The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to enhance collaboration on talent exchange and research. This landmark agreement aims to foster closer ties between Hong Kong universities and mainland hospitals, leveraging their combined strengths to advance medical education, innovation, and industry development.
The agreement was formalized in Beijing, signed by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and PUMCH President Prof. ZHANG Shuyang. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both institutions, including 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, and PUMCH Vice President Prof. HAN Ding.
The collaboration will explore innovative paradigms to enhance synergy between HKUST's pioneering research capabilities and PUMCH's leading position in clinical medicine. The partnership aims to drive comprehensive initiatives in talent development, medical education, MedTech innovation, and knowledge transfer. The first cohort of doctors and scholars from PUMCH is expected to begin their academic exchange at HKUST later this year.
Prof. Nancy Ip, in her remarks at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “With rapid economic and societal development, there is an urgent demand for innovative medical professionals skilled in both research and clinical treatment. This strategic partnership with PUMCH marks a significant milestone, enhancing cooperation in medical research and clinical practice between Mainland China and Hong Kong. By nurturing new generations of medical talent and accelerating 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 highlighted HKUST's progress in promoting technological innovation, talent development, and interdisciplinary research. “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. This includes promoting frontier technology research, transferring knowledge of research outcomes, building interdisciplinary platforms, and cultivating multidisciplinary medical professionals. Our goal is to unlock new models of collaboration between mainland hospitals and Hong Kong universities and contribute actively to providing lifelong holistic health care to citizens”.
As Hong Kong’s first research university, HKUST has established a robust research foundation, attracting talented professionals from various fields, particularly in neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, multi-omics, and precision drug discovery. HKUST is also planning to establish a world-leading research-based medical school to address future societal needs. This innovative medical school aims to nurture clinicians and medical professionals with strong research and translational skills, driving integrated advancements in frontier technology and medical practices. The school will foster collaborations with mainland medical institutions, including PUMCH, to develop medical manpower training programs.
PUMCH, a Grade 3A General Hospital, 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. The hospital is also a national base for demonstrating higher medical education and standardized training for resident doctors, and a core national facility for clinical medical research and technological innovation. PUMCH has earned a reputation for its comprehensive range of disciplines, strong technical expertise, outstanding specialties, and robust multidisciplinary capabilities. It ranked first in the performance assessment of national Grade III public hospitals.
HKUST and PUMCH have maintained a close relationship, evidenced by recent high-level visits. In March 2024, Prof. Ip visited PUMCH to explore collaboration opportunities, meeting with Honorary President Prof. ZHAO Yupei, President Prof. ZHANG Shuyang, and Vice President Prof. DU Bin. In April, Prof. Zhang led a PUMCH delegation to HKUST, visiting laboratories and discussing cooperation in medical education and research.
Under the three-year strategic cooperation agreement, HKUST and PUMCH will establish a comprehensive platform for research collaboration, medical talent exchange, and medical service delivery through various strategic initiatives. This partnership signifies a commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and excellence across both regions, benefiting the broader medical and scientific communities.
