Research journey starts at CUHK

Over 100 students from around the world participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Programme 2018.

The Office of Academic Links (OAL) has been offering the Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) since 2014 as a platform to promote internationalisation by hosting international students under the mentorship of top researchers at CUHK. In 2018, the programme has attracted a record high of 108 students from 15 different countries/regions to undertake short-term research attachments in a variety of disciplines including Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science.

Apart from engaging in research, students also made use of the opportunity to expand their international network. Mr. Anthony Burtman from University of Arizona, who undertook a research project under the supervision of Prof. Gary Tse from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, was engaged in a diversified research group with students from Canada, Czech Republic and the UK. ‘My project was “Elucidation of Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms Using Optical Mapping in Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Models”. Through the eight-week attachment, I was introduced to cardiology with an exposure to a hospital environment. Compared to my previous summer learning experience, this has been more like an internship, getting to experience how research is done first hand.’ Prof. Gary Tse was impressed with his students’ performance, ‘My students have collaborated as a good team with great enthusiasm, providing outstanding and invaluable contributions to my lab during the summer. Joint publications are expected to be on the way.’

Prof. Gary Tse (1st left) provides valuable guidance for his students.

Apart from working alongside leading experts in the field, the students also explored around Hong Kong and took part in a series of cultural immersion activities. The programme concluded with a poster presentation session to showcase their research outcomes and celebrate their achievements.

Showing research achievements at the poster presentation session.

OAL will soon invite CUHK faculty members to host incoming undergraduates for next year’s SURP. Faculty members are encouraged to take part in the programme in order to promote the University’s research strengths and attract quality students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at CUHK. Interested parties please look for updates on the SURP website.