On 15 September 2017, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) welcomed its newest intake of students with an exciting and vibrant opening ceremony.
Key members of Zhejiang University Executive team were present, including; Professor Lianzhen He, Executive Vice Dean and Professor K.C. Ting, Vice Dean.
They were joined by ZJEs own Executive team including; Professor Hongwei Ouyang, Dean; Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean; Professor Linrong Lu, Vice Dean and Mrs. Ye Chen, Vice Dean. And key academic staff; Dr. Ahmed El-Hashash; Dr. John Menzies; Dr Michael Daw; Professor Yuehai Ke; Professor Junfeng Ji; Professor Dante Neculai, and the faculty from School of Basic Medicines.
These groups came together to welcome both the freshman and their parents to life at the International campus.
This is a landmark year for ZJE after recruiting its first ever international students from across four countries including Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and Uganda. Sixty seven new students in total joined the BSc Integrative Biomedical Sciences programme, with domestic students joining from five provinces (Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shandong, Hebei and Anhui).
Entrance
The ceremony started with a colourful hand-printing ceremony which allowed students to get to know one another, while showing the variety of freshman enrolled on the programme.
Welcome Speech
Professor Lianzhen He, Executive Vice Dean of ZJU International Campus, began the speeches by warmly welcoming the students. She reminded them that 2017 is the 120th anniversary of Zhejiang University, highlighting the achievements of the university so far, and the expectations of the new students. Professor Hongwei Ouyang, Dean of ZJE, encouraged the students to innovate in the biomedical field, and to strive to become the future elite leaders of the industry.
Professional and Academic Guidance
The welcome ceremony provided students with both professional and academic guidance with interesting lessons from Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean of ZJE and University of Edinburgh Professor David Arnot. First, Professor Sue Welburn, gave a talk on “Great moments in Biomedical innovation - how biomedical science has changed our lives”. Professor David Arnott, then gave a talk on “The greatest biological discovery of the 20th century: how the structure of DNA was really solved.” These acted as an introduction to professional study, as well as the wider field of biomedical sciences and its crucial role in human life.
Finally, Programme Director, Dr. John Menzies, gave a detailed introduction on what is expected of the students, including courses requirements, what to expect and assessment criteria.
Show Talent from Freshmen
The first half of the welcome ceremony ended with a music show from the freshmen students, followed by refreshments.
Social Activities
In the afternoon, students took time to socialize and learn about Chinese and Scottish cultures by taking part in a traditional Scottish ceilidh and competing in a multi-cultural quiz.
ZJE provides students with the unique experience of both Western and Eastern educational traditions. For all new students, ZJE is just the starting point of their academic careers, with the next four years challenging them to become more independent, confident and self-sufficient, as they pave their way to becoming leaders in the field of biomedical sciences.
