Links forged between universities of Aston and Jilin, China

The FINANCIAL — The new Aston Medical School at Aston University is forging important links for research, education and development with institutions in China such as the prestigious hospital at Jilin University.

The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Co-operation formalising their collaboration, whilst the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of Aston Medical School has received an honorary professorship from Jilin University, one of the largest universities in China, according to Aston University.

The prestigious China-Japan Union Hospital is attached to Jilin University in the north east of China and affiliated to the Ministry of the Education of the People’s Republic of China, National Health and Family Planning Commission.

Professor Asif Ahmed, Executive Dean of Aston Medical School and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health, Aston University, received the honorary position during a recent visit to China.

“This was a totally unexpected honour and I feel very privileged,” he said. “I see medical sciences promoting modern diplomacy by acting as a bridge between the people of Britain and the people of China thorough education and research.”

He added: “The Memorandum of Co-operation recognises our commitment to working together to promote and improve medical education and health through scientific research exchanges between the two institutions. We will collaborate to create a new stem cell laboratory at the China-Japan Union Hospital and set up an exchange programme for medical students and postgraduate researchers.”

“The collaboration will bring benefits for our universities and regional medical institutions including the sharing of knowledge, expertise and skills and the provision of fantastic opportunities for medical students at Aston and at Jilin to study in each other’s country.”

The Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC) also means the two universities will publish joint papers on their research. The MOC will be in force for the next five years and can be extended if both parties agree.