK, KPMG, Harrow School, Knight Frank and Manchester Business School. Entries came from across China, and the UK. 215 applications were made for the nine awards drawn from the full spectrum of activities reflecting the deep involvement of Britain in China, and also of Chinese companies in the UK. The Education Institutional Partnership of the Year Award, sponsored by the British Council, was specifically aimed at partnerships between Chinese and British learning establishments.ZJE Institute Executive Dean, Professor Sue Welburn said: "Winning Education Institutional Partnership of the Year is a resounding endorsement for the Zhejiang - Edinburgh Institute and the ambitions and enthusiasm of all our staff and students. This has been a tremendous team effort and I am confident that the partnership will go from strength to strength."Founded in 2008, the British Business Awards are held to engage the business community in China and the UK, to showcase the many successes of British business in China and Chinese business in the UK. The Awards build a better understanding of the opportunities that are present in Sino-British relations. The British Chamber of Commerce in China is the organiser, with the active support of British Government Department for International Trade and non-Government organisations including the China Britain Business Council, Confederation of British Industry, the British Exporters Association and 48 Group Club.  At the gala dinner including the 44 finalists, the China Chamber of International Commerce was represented as a key member of the BBA creating greater collaboration with the Chinese business community. Speaking on the night, the Patron of the Awards, Dame Barbara Woodward CMG, said, “Celebration of excellence is a great British tradition, and at the 10th Anniversary of the British Business Awards we are proud to recognise those who display innovation, enterprise and endeavour here in China and the UK. As Patron I am delighted at the depth and quality of the entries, I endorse the integrity of the process, and I congratulate the justly deserving winners of their respective Awards.” The process of selecting the finalists and the winners of the BBA took over 10 months and was focused on being engaging, transparent and exciting. The core team from the Chamber was augmented by panel of five judges per award, who screened the applications and then interviewed in person the final five finalists allocating 40% of the weighting. Concurrently a KMPG reviewed on-line registration system drew over 6,100 unique votes accounting for 30% of the weighting. Lead judges presented a summary of key points from their interviews to a panel drawn from the supporting organisations and chaired by Mr Richard Burn, Minister for Trade from the Department of International Trade; the weighting of which was 30%. All votes were collated and tabulated by KPMG and were unknown to any single party until the night of the BBA on the 15 November 2018.  Chairman of the British Business Awards, and Vice Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce, Jim James commented, “I would like to thank all those who took part in the BBA 2018. The mission of the Awards has been to ensure that everyone can take part, that the finalists are inspiring to others, and that those who win are justly proud of their achievements. The 10th Anniversary of the BBA demonstrates that celebrating success is a vital and sustainable part of the contribution of the British Chamber of Commerce to the development of Sino-UK relations.” Winners: Rolls-Royce PLC改革开放- 40 Years of Reform Award - Sponsored by Geely Spiraxsarco Engineering (China) LtdBritish Company of the Year Award - Sponsored by GSK Teledyne e2vInnovation Award - Sponsored by BP Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG)Chinese Investor in the UK Award - Sponsored by KPMG David LukeSustainability Award - Sponsored by Harrow Beijing University of EdinburghEducation Institutional Partnership of the Year - Sponsored by the British Council AtkinsBelt & Road Initiative Award - Sponsored by Manchester Business School Rachel PinnigerInspiring Women Award - Sponsored by the British Council Richard CraggsEntrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsored by British Chamber of Commerce in China  

The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was named Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards on Saturday, sponsored by the British Council and organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China.The 10th Anniversary Awards were held in Beijing on the 15 November and the winners announced at a gala dinner hosted by Dame Barbara Woodward GMG, the British Ambassador to China. The Awards recognise companies and individuals for ‘innovation, enterprise and endeavour’. The nine award categories drew over 200 entries from across China and many sectors. Winners were selected by a combination of multiple judging panels and online voting. Trophies were crafted in the UK and flown out from the UK for the presentation to the winners by sponsors which include BP, the British Council, Geely, GSK, KPMG, Harrow School, Knight Frank and Manchester Business School. Entries came from across China, and the UK. 215 applications were made for the nine awards drawn from the full spectrum of activities reflecting the deep involvement of Britain in China, and also of Chinese companies in the UK. The Education Institutional Partnership of the Year Award, sponsored by the British Council, was specifically aimed at partnerships between Chinese and British learning establishments.ZJE Institute Executive Dean, Professor Sue Welburn said: "Winning Education Institutional Partnership of the Year is a resounding endorsement for the Zhejiang - Edinburgh Institute and the ambitions and enthusiasm of all our staff and students. This has been a tremendous team effort and I am confident that the partnership will go from strength to strength."Founded in 2008, the British Business Awards are held to engage the business community in China and the UK, to showcase the many successes of British business in China and Chinese business in the UK. The Awards build a better understanding of the opportunities that are present in Sino-British relations. The British Chamber of Commerce in China is the organiser, with the active support of British Government Department for International Trade and non-Government organisations including the China Britain Business Council, Confederation of British Industry, the British Exporters Association and 48 Group Club.  At the gala dinner including the 44 finalists, the China Chamber of International Commerce was represented as a key member of the BBA creating greater collaboration with the Chinese business community. Speaking on the night, the Patron of the Awards, Dame Barbara Woodward CMG, said, “Celebration of excellence is a great British tradition, and at the 10th Anniversary of the British Business Awards we are proud to recognise those who display innovation, enterprise and endeavour here in China and the UK. As Patron I am delighted at the depth and quality of the entries, I endorse the integrity of the process, and I congratulate the justly deserving winners of their respective Awards.” The process of selecting the finalists and the winners of the BBA took over 10 months and was focused on being engaging, transparent and exciting. The core team from the Chamber was augmented by panel of five judges per award, who screened the applications and then interviewed in person the final five finalists allocating 40% of the weighting. Concurrently a KMPG reviewed on-line registration system drew over 6,100 unique votes accounting for 30% of the weighting. Lead judges presented a summary of key points from their interviews to a panel drawn from the supporting organisations and chaired by Mr Richard Burn, Minister for Trade from the Department of International Trade; the weighting of which was 30%. All votes were collated and tabulated by KPMG and were unknown to any single party until the night of the BBA on the 15 November 2018.  Chairman of the British Business Awards, and Vice Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce, Jim James commented, “I would like to thank all those who took part in the BBA 2018. The mission of the Awards has been to ensure that everyone can take part, that the finalists are inspiring to others, and that those who win are justly proud of their achievements. The 10th Anniversary of the BBA demonstrates that celebrating success is a vital and sustainable part of the contribution of the British Chamber of Commerce to the development of Sino-UK relations.” Winners: Rolls-Royce PLC改革开放- 40 Years of Reform Award - Sponsored by Geely Spiraxsarco Engineering (China) LtdBritish Company of the Year Award - Sponsored by GSK Teledyne e2vInnovation Award - Sponsored by BP Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG)Chinese Investor in the UK Award - Sponsored by KPMG David LukeSustainability Award - Sponsored by Harrow Beijing University of EdinburghEducation Institutional Partnership of the Year - Sponsored by the British Council AtkinsBelt & Road Initiative Award - Sponsored by Manchester Business School Rachel PinnigerInspiring Women Award - Sponsored by the British Council Richard CraggsEntrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsored by British Chamber of Commerce in China  

 On October 19th, Dean of the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Peter Mathieson (fifth from left) lead a delegation from The University of Edinburgh that came to visit Zhejiang University - The University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE). Vice Dean of Zhejiang University, Dean of the International campus (fifth from right) professor Zhenlian He, Dean of ZJE professor Hongwei Ouyang, Executive dean of ZJE professor Sue Welburn welcomed the delegation.  The ZJE Institute Building at the Haining International campus was the first stop of Prof. Peter Mathieson’s visit, where he greeted the staff of ZJE in Chinese. The delegation also visited the rest of the international campus and praised the beautiful environment of campus. In the afternoon, the delegation travelled to Zijingang Campus to meet the Dean of Zhejiang University, and have an in-depth exchange of ideas on the cooperation between the two universities. Both sides place great importance on the construction of ZJE and are full of high expectations for the future.   In the evening, Zhejiang Alumni Association of the University of Edinburgh held a party in Hangzhou Four Seasons hotel. The delegation from The University of Edinburgh, the faculty and student representatives of ZJE Institute were invited to the party. Grant Spence, Director of the alumni affairs committee of the University of Edinburgh, expressed his hope that the international campus of Zhejiang University will serve as an activity base of the Zhejiang Alumni Association of the University of Edinburgh, allowing alumni to have deeper connection to the universities.       As Prof. Peter Mathieson said during the party, the cooperation between Zhejiang University and The University of Edinburgh is extremely meaningful and groundbreaking. We are looking forward to spreading our idea of cooperation and its impact.                                                                                                                                                                

 On October 19th, Dean of the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Peter Mathieson (fifth from left) lead a delegation from The University of Edinburgh that came to visit Zhejiang University - The University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE). Vice Dean of Zhejiang University, Dean of the International campus (fifth from right) professor Zhenlian He, Dean of ZJE professor Hongwei Ouyang, Executive dean of ZJE professor Sue Welburn welcomed the delegation.  The ZJE Institute Building at the Haining International campus was the first stop of Prof. Peter Mathieson’s visit, where he greeted the staff of ZJE in Chinese. The delegation also visited the rest of the international campus and praised the beautiful environment of campus. In the afternoon, the delegation travelled to Zijingang Campus to meet the Dean of Zhejiang University, and have an in-depth exchange of ideas on the cooperation between the two universities. Both sides place great importance on the construction of ZJE and are full of high expectations for the future.   In the evening, Zhejiang Alumni Association of the University of Edinburgh held a party in Hangzhou Four Seasons hotel. The delegation from The University of Edinburgh, the faculty and student representatives of ZJE Institute were invited to the party. Grant Spence, Director of the alumni affairs committee of the University of Edinburgh, expressed his hope that the international campus of Zhejiang University will serve as an activity base of the Zhejiang Alumni Association of the University of Edinburgh, allowing alumni to have deeper connection to the universities.       As Prof. Peter Mathieson said during the party, the cooperation between Zhejiang University and The University of Edinburgh is extremely meaningful and groundbreaking. We are looking forward to spreading our idea of cooperation and its impact.                                                                                                                                                                

The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) is in the running for a leading international business award.ZJE has been shortlisted for the Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards, sponsored by the British Council and organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China.The Institute, which is a collaboration in the fields of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Informatics between Zhejiang University of China and The University of Edinburgh, brings together biomedical researchers and teaching staff from both universities to translate medical research into technologies that improve healthcare.Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards. It’s a wonderful endorsement for all of the team at the Zhejiang-Edinburgh Institute and the collaborative ambitions of our two universities.”In addition to research, dual award degree programmes have been launched to train up to 150 undergraduate students and 50 PhD students each year in biomedical sciences and biomedical informatics.The partnership is China’s first joint undergraduate degree programme in biomedical sciences and is open to international and Chinese students.The Universities have together established an international research institute at the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining, Zhejiang, that builds on the existing strengths of both, and aims to foster collaborations in teaching and research.Mike Shipston, Dean of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Edinburgh said: “This major strategic partnership brings together the very best of Western and Chinese education and research practice to train the next generation of global biomedical educators, researchers and entrepreneurs.”The newly built International Campus has state of the art learning and teaching facilities as well as student-centred support structures. In addition, it provides extensive sports and leisure opportunities, exceptional accommodation and a high-class catering service.The British Business Awards aim to recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the British and Chinese business communities.The awards are now in their 10th year. Winners will be announced at an event in Beijing in November.A public vote is worth 30% of the total scoring for the Awards. You can support the Institute by voting here: https://voting.britishbusinessawards.cn/

The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) is in the running for a leading international business award.ZJE has been shortlisted for the Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards, sponsored by the British Council and organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China.The Institute, which is a collaboration in the fields of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Informatics between Zhejiang University of China and The University of Edinburgh, brings together biomedical researchers and teaching staff from both universities to translate medical research into technologies that improve healthcare.Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Education Institutional Partnership of the Year at the British Business Awards. It’s a wonderful endorsement for all of the team at the Zhejiang-Edinburgh Institute and the collaborative ambitions of our two universities.”In addition to research, dual award degree programmes have been launched to train up to 150 undergraduate students and 50 PhD students each year in biomedical sciences and biomedical informatics.The partnership is China’s first joint undergraduate degree programme in biomedical sciences and is open to international and Chinese students.The Universities have together established an international research institute at the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining, Zhejiang, that builds on the existing strengths of both, and aims to foster collaborations in teaching and research.Mike Shipston, Dean of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Edinburgh said: “This major strategic partnership brings together the very best of Western and Chinese education and research practice to train the next generation of global biomedical educators, researchers and entrepreneurs.”The newly built International Campus has state of the art learning and teaching facilities as well as student-centred support structures. In addition, it provides extensive sports and leisure opportunities, exceptional accommodation and a high-class catering service.The British Business Awards aim to recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the British and Chinese business communities.The awards are now in their 10th year. Winners will be announced at an event in Beijing in November.A public vote is worth 30% of the total scoring for the Awards. You can support the Institute by voting here: https://voting.britishbusinessawards.cn/

The Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) new student welcome ceremony was held in the Residential College on 15 September 2018, with more than 100 new undergraduate and postgraduate students in attendance. The new students spanned various regions across China, and countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, America and Ghana. Many distinguished guests attended the ceremony including Vice President of ZJU and Dean of ZJU International Campus Lianzhen He, Assistant President of ZJU, Secretary of Party Working Committee and Vice Dean of ZJU International Campus Qiang Fu, Vice Dean of ZJU International Campus Guanzhong Ding, ZJE Dean Ouyang Hongwei, ZJE Executive Dean Sue Welburn, ZJE Vice Dean Linrong Lu, ZJE Vice Dean Ye Chen, ZJE Assistant Dean Suhong Xu, Vice Dean of ZJU School of Basic Medical Sciences Di Wang, Director of ZJU International Campus Office of Student Affairs Yufen Wang, Assistant Dean of ZJU International Campus and Director of Office of Academic Affairs Jinqi Zhou, Director of ZJU International Campus Financial Department Ping Qiu, all the faculty of ZJE, parents and senior ZJE students.The ceremony began with the new students and guests signing their names and creating multi-coloured hand prints on the signature wall. These colourful hand prints symbolise the bright futures expected for the new students.Vice President of ZJU and Dean of ZJU International Campus, Lianzhen He, expressed her sincere welcome to all the new students. She said that the ceremony should be seen as a brand-new start for all of the students - "hard work and high grades are just part of college life, ZJE needs students with a global vision to lead the way." Image of International Campus Dean, Lianzhen HeThen, Professor Ouyang Hongwei, Dean of ZJE, gave a speech entitled "New Journey of Evolution". He stated that the moment a student chooses ZJE, they have set themselves apart from their peers. He said: "In ZJE, because of the combination of Chinese and Western teaching models, industry-wide visions and high-level thinking, combined with the key factor of "cross evolution", our students stand out among their peers. More importantly, ZJE trains the players of life, not only in professional excellence, but also physical, emotional, and mental health."  Image of ZJE Dean, Professor Ouyang HongweiExecutive Dean Sue Welburn gave students a brief and interesting introduction to the Institute. She also showed the close connection between the study and understanding of biomedical sciences and human life. Dean Welburn also introduced the student journal 'The New Enlightenment' which was launched this year, and encouraged the new students to actively participate in the production of the journal. Image of Vice-Dean Professor Sue WelburnThen, Vice Dean Qiang Fu, Professor Ouyang Hongwei and Professor Sue Welburn gifted books - 'The Origin of Species by Charles Robert Darwin' to the student representatives. They said they hoped the freshmen class will inherit the excellent traditions of the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University, make the most of the resources of these two universities, develop themselves and give back to society in the future. After the gift-giving, on behalf of all the freshmen, Jingxian Zhao not only expressed her excitement about her upcoming life in ZJE, but also expressed her commitment to "comprehensive development, seeking truth and innovation".     Senior students of ZJE, Baizhi Chen, Zerong Cai and Ziyuan Han shared their experiences of the research placements they completed during the summer holidays in Melbourne, Edinburgh and Boston respectively. They encouraged the new students to also take part in the summer research programme. In order to help the new students adapt to university life, the Director of Undergraduate Programmes, Professor John Menzies and the Director of Postgraduate Programmes, Professor David Arnot gave detailed introductions to the dual degree programmes. They introduced the core concepts students would be learning, as well as provided some advice on what to expect. Image of Professor John Menzies, Director of Undergraduate Programmes Image of Professor David Arnott with Postgraduate studentsStudents were also introduced to the 'Academic Families' scheme, which aims to provide academic help to new students. Each family consists of two senior students and six freshmen. The first meeting of family members was also held in this ceremony. Each academic family had a great time getting to know each other. In order to give students a better understanding of Edinburgh, Professor John Menzies gave a brief introduction of Scotland's characteristics and geographical location. Then, all the students and faculty shared Scottish whisky and cookies, they also learned Scottish dancing and enjoyed wonderful Scottish music at the end of the welcome ceremony. The welcoming ceremony signalled a new start for not only students but also ZJE. We sincerely hope that every new student will remember the school motto, "face up to the challenge of learning English and embark on the road of scientific research leading to the beautiful unknown."