The 2024 International Academic Mobility Program of Shenzhen University Medical School successfully took place at the Lihu Campus from July 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025. The programincluded two key components: the exchange of doctoral students and young scientists (July 1 to September 25, 2024) and the exchange of undergraduate students (September 7, 2024, to January 10, 2025). As part of this initiative, two young scientists, four doctoral students, and 14 undergraduates from Al-Farabi Kazakhstan National University visited ShenzhenUniversity, engaging in academic exchanges and experimental work related to their dissertations.

The International Academic Mobility Program washosted by Shenzhen University Medical School under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between Al-Farabi Kazakhstan National University and Shenzhen University. This agreement, highlighted in the Achievements of the China-Central Asia Summit (May 2023), aligns with the establishment of the Shenzhen–Almaty Joint Laboratory for Frontiers of Medical Science (salFMS), officially unveiled at Shenzhen University in October 2024. The program aims to foster an international academic atmosphere, expand high-quality international medicalprograms, and promote cooperation and exchanges between Chinese and Kazakhstani institutions.

Launching meeting of the International Academic Exchange Program for doctoral students and young scientists

Launch of the Academic Exchange Program for Doctoral Students and Young Scientists: In early July 2024, the International Academic Exchange Program for doctoral students and young scientists was officially launched. The visiting scholars—Drs. Dina Shokatayeva and Sirina Zhantlessova, along with PhD students Inara Abashidze and five others—presented their research projects from the Almaty Laboratory upon arrival at SZU.Professor XingzhiXu, Executive Dean of Shenzhen University Medical School and head of salFMS, listened to theirpresentations and recommended suitablelocal laboratories for them to conduct their research.

Opening Ceremony of the International Academic Exchange Program for undergraduates

Opening Ceremony for the Undergraduate Exchange Program: In September 2024, the International Academic Exchange Program for undergraduate students commenced with an opening ceremony chaired by Professor XingzhiXu. On behalf of the program organizers, he warmly welcomed the visiting students and provided an overview of Shenzhen University, including its medical school,faculty, research facilities, and admissions process. The exchange students then embarked on their one-semester academic journey at SZU.

Orientation and cultural experiences for exchange students (photo by SICA)

The exchange students participated in a unique Mid-Autumn Festival welcome event organized by the Shenzhen University International Office, where they were introduced to campus life and academic resources. This event provided Kazakh students with their first experience of traditional Chinese culture.

Lectures, academic and interchange activities

Exchange students participatedin lectures and experimental activitiesfocused ontopics such as:

· Genomic Instability and Disease

· DNA Damage Response

· Genetically Engineered Mice and Human Diseases

· Microfluidic Technology and Biomedical Applications

These sessions were led by distinguished professors, includingXingzhi Xu, Shunichi Takeda, XinhaiPei, and Tiantian Kong. The students also took part in the 2024 Shenzhen University Medical School International Students Academic Salon,and engaged in intercultural activities, such as visiting the ancient town of Gankeng in Longgang District, where they explored the rich Hakka cultural heritage.

Experimental progress presentation report

The program provided strong academic mentorship through Associate Professor WenSu, Assistant Professor WenyaHou(School of Basic Medical Sciences), and Associate Professor JingZhang (School of Public Health), who conducted monthly progress report sessions. Faculty members and administrative staff actively supported students in overcoming academic and campus life challenges. By the end of the semester, several exchange students expressed interest in applying for doctoral programs atShenzhenUniversity in Fall 2025. In response, the medical school conducted interviews and planned to admit six students into biomedical engineering and basic medicine PhD programs.

Farewell party (photo by SICA)

Farewell Party and Closing Ceremony: On January 3, 2025, the exchange students celebrated the conclusion of their time at SZU with a farewell party organized by the International Office. The event featured shared reflections on their experiences, as well as a Chinese and Japanese tea ceremony performed by a Japanese student from Shenzhen UniversityTokyo College.

Closing ceremony

The program officially concluded on January 9, 2025, with a closing ceremony hosted by the medical school. During the event, students shared their experiences and achievements. Professor Xingzhi Xu commended their progress, emphasizing that in addition to gaining experimental skills, they had also developed scientific research thinking, whichwould serve as a valuable asset in their future careers. He then presented graduation certificates to the participants.

The successful completion of this international academic mobility program represents a significant milestone in the internationalization efforts of Shenzhen University Medical School. Moving forward, the school aims to attract more outstanding international students through similar exchange initiatives, further strengthening its global academic collaborations.