勇于冒险 甘于艰苦 乐于和谐

On Monday 25 June, Associate Dean Barclay Morrison from Columbia University’s School of Engineering led a delegation including Associate Professor Lance C. Kam and Senior Lecturer Aaron Matthew Kyle from Columbia University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. The delegation met with Dean Xu Zhenghe from SUSTech’s College of Engineering, Founding Chair Guo Xiangdong, Chair Jiang Xingyu and Acting Chair Chen Fangyi from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, along with teachers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering for an informal discussion. Dean Xu Zhenghe welcomed Barclay Morrison and his delegation. He introduced the wide range of cooperations and exchanges that SUSTech takes part in with other famous universities around the world, including MIT and UBC. Senior Lecturer Aaron Matthew Kyle introduced the capstone course of biomedical engineering at Columbia University, and both sides talked about jointly training students, cooperating on teaching research and other areas of cooperation between SUSTech and Columbia University. Later, Associate Dean Barclay Morrison and his team were taken to the teaching laboratories at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and provided one-on-one guidance about the core courses in the Department. Background: In 2016, when the Department of Biomedical Engineering was established, both universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Schools of Engineering, around academic cooperation and exchange. The two Departments of Biomedical Engineering would reach a consensus on a variety of issues, including student training, student communication, and curriculum guidance. The exchange would further promote the development of cooperation between the two Schools of Engineering and Departments of Biomedical Engineering.

On the morning of May 11, 2017, staff and students of the university were given a special treat: the visit by two towering figures in the arena of science. The first is Yu Mengsun, a distinguished member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who also wears another hat as the Director of Aviation Medicine Engineering Research Center of the Air Force Aviation Medical Research Institute. The other is Prof Jiang Zonglai, Honorary Director of the Institute of Mechanical Biology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. These two world-leading scientists came to our department to mentor our students, sharing their experience of undergraduate education and scientific research. They gave our students a pep talk on how to improve their academic skills for professional development and advised them to be mindful of serving the needs of the state and society. The two distinguished scientists also held talks with faculty members, including Academician Xu Zhenghe, Dean of the Engineering Institute. The Forum in Progress The Meeting of Minds–with Academician Xu Zhenghe The highlight of the visit was a speech by each of the two distinguished visitors. Academician Yu Mengsun gave an eye-opening speech on “The Problems of Human Health Engineering” while Prof Jiang Zonglai delivered a spell-binding talk on “the Progress from Biomechanics to Mechanical Biology”. The speeches were moderated by Prof X. Edward Guo, founding Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at our University. A near capacity audience for a great forum The special significance of Academician Yu’s visit was underscored by the fact that he is a revered as a pioneer and leading expert in aviation biomedical engineering in particular and biomedical engineering in general in China. If there are national heroes in science in our country, he is surely one of them. In the early 1960’s, he was the first to develop the “aviation bio telemetry device” and “physiological electrographic recording device” in China which was applied successfully to remote-monitor 12 kinds of physiological and physical information of the pilot, from acceleration, electrocardiogram to electroencephalogram at a 12,000-meter altitude, and within a 300-kilmoeter flight radius. This enabled China to become only the third country after the United States and the former Soviet Union with aviation medical telemetry technology. More good things were to follow. By the 1990’s, he made another significant contribution, discovering electrodeless current detection technology. It comes as no surprise that he leads China’s charge in this field, currently holding the position of Director of Aviation Medicine Engineering Research Center of the Air Force Aviation Medical Research Institute. He is also the Honorary Chairman of the China Biomedical Engineering Society. Prof Jiang Zonglai is no less an illustrious member of the scientific community. He is former Chairman and Member of the National Biomechanics Specialization Committee. He has been honored as Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (or AIMBE Fellow). He is a scientific heavyweight, having been showered with multiple honors, holding a long list of prestigious positions, such as the Honorary Director of the Institute of Mechanical Biology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Director of the World Council of Biomechanics (WCB),and Honorary Vice President of the China Biomedical Engineering Society. He is equally in demand in scientific writing as the Subeditor of the Chinese Journal of biomedical Engineering and Executive Subeditor of the Journal of Medical Biomechanics. Here is a man with  a life-long devotion to the research on vascular morphology, biomechanics and mechanical biology, stretching over a span of nearly 40 years.   Making a point—Academician Yu holding court   In his speech, Academician Yu first explained what human health medical engineering is all about. He believes that a wholesome person should be a system of harmony between man and nature, or the unity of mind and body. The external world environment or the human physical system is known as Yang (one of the antitheses of Chinese philosophy and medicine), but it needs to be in harmony with Yin, the mental system. Human beings are a huge, complex system, with advanced mental activities. They need to receive all kinds of external information and chain-react to such information. He then pointed out that the physical states can be divided into static state and transient state, leading to the key concept of the transition state. He then delved into Tsien Hsueshen’s concept of the dynamics of the functional state. From there, he introduced five types of transition states: consciousness (or relaxation), smooth transition state (or healthy lifestyle), the physiological stress of the transition state (medical care, exercise and physiological responses), overloading the stress transition state (excessive stimulation, acute diseases and therapeutic errors), and crisis transition state (beyond the capability of the organism). Finally, he explained the so-called specific model or the SIR model, with people’s health as its core. This is a new type of health industry that is now growing rapidly in China. At the meeting, Yu was at great pains to drum the idea of a healthy lifestyle, including sound sleep habits, into the students. Now past 80 years of age, Prof Yu charmed the young audience with his vitality and humor, with much lively exchanges and hearty laugher. It was an experience to remember. Prof Jiang Zonglai in mid-speech Then it was Prof Jiang Zonglai’s turn to take to the stage. He gave the audience an overview of modern biomechanics and made reference to the contributions of Fend Yuanzheng. Jiang walked the attendees through the progress from biomechanics to mechanical biology, and the current development and breakthroughs of biomechanics in China. He also introduced his own specialty of vascular mechanical biology. Looking ahead, he saw nothing but rosy prospects in the development of biomechanics in our country. After the speechmaking, both speakers signed the Book of Messages for the SUST Lecture Hall. Yu penned a bold prediction that this University “ is bound to make outstanding contributions to the study of human health”. Jiang for his part, wrote to urge the University to “develop biomechanics for the benefit of human health” wishing the University success in making magnificent progress in this endeavor. Prof X. Edward Guo is awarding Academician Yu Mengsun lecture certificate of Southern University of Science and Technology Prof X. Edward Guo is awarding Professor Jiang Zonglai lecture certificate of Southern University of Science and Technology Group photo

For two days in late April 2017, 23 and 24 to be exact, a delegation from our University, led by our founding Dean Prof X. Edward Guo called successively on three universities, i.e.Hebei University of Technology, Nankai University, Tianjin University. The team, in addition to the Dean, was composed of Executive Dean Prof Chen Fangyi, Prof Wu Changfeng, and Associate Professor Tang Bin. They were there to get acquainted with the latest developments in teaching, research and talent-building in these three peer institutions. They were also there to talk collaboration. The Dean in full flow Prof Guo kicked off the visit on the morning of the 23rd by giving a lecture on “Building a Research Career: My Personal Experience” at the Biophysics Institute at Hebei University of Technology. Presiding over the proceedings was Prof Zhan Yong, Director of the Institute. Interestingly, Prof Guo began his speech by quoting Confucius as it related to his life and development, followed by valuable insights from his research in the United States in the prime of his life. Prof Guo had the audience lapping up his words of wisdom. He must have been pleased by the passionate discussions that ensued. After the lecture, the visiting scholars were given a guided tour of the laboratory. Waiting to get into the lab Later, in the afternoon, our delegation headed for the Institute of Life Science at Nankai University. They were graciously hosted by Prof Kong Deling, Director of the Key laborary of bioactive materials of the Ministry of Education, as well as Prof Wang Shufang. The Director introduced the personnel of the key lab and their scientific research. After mutual briefing, the two sides reached an understanding or intent to begin exchange visits and research cooperation. Finally, they were given a VIP tour of the key lab. The fruits of friendship The second day of the itinerary was taken up by a visit to the Institute of Precision Instruments at Tianjin University where they were warmly received by the Director of Tianjin Key Laboratories of Biomedical Detection Technology and Instruments. They were delighted to be given an insider’s look at the lab. All eyes on you About the Three Universities: The discipline of Biological Physics at Hebei University of Technology was established in 1999. A year later, it was granted the right to confer Master’s degrees in Theoretical Physics, and with that it began to recruit graduate students to its biophysics program. By 2002, it was further granted the right to confer Doctoral degrees in electrical engineering. With this right, they began to recruit doctoral students in biophysics. The following year, it was formally authorized to confer Master’s degrees in biophysics, and within that same year, it established the biophysics research institute. By 2012, this discipline was classified as a key academic discipline in Hebei province. A year later, the physics lab of molecular biology under the multi-discipline of Biological Physics was designated the key lab in Hebei province. Nankai University’s Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactive Materials under the authority of the Ministry of Education was established in 1994. By virtue of its relationship with Nankai University, it was authorized to be open to the outside world by the Ministry of Education in 1996. Three years later, its name was changed to Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials under the Ministry of Education, and as such, it passed the assessment by the same ministry another three years later. Its research domain encompasses biomedical engineering, which is a cross discipline between chemistry, biology and medicine. This being so, it enjoys the right to confer Master’s degrees and Doctoral degrees in polymer chemistry and physics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Tianjin University’s School of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronic Engineering, or School of Precision Instrument for short, was established on 2 October, 1995. It was built on the foundation of the original Precision Instrument Engineering Faculty that came into being in 1959, whose predecessor was the Precision Instrument Engineering Discipline that dated back to 1952. In 2008, it was reconstituted as “the Integrated Reform Experimental District”. By 2011 it was designated a “National Experimental School”.

The 2017 China Biomedical Engineering Conference opened in Beijing on April 21. Our university sent a strong delegation of four specialists to the event, consisting of Professor X. Edward Guo, founding Dean of our department, Associate Professor Chen Fangyi, Executive Dean, Professor Wu Changfeng, and Associate Professor Tang Bin. Our delegation was greatly cheered when our department won the title sponsorship of the Biomedical Photonics Society. Two of our delegates, Professor Wu and Professor Chen each gave a well-received speech on “Fluorescence Modulation and Optical Imaging of Polymer Quantum Dots” and Middle Ear Nondestructive Testing System Based on Phase Sensitive OCT” respectively. Associate Professor Chen Fangyi speaking to a capacity audience Jointly sponsored by the China Biomedical Engineering Society and the China Academy of Medical Science, the conference had a triple purpose of building an academic exchange platform for interdisciplinary biomedical engineering; furthering international cooperation and promoting the innovative development of China’s health-oriented biomedical engineering industry. To these ends, nine forums were set up with the participation of 23 professionals covering the frontiers of biomedical engineering and life sciences, includidng biomedical materials, brain science, medical imaging, medical robots, wearable technology, biological materials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. There were also in-depth discussions on the developmental trend of medical science and technology, biomedical engineering education, innovative medical equipment, medical research and the interface between medicine, enterprise and research in biomedical engineering. Participants enthusiastically shared the latest academic research results, and went over hot-button issues in the field. They unselfishly worked together to address the many challenges facing the integration of medicine and engineering. The Opening Ceremony Our department the proud winner of the title sponsorship of the Biomedical Photonics Society The theme of the conference is “integral development of medicine and engineering—leading the future through innovation”. As biomedical engineering is by definition an integrated, health-oriented and cross-discipline science, it calls for a fusion between medicine and engineering technology, especially advanced technology. It was therefore no surprise that participants at the conference came from many sectors, ranging from industry, academia, research, medicine, as well as from technology management, industry oversight, and technical review. The conference was truly a kaleidoscope of “meeting, exhibition, competition and performance.” A huddle of academic heavyweights The conference handed out a special “Huang Jiasi biomedical engineering award”, established by the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering (CSBE). This award was named after the first chairman of CSBE, to focus on the fusion between biomedical science and engineering and promote indigenous innovation and encourage clinical applications and trials, and ultimately drive innovative research. Three first-prize awards were separately won by teams led by Academician Cheng jing, Academician Yu Mengsun and Professor Fan Yubo. To ignite young people’s professional and passionate interest in this field, the conference would also give out the award for “Outstanding Paper by a Young Scientist”. It is hoped that this will bring about the infusion of fresh talent into biomedical engineering. Group photo

On March 6, 2017, the academic committee of the Southern University of Science and Technology conducted an on-site review of an application by our Biomedical Engineering Department for offering a Bachelor Degree Program. The review included various aspects such as presentations by its specialists, visits to its laboratories and public facilities, unannounced random attendance of lectures, review of materials and feedback information. A panel of blue-ribbon experts of this review consisted of Prof Fan Yubo (Dean of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of Bei Hang University and former Chairman of China Biomedical Engineering Society), Prof Zheng Hairong (Director of Medical Institute of Shenzhen Advanced Institute, Director of Biomedical Imaging Research Center and Member of the Standing Committee of China’s Biomedical Engineering Society), Prof Wang Guangzhi (Deputy Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tsinghua University and Member of the National Biomedical Engineering Professional Guidance Committee), Prof Ruan Ping (Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Deputy Director and Member of the Guangdong Province’s Biomedical Engineering Professional Guidance Committee), Associate Professor Zhang Chao (Vice President of the Engineering Institute of Sun Yat-sen University and Member of the Guangdong Province Institute of Biomedical Engineering Professional Guidance Committee), Prof Zhang Hualing (Vice Dean of Teaching and Research Section, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Information Engineering, Guangdong Medical University and Member of Guangdong Province’s Biomedical Engineering Professional Guidance Committee), Academician Xu Zhenghe (Director of our Engineering Institute), Wang Dejun,(Director of our Teaching Department), and Prof X. Edward Guo (Founding Dean of our Biomedical Engineering Department). Prof Xiao Guozhi (Dean of our Department of Biology), plus Associate Professor Chen Fangyi (Head of our Biomedical Engineering discipline), other teachers and students also took part in the review process. Evaluation by Experts President Xu Zhenghe kick-started the meeting by warmly welcoming the assembled team of experts on behalf of the University. He then gave them an overview of the development of the Engineering Institute and of our department. Director Xu of the Engineering Institute addressed the panel of experts’ Director Wang Dejun introduced our university and its teaching work to the panel Associate Professor Chen Fangyi, Head of Biomedical Engineering, gave the panel an in-depth look into his department The panel’s on-site visit to the teaching laboratories, residential college and student dormitories Upon completion of its review, the panel of experts rendered its verdict: The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology is considered to have possessed the necessary conditions for offering the Bachelor Degree Program, in that it has demonstrated commendable development in the discipline, ranging from the quality of its teaching practice and management, its teaching staff, and the quality of its graduation theses, with its own notable characteristics and advantages. The panel of experts went on to make the following recommendations: expand student enrolment, enhance the caliber of its teaching staff, insist on an individual institutional identity, internationalize its culture, adopt an elitist approach to its education, qualitatively improve its course offerings and teaching materials. After careful deliberation, each of the panelist gave his own considered opinion. They unanimously agreed that the Biomedical Engineering discipline of our University has reached the standards necessary for offering a Bachelor Degree program in this discipline. An approval for setting up the program was therefore collectively given.

Between 24th and 26th October, 2016, Led by our founding Dean, Professor X. Edward Guo, a delegation consisting of Professors Chen Fangyi, Wu Changfeng, Tang Bin and Shi Peng called on their counterparts in Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing University of Aviation and Aeronautics and Capital Medical University to learn how they approach teaching and research in biomedical engineering. Also on the agenda was the possibility of cooperation initiatives with the four institutions of higher learning. On the first day of the visit, bright and early, Prof Guo briefed the Tsinghua hosts on the latest development of biomedical engineering at our university and our strategic plans going forward. The meeting took place in the conference room of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This was followed by Tsinghua Professor Wang Guangzhi’s introduction of teaching and research in this field in the host university. To wrap up the discussion, teachers from both universities shared their own experiences and research directions as well as views of changes in the industry. They reached a mutual agreement to organize exchanges of students and teachers, and intent to collaborate in other domains such as professional development and research. The morning program ended with a visit to the teaching laboratories and group research laboratories of the university. Prof Guo briefing his Tsinghua peers on development at the faculty and university level The afternoon was reserved for a visit to Peking University, in which Prof Guo again brought his hosts up to date on development and strategic planning in biomedical engineering at our university. His host Professor Ren Qiushi reciprocated. His insights and remarks are rich with meaning for our future development. Finally, both sides reached a mutual agreement for collaboration in joint teaching and scientific research. Prof Guo reporting to Peking University friends on the department-level and university-level development at our university On the morning of the second day, 25 October, the delegation called upon the Beijing University of Aviation and Aeronautics. Prof Guo repeated the same courtesy of briefing his hosts on developments at our university. The host university was represented by Prof Fan Yubo who explained the social demand for biomedical engineering in China as well as the research directions, and the teachers and students at his university. After consultation, both sides reached an agreement to explore avenues of collaboration, including exchange visits and joint teaching and research. The visiting delegation being photographed with their peers from Bei Hang University The final stop was a visit to the School of Biomedical Engineering at Capital Medical University on the morning of October 26. Again, Prof Guo briefed the hosts on the current situation with regard to the discipline at our university. This was followed by an introduction from Party Secretary of the school Guo Xueqian on the development of teaching and research there. The meeting was concluded after an in-depth discussion on development, teaching and research by teaching staff from both sides. They reached a mutual agreement to pursue collaborative possibilities with regard to joint teaching, internship and scientific research.  The visiting delegation with their hosts at Capital Medical University The three-day visit was fast-paced and jam-packed with activities that were enriching and enlightening. We learned from their strengths in certain fields that are helpful in determining our own developmental direction. Equally important is the fact we have secured cooperation in wide-ranging areas. This will help lay the foundation for good localization and internationalization drives. A visit to the laboratory Our Gang of Five in a Group Photo

The Department of Biomedical Engineering held its first scholarship signing ceremony at 7 p.m. on September 27, 2016. This was followed by an information session for students. The event was attended by Dean X. Edward Guo, Executive Dean Chen Fangyi, Li Xu of the Office of International Cooperation, Luo Ling of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Mr Chao Long, Chairman of the Shenzhen Qianhai Jingxi Funds Sales and Marketing Co. Ltd, together with some 30 undergraduate students. The signing ceremony was to officially acknowledge and appreciate the Shenzhen Qianhai Jingxi Funds Sales and Marketing Co. Ltd for its generous donation of 100,000 yuan to establish the “Jingxi Scholarship” in our department. Both the Dean and Executive Dean expressed their grateful thanks for the company’s support of our department. In a formal gesture of gratitude, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr Chao Long, chairman of the company. In response, the chairman said that by establishing a scholarship in our department, he hoped to build a lasting relationship with the Southern University of Science and Technology. He intended to pay personal attention to the development of our department. The “Jingxi Scholarship” was the first scholarship to be set up in Biomedical Engineering and therefore has special significance in promoting student interest in the discipline. Twenty thousand yuan will be disbursed from the scholarship fund each year to give assistance to two students from each of Year 3 and Year 4. This may be the beginning of our efforts in canvassing support from society for the educational development of our students. After the signing ceremony, teachers and students began an exchange session. There were undergraduate students from Year 3 and Year 4, as well as Year 1 and Year 2 students who were leaning towards specializing in Biomedical Engineering. Professors X. Edward Guo, Chen Fangyi, Tang Bin and Shi Peng, were on hand to answer student queries related to disciplinary learning, curriculum and overseas exchange programs. It was a very lively session, with much give-and-take between students and the professors. The activity was concluded at 8:30 p.m. Now a word of introduction about our donor, Shenzhen Qianhai Jingxi Funds Sales and Marketing Co. Ltd. It was established in 2014, being a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company Guangdong Jingxi Financial Holdings Co.Ltd. It was officially approved by the China Audit Commission and was granted a third party public funds sales license. The company’s vision is the securitization of traditional enterprises and the regularization of private capital. Through integrated banks, securities, trusts, public offerings and private fund sourcing, the company hopes to ride on the success of the internet, to launch both an online and offline marketing strategy to increase its market share, and offer investors a wide choice of high quality products, any time, any place.

Chaired by Prof X. Edward Guo, founding Dean of the department, a regular staff meeting took place in the Administration Building Conference Room on September 27, 2016. Also in attendance were Vice President Tang Tao, Executive Dean Chen Fangyi, and teaching staff Tang Bin, Shi Peng, Peng Cheng, Du E, Zhou Bin, Wang Dan, Chen Ying and Du Li. The Dean introduced the staff to the departmental ethos of “3A”, i.e. Adventurous, Arduous and Amiable. He urged those present to be resourceful in problem-solving, to have an appetite for risk-taking, to show a gritty determination, and not least, to build a harmonious team spirit. He went on to explain the department’s planning in talent recruitment, research and teaching. He emphasized the importance of talent acquisition. Having acquired three professors to date, the department had met its hiring target for this year.   Vice President Tang Tao echoed the Dean’s ideas on development. He pointed out that our strategic thinking lies in encouraging healthy competition, even if it means “survival of the fittest”. He then spoke on the subject of joint nurturing of Master and Doctoral students, and in particular working out the fine points of our partnership with Columbia University in undertaking a joint M.A. and Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering. Finally, with input from other teaching staff, he discussed our philosophy in talent recruitment. The last item on the agenda was a discussion of the 2017 budget. Other subjects were also touched upon, such as professional assessment, the Columbia University Project, method for the evaluation of scholarships, public relations Initiatives, and talent acquisition. The conclusion of the meeting was followed by the taking of a group photo.

Between 9th and 15th August, 2016, our department inaugurated its first Biomedical Engineering International Symposium. Presided over by our founding Dean, Prof X. Edward Guo, this blue-ribbon event attracted not only experts from our own department, but also representatives from industry and the world’s leading universities. Scholars in attendance included our President Prof Chen Shiyi, Professor Cheng Xin from the Materials Department, Executive Dean Chen Fangyi, Professors Tang Bin, Chen Fei and Wang Fei, as well as students from our department. Brains at work President Chen with a leader’s perspective President Chen Shiyi began by briefing the delegates on the socioeconomic development in Shenzhen with its favorable environment for innovative entrepreneurship. He also spoke on his findings in his recent visit to the UK and the efforts the University has expended on its internationalization drive. He was hoping to cement a partnership with Columbia University,  in hopes of turbo-charging the growth and development of Biomedical Engineering at our University, and opening the door to fruitful exchange and collaboration with the world’s other institutions of higher learning. This can only be beneficial to the promotion of an international campus culture. Intellectual Fireworks—the presenters and their presentations Experts representing Columbia University, New York University Stony Brook, Duke University, Beijing University of Aviation and Aeronautics, University of Toronto, Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, Mechanics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Science, Sydney University, and Suzhou Innomed Medical Device Co. Ltd all gave their presentations in their field of expertise. This might be our first international symposium on Biomedical Engineering, but it had touched on the latest research results from various institutions of higher learning, as well as advances in medical devices and their application and a big-picture view of China’s policy towards biomedical engineering as it relates to life and living.

On July 23, 2016, a seminar on the strategic planning and development of Biomedical Engineering at our university, presided over by the department’s founding Dean Prof X. Edward Guo, was successfully held in conference room 301 in the Executive Building. It attracted no fewer than 18 bigwigs from government, industry and academia, including President Chen Shiyi, Dean Professor Xiao Guozhi of the Department of Biology, Professor Tian Yanqing, Deputy Director of the Department of Materials, Chen Fangyi, the department of Biomedical Engineering’s Executive Director, Associate Professor Tang Bin, Associate Professor Chen Fei, Associate Professor Tian Leilei of the Department of Materials, and leaders of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of International Cooperation and the staff of the Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen ET- Medical Technology Co. Ltd.   The first item on the agenda was the research report on Biomedical Engineering at our University. This represented the first time that professors in Biomedical Engineering had come together to map out our research direction and priorities and lay down a solid foundation for a joint declaration on biomedical engineering projects. A brilliant presentation by Professors The second item on the agenda was a mission and vision statement on the establishment of Biomedical Engineering Department from our leaders. Prof X. Edward Guo began by defining the vision behind the collaboration between SUST and Columbia University, and introduced the underlying 3A concept, 3A being Adventurous, Arduous and Amiable. This is the ideal to be upheld and adhered to by all staff and students. Prof X. Edward Guo on the “3A” culture President Chen Shiyi endorsed the 3A culture for Biomedical Engineering, putting forward his own expectations and requirements. The first is internationalization. This can be achieved through frequent exchange visits with world-class universities and peers, while piggybacking on our partnership with Columbia University. Aim high in launching a world-class faculty. The second is, be bold and proactive to achieve a leapfrog development. A talent assessment system must be in place to recruit and retain researchers who not only produce research papers, but who are dedicated to the core of research interests. We need to usher in innovative talents.   President Chen Shiyi on his expectations of biomedical engineering The third item is a brain-storming session. On the development of the Biomedical Engineering, Prof Xiao Guozhi is brimming with confidence. He pledged unconditional support by the Department of Biology for this new initiative, as well as research coordination in various fields. This was followed by a free-wheeling discussion by professors present on the key research direction, industrialization, internationalization, talent scouting, on top of  exchanges and cooperation at home and abroad. Prof Xiao Guozhi on his vision for biomedical engineering Finally, under the chairmanship of Prof X. Edward Guo, the participants hammered out a shorter term 2016/17 action plan, plus a longer five-year plan for the development of Biomedical Engineering, with an overarching developmental thinking. Strategic Planning in action President Chen Shiyi and biomedical engineering staff members

Seven of our Year-3 students served out their internship at Peking University’s Shenzhen Hospital from June 27 to July 22, 2016. Under the patient guidance of their tutor, the hospital’s medical engineer, the interns were assigned to the equipment section. There, they learned about equipment maintenance, purchasing and file management. This is the first time our students took part in external internship activities during the summer. Students enhanced their ability to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, thereby enriching their social experience and first-hand knowledge of work environment in society. Formerly known as the Shenzhen City Center Hospital, Peking University’s Shenzhen Hospital is a modern comprehensive hospital funded and constructed by the Shenzhen Government. The hospital was completed and officially opened for service in late 1999. In September 2001, the Shenzhen Government entered into a partnership with Peking University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It was subsequently renamed “Peking University’s Shenzhen Hospital” and “Peking University’s Shenzhen Teaching Hospital”. As such, it was incorporated into the system of Peking University’s affiliated hospitals. By 2011, after being given the thumbs-up by the Guangdong Hospital Accreditation Committee, it was classified as a grade-3 First Class hospital.  

For the first time, on July 20, 2016, Prof X. Edward Guo, founding Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, invited some student representatives from the class of 2013/14 to a sharing session. He was joined in this activity by Prof Chen Fangyi, his Executive Dean.   Driven by student questions, Prof Guo addressed the following areas of interest: First, he introduced the latest development at Columbia University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, drawing particular attention to what students need to know about student life in the US. Secondly, he emphasized the importance of getting a handle on Cell Biology and Animal Physiology. In the process, he also gave them insights on how to tackle these subjects. Finally, while he was of the view that mastering Biomedical Engineering is no walk in the park, he offered a method for doing so. This greatly boosted student confidence in this difficult subject. Student interest and participation was notably high, with much give-and-take between them and the good professor.   This year, Prof Guo spearheaded the preparations for setting up the Biomedical Engineering Department at our University and began a comprehensive collaboration with its counterpart at Columbia University, including launching the student exchange mechanism. All in all, it was a highly productive and profitable encounter that was much anticipated and appreciated by the students.