At the invitation of Prof. XU Xian-ming, President of Shandong University and Prof. Chen Zijiang, Vice Dean, School of Medicine, Shandong University and Director of the National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Prof. Chan Wai-yee, Director, School of Biomedical Sciences of CUHK led a delegation comprising Prof. Kung Hsiangfu and Prof. Gang Lu to visit the National Center and Shandong University between 18 and 22 September 2012.

During the visit to the Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, Prof. Chan presented a talk on developmental genomics and epigenomics of male germ cells in health and diseases while Prof. Kung presented a talk on the role of genomics in the development of modern medicine. Both Prof. Chan and Prof. Kung were appointed Member of Academic and Technical Committee of the National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics. Apart from visiting the Hospital and exploring the possible areas for research cooperation between the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Medicine of Shandong University, Prof. Chan was awarded Honorary Professor of Shandong University. During the ceremony in the University, Prof. Chan and Prof. Lu gave talks on "Sharing of CUHK Experience: Innovative Modes of Education and Research in Medical School" and "From Benchside to Bedside – Translation Research on Neurosurgery at CUHK", respectively. 

On 19 December 2012, a 13-member delegation from Shandong University led by Prof. Chen Zijiang paid a return visit to the School of Biomedical Sciences. Apart from further discussion on actualizing collaborations between the two parties and touring our major core laboratories and animal holding facilities, the visitors were also arranged to join a welcome lunch hosted by Prof. Fok Tai-fai, Dean of Medicine and a campus tour coordinated by Office of Academic Links (China) (OLAC) and Prof. Lu Gang.

The mutual visits have provided a good opportunity for enhancing understanding between our School and Shandong University. At the same time, it has also consolidated the foundation for establishing academic collaborations in research between the two parties in the future, including the development of a joint research laboratory on reproductive genetics.

Prof. Chan Wai-yee (left) receiving the Certificate of Gratitude from Prof. Chen Zijiang, Vice Dean of School of Medicine, Shandong University (right)

Prof. Chan Wai-yee delivering a presentation to the participating staff and students