Visit by Duke University School of Medicine

On March 5, 2013, a delegation from Duke University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Krishna Udayakumar, Director of Duke Medicine Global, visited Tianjin University (TJU). The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Zhang Yaozhou, Vice President of Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine. TJU Vice President Shu Gequn met with the guests.

Vice President Shu presented an overview of TJU, including its history, disciplinary strength, and outstanding performance in the 2012 national discipline assessment by the Ministry of Education of China. Vice President Shu said TJU attached much importance to the development of health and life science. Also, TJU hopes to promote the advancement of related disciplines and develop advanced talent in this field through high-quality resources. Dr. Udayakumar presented an overview of the history of Duke University as well as its School of Medicine. He hoped this visit could broaden mutual understanding and trust for the development of future cooperation. During the meeting, both sides also held an in-depth discussion concerning Chinese-Foreign cooperative projects in the field of medicine and reached a preliminary consensus.

Leaders from Tianjin Binhai New Area also met with the delegation, including Mr. Zhu Xijin, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Commission, Mr. Yang Jinxing, Deputy Chief of the Development and Reform Commission, and Mr. Zhang Yumin, Vice President of the Association for Science and Technology. The delegation also visited Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine and Tanggu State Marine Hi-tech Development Area.

Established in 1838, Duke University is a private research university. Its School of Medicine, a signature school of the university, is ranked 8th among all medical schools nationwide in 2013 U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the nation's elite medical institutions.