April 22, 2025, Wuhan -- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) formally established their partnership through reaching a framework cooperation agreement at HUST's campus. Professor Nieng Yan, President of SMART and Director of Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL), witnessed the signing ceremony alongside Professor Zheng You, President of HUST, with Vice President Yonghui Zhang presiding over the event.

Dr. Huan Tu, Vice President of SMART and Deputy Director of SZBL, and Vice President Yonghui Zhang of HUST inked the agreement on behalf of the two institutions. The signing of this framework agreement marks a significant step forward for SMART and SZBL's efforts in promoting synergistic innovation across the domains of industry, academia, research, and clinical practice. According to the agreement, this partnership will focus on addressing major scientific and technological challenges in biomedical sciences through joint research programs, conducting in-depth collaborations in scientific research, clinical studies, dual personnel appointments, talent cultivation, translational outcomes, and resource sharing.

On behalf of HUST, President You extended a warm welcome to Professor Yan and the SMART delegation. He noted that SMART, as a national-level innovative medical research institution, excels in cutting-edge fields such as structural biology and AI-powered medicine, advancing the in-depth integration between medical science and industrial applications. He highlighted HUST's distinctive strengths in medical talents cultivation and clinical research and unwavering commitment to the Healthy China initiative, evidenced by notable accomplishments in areas such as high-end medical devices and biopharmaceuticals. He expressed confidence that this partnership will serve as a catalyst for practical collaboration on the frontiers of life sciences, leveraging both institutions' advantages to jointly cultivate innovative talents, and accelerating the translation of biomedical research into real-world applications to collectively contribute to building a world-class biomedical innovation hub that China's major strategic needs.

Professor Nieng Yan expressed her gratitude for the outstanding contributions of HUST alumni. She stated that SMART is dedicated to addressing major issues concerning people's health and well-being in China and emergent public health crises, with the goal of establishing a physician-scientist training system that integrates both clinical practice and scientific research. By doing so, the Academy seeks to break down the "invisible barriers" between fundamental biomedical research and clinical medical studies. Professor Yan outlined SMART's key research areas, its distinctive PhD training model, international academic exchange programs, and progress in clinical collaborations. She expressed anticipations to a synergistic partnership with HUST, leveraging their respective strengths for mutual success.

This signing ceremony was attended by representatives from SMART and SZBL, as well as officials from the Party Committee Office, and President's Office, and the Science and Technology Development Institute of HUST.

Source | HUST