Tongji Hospital and Heidelberg University Collaborate to Establish Center for Rare Diseases
A delegation from Tongji Hospital, led by Chair Tang Zhouping, visited Heidelberg University in Germany on October 8 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Tongji-Heidelberg Rare Disease Center. This partnership aims to promote innovations in both basic and clinical research related to rare diseases, with the goal of enhancing medical services for affected patients.
Collaboration Framework
The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to develop the Tongji-Heidelberg Center for Rare Diseases, utilizing resources from both institutions to foster cooperation in diagnosis and research. The collaboration will focus on advancing research initiatives, sharing clinical techniques, and offering training programs, particularly in areas such as inherited metabolic diseases, rare liver and kidney diseases, and complex rare diseases.
Significance of the Center
During the signing ceremony, Professor Weller, Vice President of Heidelberg University, and Michael Boutros, Dean of Heidelberg Medical College, underscored the significance of the new center as a foundation for increased collaboration in the field of rare diseases. They expressed optimism regarding future joint ventures between the two institutions.
Research Potential
Professor Hoffmann, Director of the Center for Rare Diseases at Heidelberg University, commented on the potential of the partnership to yield breakthroughs that could benefit more patients.
Overview of Current Research
Professor Luo Xiaoping, Director of the Rare Disease Diagnosis and Research Center at Tongji Hospital, provided an overview of the hospital’s current endeavors in rare disease research. He proposed the implementation of a case-sharing mechanism to facilitate discussions on rare diseases and enhance collaborative approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Commitment to the Partnership
Tang Zhouping stated that the partnership represents a significant advancement for Tongji Hospital in the realm of rare diseases. He affirmed the hospital’s commitment to working alongside the Center for Rare Diseases at Heidelberg University to further national and international initiatives in this vital aspect of healthcare, which may significantly impact the lives of patients with rare diseases.
About the Center for Rare Diseases
The Center for Rare Diseases at Heidelberg University, founded in 2011, is recognized as a leading medical center focusing on rare diseases, equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies and a commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration. The center has received international recognition for its contributions to clinical practice and its extensive network of rare disease registries throughout Europe.
(Source: English version of Tongji University news)
