2010-05-26

A high-level delegation of Groningen University visited SUMC from 18 to 19 May 2010 to engage in academic exchange and to strengthen the strategic partnership with SUMC.

The delegation of the renowned Dutch university was headed by the university's President, Prof. Sibrand Poppema, and included 7 senior professors from the university's Faculty of Medical Sciences, including its Dean, Prof. Kuipers and the Director of the Graduate School, Prof. Moshage. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dean Gu together with several senior faculty and staff members of SUMC, including Dr. Christine Korteweg, a graduate of Groningen University currently working as Associate Professor in the Pathology Department of SUMC.

Mutual introductions and presentations were given and a seminar on various medical scientific topics was held in the presence of several faculty and students from SUMC. In addition, a Cooperation Agreement was signed by the Deans of the respective medical schools in the presence of the President of Groningen University. The agreement provides for a joint PhD program, which will allow Chinese PhD students to participate in a combined program of two years at SUMC and two years at Groningen University. Upon successful completion of the program, the candidate will be awarded with a PhD degree from Groningen University. The program is expected to start later this year and attract many motivated and outstanding Chinese candidates.

Groningen University ("Rijksuniversiteit Groningen") is a leading research university in Europe. Founded in 1614, it is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It has a large international network and an excellent reputation for academic teaching with a modern, student-oriented approach. For more information about the University of Groningen and the University Medical Center Groningen, please click here.