Ulm University enjoyed a prestigious visit from China early this week. Around 20 guests from the renowned Peking University met with researchers from the Ulm University Medical Department.
The scientific programme focused on the areas of strategic development at Ulm University: haematology and oncology, neurodegeneration and trauma research. “Peking University is probably the best university in China, and a world leader in the field of medicine. We hope that the visit from this delegation serves to intensify our collaboration and take it to the next level”, said Professor Thomas Wirth, dean of the Medical Faculty. Professor Klaus-Michael Debatin, vice president for outreach at Ulm University, added that other goals include joint research projects and exchange programmes for students and researchers.
The universities of Peking and Ulm are already working closely together in the field of neuroscience. Experts from both countries are pooling their expertise within the framework of a virtual institute. Together, they are investigating why the incidence and severity of certain neurological diseases differ considerably between Germany and China. Examples range from multiple sclerosis to strokes. Other joint research interests include illnesses in the autism spectrum, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and dementia. “Our collaboration with Ulm University goes back to the year 2007. Regular scientific exchange, especially in the field of neuroscience, takes place at an annual meeting either in Ulm or Peking. Now we would like to expand our collaboration to include trauma and cancer research as well as the field of mental health”, stated Professor Qimin Zhan, vice president of Peking University and director of the Peking University Health Science Center.
During the delegation’s visit to Ulm, German and Chinese hospital directors presented their activities in cancer and trauma research as well as in the areas of neurology and psychiatry. The guests from Peking were also given a tour of the new surgical facility, the Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm (CCCU) and the University Hospital Neurology Department. Along with the Chinese scientists, staff members responsible for the international cooperation at Peking University also travelled to Germany. Daniela Englisch, head of the International Office in Ulm, refers to Peking University as the “Harvard of China” and also hopes to expand the exchange opportunities for students and lecturers in the field of medicine.
Text and Mediacontact: Annika Bingmann