UQ Delegation Visit to HUST: Strengthening Medicine-Engineering Collaboration
A delegation from the University of Queensland (UQ) visited Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) on May 16 to discuss advancements in medicine-engineering collaboration. The delegation, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President for Global Engagement, Rongyu Li, included Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Rowan. The visit was part of the “Medicine-Engineering Interdisciplinary Academic and Research Innovation Roundtable” held at HUST’s Tongji Medical College.
Welcome and Partnership Significance
During the meeting, Professor Zhang Yonghui, Vice President of HUST and Chair of Tongji Medical College, welcomed the UQ representatives, emphasizing the significance of their partnership. He noted UQ’s role as an essential collaborator in Australia for HUST and highlighted common strengths in areas such as biomedical materials, neuroscience, medical devices, and artificial intelligence diagnostics. Both institutions expressed a shared interest in enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in initiatives focused on healthy aging.
Collaborative Opportunities
The establishment of the Junshan International Campus is seen as a potential avenue for both universities to create a joint research institute aimed at addressing global challenges through innovative technological initiatives.
Addressing Aging Challenges
Professor Rongyu Li acknowledged the hospitality extended by HUST and noted the challenges associated with aging populations in both China and Australia. He pointed out HUST’s extensive capabilities in medicine, engineering, and infrastructure, while also underscoring UQ’s strengths in aging research, translational medicine, and technology transfer. This cooperation is viewed as an opportunity to develop joint research platforms that can yield significant societal impacts.
Research and Academic Development
Presentations by Professor Chen Gang, Director of Research at Tongji Medical College, and Professor Alan Rowan provided updates on academic developments and research agendas from both universities. They discussed plans for collaborative efforts, including the establishment of a joint institute.
Promotion of Academic Collaboration
Furthermore, discussions among leaders from HUST’s health and pharmacy schools focused on promoting academic collaboration. These discussions included the creation of exchange programs for faculty and students, joint degree offerings, and initiatives to cultivate high-caliber talent.
Campus Tour and Educational Seminars
The visit concluded with a tour of HUST’s International Education and Scientific Innovation Campus, the Translational Medicine Building, and other facilities. Professor Alan Rowan also conducted seminars at the School of Life Science and Technology, Union Hospital, and the School of Pharmacy, where agreements were reached to further enhance educational and research collaboration between the institutions.
University Background
Founded in 1909, the University of Queensland is ranked 40th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and was recognized as Australia’s Best University in 2024 by the Australian Financial Review. UQ and HUST established their partnership in 2004, with their International Cooperation Agreement renewed in 2023.
(Source: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)
