HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital Forge Strategic Partnership | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University (Beijing Tiantan Hospital) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement today to jointly nurture innovative medical talents with expertise in both research and clinical practice. The partnership aims to promote the integration of frontier technologies and clinical medicine, thereby expediting the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications.

Confronted with the challenges of an aging population, medical demands around the world are growing rapidly. To meet these demands, the healthcare system of the future is in pressing need of clinician scientists and biotech talents who possess both research and clinical treatment capabilities. The collaboration between HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital will cultivate innovative medical talents for the future by leveraging each other’s resources and respective strengths. In addition, this partnership is poised to expedite the clinical application and translation of research findings, with the goal of promoting high-quality healthcare development in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.

According to the agreement, HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital will launch a key talent training program this year. Physicians selected for the program will enhance their research and clinical practice by undergoing research training at the University, during when they will actively participate in frontier research projects and learn the latest research approaches and technologies.  The two parties will collaborate on research projects in areas including neuroscience, artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical engineering, to promote the translation of cutting-edge technologies into clinical applications.

At the signing ceremony, HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP said, “This partnership represents a significant milestone for HKUST. We aim to establish exchanges and collaborations with Mainland institutions to develop talent and advance medical and clinical research in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Building a critical mass of expertise will also foster healthcare innovation and strengthen the biomedical and healthcare industries in both regions."

President of Beijing Tiantan Hospital Prof. WANG Yongjun said, “Beijing Tiantan Hospital is committed to nurturing clinical medical scientists who excel in identifying problems and resolving clinical issues through technological innovation. Our mission aligns with that of HKUST in fostering the next generation of medical talents. We firmly believe that integrating research and clinical practice will significantly enhance the translation and application of research findings, bringing hope to a larger number of patients. Through our partnership with HKUST, we hope to nurture clinical scientists with a comprehensive understanding of research and clinical practice, who will make significant contributions to the field of medicine.” 

As Hong Kong’s first research university, HKUST has established a robust research foundation that attracts globally renowned experts in fields like neuroscience, genetics, bioengineering, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, multi-omics, and precision drug discovery. It is committed to fostering collaboration with the Mainland in research and education. HKUST is now planning to establish an internationally-leading and research-based medical school. This institution will nurture clinicians and medical professionals with strong research and translational skills, so they could drive an integrated advancement of frontier technologies and medical practices.

Beijing Tiantan Hospital is a Grade 3A General Hospital specializing in clinical neuroscience that integrates medical treatment, teaching and scientific research. It is a national center for the diagnosis, treatment and research of neurological diseases, and is currently leading national and municipal pilot projects for medical and technological innovation as well as knowledge transfer. The Hospital is also internationally recognized for its research in cerebrovascular disease, glioma and other neurological diseases. Recently, the Hospital has made significant breakthroughs in cutting-edge fields such as brain-computer interface, AI, robotics, and big data. The Hospital will strive to become a world-class, research-oriented and innovative institution.

Over the years, HKUST and Beijing Tiantan Hospital have developed a close research partnership. Last year, the two organizations jointly developed a machine learning model that can predict the recovery progress and outcomes of patients with cerebral glioma. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for enhancing patient management strategies and implementing precise tumor treatment.
 

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, engineering and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. We were ranked 2nd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2023, and our graduates were ranked 29th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global Employability University Ranking 2023. As of September 2023, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 13 exits (IPO or M&A), generating economic impact worth over HK$ 400 billion. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, 12 subjects have been ranked in the top 50 globally, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" securing the 10th position, the highest ranking among the local universities in the field.