HKUST and Three Top Hospitals of Zhejiang University Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Medical Education and Research
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three leading affiliated hospitals of Zhejiang University School of Medicine: The First Affiliated Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. This landmark collaboration will focus on research, talent development, medical education, and international exchange, aiming to jointly nurturing clinical scientists and medical professionals with international perspectives and cutting-edge innovative capabilities. This partnership seeks to accelerate the translation and application of high-level clinical research outcomes and promote high-quality development of healthcare across both cities.
The collaboration between HKUST and Zhejiang University has a long history, yielding significant accomplishments in academic exchanges and research cooperation. In line with HKUST’s strategic plan to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, the University has been actively strengthening its ties with Zhejiang University in the medicine field in recent years. Last year, HKUST established a strategic partnership with Zhejiang University School of Medicine to advance the integration of medical education, research, and clinical practice.
To further advance their collaboration, a delegation led by HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP and Provost Prof. GUO Yike visited Hangzhou. They met with Prof. MA Yanming, President of Zhejiang University to explore deeper collaboration between the two universities in driving advancements in medical health and artificial intelligence (AI), establishing joint research platforms, and fostering top innovative future leaders. This initiative aims to inject new momentum for HKUST’s medical development.
Representatives from HKUST also visited the three affiliated hospitals of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. They met with hospital management to discuss shared goals and explore the latest advancements in local research and teaching hospitals, and formally establishing MoUs. Key leadership figures the delegation met included Prof. LIANG Tingbo, President of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Prof. GU Guoyu, Secretary of the CPC Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital; Prof. WANG Jian'an, President of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Prof. CAI Xiujun, President of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine; and Prof. XU Guobin, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.
The partnership will leverage HKUST’s strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, engineering, and fundamental sciences, alongside the hospitals’ world-class medical technologies and extensive clinical expertise.
Key areas of collaboration include:
• Innovating medical education and clinical training;
• Advancing clinical treatment technologies and fundamental research;
• Establishing joint research teams and centers to drive interdisciplinary projects;
• Facilitating student and faculty exchanges through joint training and internship programs; and
• Enhancing international cooperation to amplify the global impact of the partnership.
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, stated, "Combining HKUST’s research prowess and technology translation experience with the exceptional clinical resources and medical expertise of Zhejiang University’s hospitals will lead to a powerful partnership. Together, we will focus on cultivating talent, advancing academic exchange, and conducting transformative collaborative research. The alliance will also accelerate the integration of technology and clinical medicine and help nurture a new generation of globally minded healthcare innovators. We are fully committed to supporting the national 'Healthy China' initiative and Hong Kong's development as an international hub for I&T, health and medical innovation, a vision core to our mission of establishing a world-class, innovative medical school."
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of July 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).
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