The University of Aberdeen and the University of Hong Kong have agreed to work together to develop greater and broader collaboration with the explicit intention of enhancing research and education excellence.
The Vice-Chancellors of the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, in Hong Kong, witnessed by Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, and Dr The Honourable David Kwok-Po Li, Pro-Chancellor of Hong Kong University.
The University of Aberdeen has been a close partner of Hong Kong University. The Medical and Dental Faculties in Hong Kong have worked with experts at Aberdeen on different research projects for some years.
At the Signing Ceremony, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong University, said: “The initiative marks a new chapter in the collaboration between the two universities that share a common vision for the betterment of the healthcare of mankind. By pooling expertise and resources, the joint efforts of the two universities would provide a strong platform for research and academic excellence.”
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, is confident that the collaboration will be a great success, in respect of the individual strengths each bring to the partnership. He said: “There are long historical links between the two Universities and Medical Schools and we are now planning to bring our research expertise together to further strengthen the ties that bind us.”
Under the collaboration, Aberdeen and Hong Kong will jointly develop medical research projects in the areas of:
* Cancer
* Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Ageing
* Infection and Immunology
* Public Health
* Reproduction, Development and Growth
Academic exchange of teaching staff and students will also be arranged so that staff and students can mutually benefit from the combined strengths of joint education, and from interaction with one another.
An Inauguration Medical Symposium jointly organised by Hong Kong University’s Medical Faculty and the University of Aberdeen was also held today. The Symposium was aimed at strengthening academic and scientific exchange and also included a number of discussions which included overviews of the Medical Schools in Hong Kong and Aberdeen; issues and research surrounding public health; research into osteoporosis; emerging infectious diseases and the commercialisation of research. Over 200 medical professionals were in attendance.