From July 15th 2024, Shenzhen University (SZU) hosted a 5-day International Summer School of Molecular Medicine held at the Lihu campus. The school brought together international students from world-renowned institutions in China and Central Asia, to facilitate and enabled close cooperation and exchanges between universities. A total of 31 students participated, of which the majority were affiliated with the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KAZNU), which is ranked 163 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The summer school was considered substantial progress between SZU and several universities in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan after Memorandums of Understanding were signed in 2023 and 2024.

Prof. Yanchun Pan (Dean of the College of International Exchange, SZU, top left), Prof. Xingzhi Xu (Executive Dean of the Shenzhen University Medical School, top right), Dr. Meruyert Kurmanbayeva (Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, KAZNU, bottom left), Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-President of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, bottom right) delivered welcome remarks

At the opening ceremony, Professor Yanchun Pan, Dean of the College of International Exchange at SZU, delivered a welcome speech. He highlighted how Shenzhen has quickly transformed from a small fishing village to a modern city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in just 40 years. The city is now known for its youthful, open, and innovative spirit. Professor Rafis Abazov, Vice President of Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, shared his own inspiring stories, encouraging students to be diligent in their studies, and wished for the success of the summer school. Dr. Meruyert Kurmanbayeva, Dean of Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, KAZNU, briefly introduced her university and expressed her excitement about collaborating with SZU.

Snapshots of some of the engaging lectures that were delivered in English

As part of the summer school program, students enjoyed lectures delivered by distinguished professors in impactful fields, including Genetic Instability and Disease (Prof. Xingzhi Xu, Assoc.Prof. Xiangyu Liu), Aging and Metabolic Diseases (Prof. Baohua Liu, Assoc.Prof. Xue Liu), Infection and Immunity (Prof. Jie Liu, Prof. Xinchun Chen) and Nanomedicine (Assistant Prof. Yifan Zhang, Prof. Huayan Yang). The participating students also visited laboratories in the SZU Medical School, and gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, learning how to monitor the live recruitment of DNA damage response proteins to DNA lesions, or perform real time energy metabolism assays in live cells using an Agilent Seahorse XF.

Participating students enjoyed laboratory tours and hands-on exposure to key technologies

In addition to academic activities, the students also explored the SZU Yuehai Campus, the China National GeneBank and the Shenzhen Talent Park. They were greatly impressed by the beautiful environment of SZU, the advanced nature of the facilities, and the "harmonious coexistence of man and nature" design concept of the China National GeneBank.

Images from the Yuehai campus of SZU and CNGB

The students expressed their admiration for Shenzhen and SZU. AIARU TEMIRGALIYEVA, a student from the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University shared, "Shenzhen is a very modern city. What impressed me most were the beautiful night views and large shopping malls." KULIGIN ARTYOM, a student from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University said, "SZU has high-level teaching and research facilities, which were entirely new experiences for me." YASHARLI SAIDA, a student from the Azerbaijan Medical University remarked, "Shenzhen is a young and inclusive city, and I truly felt the charm of the Chinese culture here." Many students expressed their interest in pursuing further studies at SZU in the future.

Closing speeches and awards ceremony

At the closing ceremony, student representatives shared their experiences. Professor Xingzhi Xu presented certificates to the students, and expressed his delight at the success of the summer school. He emphasized that this event marked a great achievement for the internationalization of the SZU Medical School. Professor Xu expressed his desire for more outstanding students from all over the world to participate in the summer school at SZU in 2025.

Group photos of the 2024 International Summer School of Molecular Medicine