General

Professor Li Zhang from The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shared Latest Advances in Biomedical Micro/Nanorobots [Biomed-X Seminar No. 139]

On October 9, 2025, the 139th Biomed-X Research Seminar of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was successfully held in the Room 2A-203, ZJE Building. At the invitation of Dr. Qi Zhou, a faculty member at both ZJE and the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Li Zhang, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Director of SIAT(CAS)–CUHK Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, delivered an academic report titled "Micro-/Nanorobots for Biomedical Applications: from individual to microswarms".Professor Zhang began by providing an overview of recent developments in micro-robotics for fundamental research and potential biomedical applications. With innovations in fabrication and materials technologies, the characteristic size of such robots has been reduced to the millimeter, micrometer, and even nanometer scale. These devices are now capable of navigating through narrow and tortuous luminal environments within the human body, reaching areas that are otherwise inaccessible to conventional medical instruments. He noted that although extensive research has been conducted on the materials, structural design, and functionalization of micro/nanorobots, several key challenges remain for in vivo translation. These include adaptive locomotion in dynamic physiological environments, precise in vivo localization using clinical imaging modalities, verification of therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms, as well as biosafety and clinical controllability. Building on this foundation, Professor Zhang introduced representative achievements from his team in recent years, covering topics from individual and modular robot design to intelligent collective strategies and their potential in rapid endoluminal delivery (e.g., within blood vessels). The talk then focused on the key technological components and translational pathways of magnetic micro/nanorobots for localized therapy, and discussed their clinical relevance in endoluminal interventional applications.In addition to faculty and students from ZJE, the seminar attracted attendees from other institutes at the International Campus as well as from Zhejiang University’s main campus. The audience responded enthusiastically, engaging in active discussion throughout the event. Even after the lecture concluded, many participants remained to continue in-depth conversations, fully demonstrating the spirit of academic inquiry and critical scientific thinking. Professor Zhang patiently and thoroughly addressed each question, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments, innovative directions, and translational prospects in this emerging field.As the 139th session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.

2025-10-13

Professor Tao Bo from Liangzhu Laboratory Shared The Multidimensional Spatial-Omics Approach from Genomics to Functional Insights [Biomed-X Seminar No. 138]

On September 24, 2025, the 138th Biomed-X Research Seminar of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was successfully held in the Room 2A-203, ZJE Building. Invited by Dr. Jian Liu, Director/Convenor of the Centre for Infection Immunity and Cancer at ZJE, Prof. Bo Tao, Director of Omics Center in Liangzhu Lab and Adjunct Professor in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, delivered an academic report titled "The Multidimensional Spatial-Omics Approach from Genomics to Functional Insights". The seminar was hosted by Prof. Yuehai Ke, Dean of ZJE.During the presentation, Professor Tao Bo shared the latest advancements in spatial omics technologies. The core of his talk focused on a novel spatial transcriptomics technology—Patho-DBiT. He vividly explained how this technology overcomes traditional limitations and enables high-resolution, in situ capture of whole-transcriptome expression in tissue samples. Notably, he further demonstrated a series of extended technologies based on this platform, including spatial ATAC, spatial CUT&Tag, and spatial Hi-C, which respectively reveal chromatin accessibility, key protein modifications, and 3D genome architecture in situ. These innovations integrate multi-omics information at the spatial level, collectively forming a powerful multidimensional research toolkit. This provides an unprecedented perspective for accurately deciphering the mechanisms of life activities and disease processes within the native tissue microenvironment.During the event, faculty and students actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their open-minded approach to academic exploration and critical thinking about research questions. Prof. Tao patiently and thoroughly answered every question, deepening the understanding and insights of participants in this field.As the 138th session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.

2025-10-09

2025 GPB Omics & Bioinformatics Frontiers Symposium Successfully Concludes

From 11 to 13 July 2025, the 2025 GPB Omics & Bioinformatics Frontiers Symposium (GFS 2025) was successfully held at the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining. The conference was hosted by the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB) and organized by the editorial office of Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics (GPB), with additional support from the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) and other partners. More than 30 universities, research institutes, hospitals and enterprises from China and abroad sent delegates, and over 40 invited speakers from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Yale University and the University of Michigan, among others, presented their latest work.On the morning of 12 July, Prof. Wanlu Liu, opened the symposium. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Prof. Yungui Yang, Director of CNCB; Prof. Yuehai Ke, Chair of the symposium and Dean of ZJE; and Prof. Jun Yu, Chair of the symposium and Honorary Researcher at CNCB. Prof. Xiaoliang Xie of Peking University/Changping Laboratory delivered the opening plenary lecture, “FOODIE Opens New Possibilities in Biomedicine,” introducing a highly sensitive, high-throughput single-molecule imaging platform and its potential for early-stage tumor liquid biopsy. Prof. Rong Fan of Yale University closed the symposium with “Novel Spatial Multi-omics Driving a New Era in Human Tissue Molecular Biology,” describing single-cell and spatial omics technologies that dissect functional cellular heterogeneity and intercellular signaling in health and disease.The symposium comprised two plenary lectures, seven keynote talks, 29 scientific presentations, three technology reports, one journal report, one round-table discussion and poster sessions. Twenty moderators from ZJU, PKU, NGDC and other leading institutions ensured lively on-site discussions.At the closing ceremony on 13 July, Prof. Jun Yu thanked all participants and organizers and announced the successful conclusion of GFS 2025. He emphasized that the GPB symposium series will continue to promote the translation of omics technologies from bench to bedside and public-health practice.

2025-08-15

“Bioinformatics Bootcamp: From Linux/R to Single-Cell Multi-Omics” Successfully Concluded

From 10 to 11 July 2025, the “Bioinformatics Bootcamp: From Linux/R to Single-Cell Multi-Omics” was held at the Zhejiang University Haining International Campus. The event was organized by the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB), co-organized by the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) and the Medical Genomics & Bioinformatics Committee of the China Medical Education Association (CMEA). Dr. Lili Hao, Associate Researcher at CNCB, served as the moderator, and Dr. Di Chen, Assistant Dean of ZJE, delivered the opening remarks.On 10 July, the training concentrated on Linux fundamentals and R graphics. Attendees systematically explored Linux system architecture, terminal basics, file manipulation and permissions, and text processing.On 11 July, the training began with a keynote by Prof. Ying Chi on AI-driven dynamic molecular structures and cutting-edge omics technologies. This was followed by hands-on sessions covering standard pipelines for both single-cell transcriptomic and immune repertoire data.During the hands-on segments, trainees learned to operate Linux servers, visualize single-cell transcriptomic data with ggplot2, and independently develop new R packages from scratch. Advanced exercises included identifying cell-type-specific differentially expressed genes and their associated pathways, as well as integrating dual-omics datasets to pinpoint immune cell subsets with distinct clonotypes.The event drew bioinformatics enthusiasts and professionals from across the country. After an intensive day and a half of learning and practice, participants gained the autonomy to conduct single-cell multi-omics projects and acquired state-of-the-art techniques for integrative analysis and disease-mechanism discovery, laying a solid foundation for future research.This first collaboration between ZJE and CNCB has created a premier, on-campus platform for hands-on training and scholarly exchange in cutting-edge bioinformatics. It is another key initiative through which ZJE upholds the spirit of “Seeking Truth and Innovation” by delivering precisely the academic activities its researchers need.

2025-08-15

ZJE Participates in 15th Annual Conference on Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education

From June 12th to 13th, ZJE was represented at the 15th Annual Conference on Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education in Kunming, where Dean Ke Yuehai delivered a keynote address. The conference, organized by the Chinese Association of Higher Education's Research Branch for Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools under the guidance of the Ministry of Education's Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, was hosted by Yunnan Agricultural University. The event gathered over 600 experts, scholars, and educators specializing in transnational education initiatives.With the key words of ‘integration of disciplines, convergence of East and West, and access to the future’ and the ten-year practice of ZJE as an example, Professor Ke introduced to the delegates the innovative initiatives of Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh in the cultivation of talents in the cooperation of ‘medical crossover’, and expounded the cooperation between the two sides in the fields of discipline construction, talent cultivation, international cooperation and education. He also introduced to the delegates the innovative initiatives of Zhejiang University and Edinburgh University in ‘medical cross’ cooperation in talent cultivation, described the efforts and achievements of both sides in discipline construction, talent cultivation, international cooperation and scientific research, etc., and discussed with the delegates the development trend of modern education and the mission of Chinese higher education. After the report, representatives of ZJE and other participating institutions and agencies conducted in-depth exchanges and discussions on the layout of disciplines and majors of Chinese-foreign cooperative universities, reform of talent cultivation mode, and the construction of international cooperative scientific research platforms, and explored the new challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese-foreign cooperative universities. The participation in the annual conference of cooperative education is a test of the effectiveness of ZJE's high-level education, and also a valuable opportunity to exchange and learn from brother institutions. In the future development, ZJE will continue to uphold the spirit of innovation, actively absorb and learn from the valuable experience of brother institutions, and constantly explore new modes and paths of Chinese-foreign co-operation, contribute ZJE wisdom to Chinese-foreign co-operation, and contribute ZJE strength to the opening up of high-level education to the outside world.

2025-06-20

The Fourth Zijuan Young Scholars Forum Concludes Successfully

On June 6, 2025, the 4th Zijuan Young Scholars Forum was held in A203, ZJE Building, International Campus of Zhejiang University. The forum was organized by the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE), the Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology, Zhejiang University, with the support of the the Peak Discipline Project of the School of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University. Nearly 80 faculty and students gathered to explore the theme "The Dual Narrative of the Life Code: The Plasticity of Stem Cells VS the lnevitability of Evolution". Dr. Di Chen, Dean’s Assistant of ZJE, and Dr. Haoxuan Liu from the Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology delivered opening speeches to welcome participants.Six faculty and students from ZJE and the Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology co-chaired the academic reporting session, ensuring smooth and in-depth exchanges.Seven faculty and students from the Centre for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology and nine from ZJE presented reports on cutting-edge topics, including genomic insights into dietary diversity in human populations, the impact of infection and diet on organ cell dynamics, the mysteries of extracellular vesicles, comprehensive mutation maps of yeast mutant strains, avian diversity research combining genomics and ecology, somatic mutation prediction frameworks in normal and cancerous tissues, evolution of multiple sperm types and sex chromosomes in fruit flies, mechanisms of male-biased germline mutations in mice, studies on bone-fiber interface guiding unidirectional mineralization in suture development, protein-based magnetic soft robots for active drug delivery, and the role of p bodies in human primordial germ cell development.The Zijuan Young Scholars Forum is a branded academic activity established by ZJE to promote exchanges between ZJE and other Zhejiang University research institutions, fostering the growth of young life and medical talents and strengthening ties between young faculty and students. Previously, ZJE faculty and students engaged in in-depth academic exchanges with theSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University, Liangzhu Laboratory, and Life Science Institute of Zhejiang University. Through the Zijuan Young Scholars Forum, ZJE faculty members have better integrated into the development of medicine and life sciences at Zhejiang University, and also contributed to the high-quality development of the university's related fields.

2025-06-13

[Biomed-X Seminar No. 136] Professor Yongyong Shi from the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology Shared Molecular Insights into Schizophrenia

On May 23, 2025, the 136th Biomed-X Research Seminar of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was successfully held in the Room 2A-203. Invited by Dr. Jian Liu, Prof. Yongyong Shi, Acting Director & Senior Principal Investigator of Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (Institute of Neuroscience), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dean & Distinguished Professor of Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered an academic report titled “Molecular Insights into Schizophrenia: Mechanisms and Implications”. Professor Shi has long been dedicated to the study of molecular mechanisms of mental disorders and has achieved a series of breakthrough results in the field of schizophrenia genetics.Professor Shi first reviewed the key research findings of his team. In 2011, his team published a study in Nature Genetics, identifying two new schizophrenia susceptibility loci in the Chinese Han population. In 2017, they published another study in Nature Genetics, discovering 30 new schizophrenia susceptibility loci through large-scale analysis of 36,180 individuals, increasing the total number of genome-wide significant loci to 113. Professor Shi explained that schizophrenia is a highly heritable disease, with heritability ranging from 70% to 85%, and is characterized by a significant polygenic component. Despite the identification of 113 genome-wide significant loci, these loci only explain about 3.5% of the disease susceptibility, highlighting the highly complex genetic architecture of schizophrenia. Professor Shi also outlined the future directions for research into the molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia, noting that with the continuous increase in sample size and the deepening of multi-ancestry population studies, we can hope to more accurately locate causal variants and identify effector genes, providing a theoretical basis for precision treatment of mental disorders.During the event, faculty and students actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their open-minded approach to academic exploration and critical thinking about research questions. Prof. Shi patiently and thoroughly answered every question, deepening the understanding and insights of participants in this field.As the 136th session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.

2025-06-03

ZJE team participated in Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sports Meet and won the first place in the undergraduate group

On 10th May, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Sports Meet was successfully held in the East Playground of Zijingang Campus. Our undergraduates won the first place in the undergraduate group with a total score of 145 points, the faculty group finished the competition brilliantly and won the third prize for the total group score, and both teams were awarded the Moral and Ethical Prize (the only team in the competition). With 5 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals, they interpreted the profound meaning of ‘Amazing Medicine, Competitive Style’Champions:Undergraduate Mixed Caterpillar Race Undergraduate Women's 100m: Liu Wenting Undergraduate Men's Shot Put: Zhou You Undergraduate Men's Discus Throw: Zhou You Undergraduate Men's Javelin: He Yiyang Runners-up:Undergraduate Men's 100m: Yang Haoran Undergraduate Men's 1500m: Zhang Yufeng Undergraduate Women's 800m: Jiang YunchangUndergraduate Women's Discus Throw: Zhou Jingxue Undergraduate Men's Discus Throw: Chen YiwenThird Place:Undergraduate Women's 1500m: Zhu JiayingUndergraduate Men's High Jump: Yang Haoran Undergraduate Women's Javelin: Zhou Jingxue Faculty Youth Group Men's Javelin: Zhang Jie

2025-05-16

ZJE Connects: Global Talent & Alumni Gathering in Singapore

The Global Talent and Alumni Gathering of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was successfully held in Singapore on April 24, 2025. The event attracted over 20 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from leading institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).Mavin Ye, Vice Dean of ZJE, systematically presented an overview of Zhejiang University, its International Campus, and ZJE’s competitive advantages. He provided detailed explanations of high-level talent recruitment policies and had in-depth discussions on topics including student development, benefits packages, and career advancement opportunities.15 ZJE alumni currently pursuing studies at NUS and NTU participated in the alumni engagement session. The delegation, led by Mavin Ye, shared updates with alumni regarding ZJE’s latest developments and the progress in establishing the alumni chapter. This event strengthened the communication and connection between Singapore-based alumni and ZJE. The global accomplishments of ZJE graduates serve as powerful validation of the institute’s educational mission and values.

2025-05-09

[Biomed-X Seminar No. 134] Professor Shi-Qing Cai from the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology Shared the Secrets of Aging

On April 29, 2025, the 134th Biomed-X Research Seminar of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was successfully held in the Room 2A-203. Invited by Prof. Di Chen, Prof. Shi-Qing Cai from the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), delivered an academic report titled "Neural Basis of Healthy Aging". The report was hosted by ZJE postdoc Zang Xiao.Prof. Cai explored the molecular mechanisms of healthy aging and ion channel regulation. He noted that “longevity” doesn’t equate to “youthfulness”, and healthy aging is both a scientific and social issue. Using C. elegans as a model, his team found global wild-type C. elegans show significant behavioral aging differences due to the SNP of the neuropeptide RGBA-1 and receptor NPR-28 gene. In C. elegans aging, the decline of neurotransmitter systems (serotonin/dopamine) is linked to reduced BAS-1 expression. Genetic screening identified BAZ-2/BAZ2B and SET-6/EHMT1 as epigenetic factors affecting aging across species by regulating mitochondrial function. Notably, BAZ2B is overexpressed in MASH, offering a new therapeutic target.During the event, faculty and students actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their open-minded approach to academic exploration and critical thinking about research questions. Prof. Cai patiently and thoroughly answered every question, deepening the understanding and insights of participants in this field.As the 134th session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.

2025-05-08