The creation of a new joint clinical trials unit based in Guangzhou’s largest hospital is under discussion as its President visits the University of Birmingham this week.
A delegation from Sun Yat-Sen University’s First Affiliated Hospital, led by President Professor Shenming Wang, is meeting senior representatives from the University of Birmingham’s College of Medical and Dental Sciences to advance collaborative links between the two institutions.
Discussions will centre upon partnerships around joint clinical trials and translational medicine with Professor Michael Sheppard, Provost and Vice Principal at the University of Birmingham, and Professor Wang signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate future research and teaching collaborations.
The University of Birmingham has significant links in Guangzhou including its ongoing strategic partnership with the municipal government and its landmark Birmingham Guangzhou Centre. The College of Medical and Dental Sciences’ engagement with Chinese partners, such as Sun Yat-Sen University and its affiliated hospitals, is increasing as the country develops its capacity in education and research. The College also plays a pivotal role in the Guangzhou Centre leading research and teaching collaborations in areas such as translational medicine, large population studies in lifestyle and infectious diseases, and cognitive neuroscience.
The University of Birmingham has extensive expertise in the field of clinical trials and translational medicine. The Birmingham’s Clinical Trials Unit (BCTU) provides the scientific, technical and computing expertise needed to support clinical trial research from conception through to completion. The unit provides an open access consultancy service covering all aspects of trial design, management and analysis. It provides investigators with assistance to work up their ideas or pilot studies and help with literature searches, as well as advice from an expert multi-disciplinary team on the best clinical trial methodology.
- A leading UK research-intensive university, the University of Birmingham is a vibrant, global community and an internationally-renowned institution, in the top 100 globally. With approximately 28,000 students and 6,000 members of staff, its work brings people from more than 150 countries to Birmingham. The University has a bold strategy to develop its global reputation by enhancing its international presence and collaborations. In addition to China, Birmingham has strategic partnerships in the USA, India, Brazil and Australia.
- Launched in September 2011, the Birmingham Guangzhou Centre is a unique facility established in coordination with the Guangzhou Municipal Government to facilitate joint research and education initiatives in Guangzhou and the wider region. The University also has a representative office in Shanghai.
- For media enquiries, please contact: Catherine Byerley, International Media Relations Manager, University of Birmingham, Tel: +44 (0) 121 414 8254, Email: c.j.byerley@bham.ac.uk