Recently, Zhejiang Provincial Government announced the commendation list of "West Lake Friendship Award" in 2020, and Professor sue Welburn, executive dean of ZJE, won the award. congratulation! About the West Lake Friendship Award "West Lake Friendship Award" is the highest award set up by Zhejiang Provincial  Government in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by foreign experts in Zhejiang Province's economic construction, social development, foreign cooperation and exchange, and personnel training. A total of 50 experts were selected. Prof. Sue Welburn is responsible for providing academic leadership and directing teaching, research and enterprise strategies within ZJE, shaping the future of educational partnership between Edinburgh and Zhejiang and forging new collaborative research opportunities between the Institute and partners.

Recently, Aaron T. Irving of ZJU-UoE Institute published a perspective article titled " Lessons from the host defences of bats, a unique viral reservoir " in Nature.Bats are rich reservoirs of many zoonootic viruses, with a unique host defence system. Lessons from the effective host defence of bats would help us to better understand viral evolution and to better predict, prevent and control future viral spillovers.Article:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03128-0 Picture: The potential zoonotic transmission cycle for coronaviruses. (published in Nature)Article summary:There have been several major outbreaks of emerging viral diseases, including Hendra,Nipah, Marburg and Ebola virus diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)—as well as the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Notably, all of these outbreaks have been linked to suspected zoonotic transmission of bat-borne viruses. Bats—the only flying mammal—display several additional features that are unique among mammals, such as a long lifespan relative to body size, a low rate of tumorigenesis and an exceptional ability to host viruses without presenting clinical disease. Here the authors discuss the mechanisms that underpin the host defence system and immune tolerance of bats, and their ramifications for human health and disease.Dr Irving’s research group focuses on emerging zoonotic viral infections, the host-pathogen interactions triggered by these viruses and comparative immunology of bats.Email：aaroniriving@intl.zju.edu.cnPersonalPage:https://person.zju.edu.cn/en/aaronirving

Zhejiang University is seeking candidates and nominations for the position of Dean of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE).  Building on the existing strengths of its world leading partners the ZJE focuses on biomedical and health science, particularly stem cell and regenerative medicine, inflammation and immunity, infectious diseases, etc. ZJE brings together the best practices of Zhejiang University School of Basic Medical Sciences and the University of Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences.  ZJE is a unique and successful partnership between two World leading Universities and awarded the Education Institutional Partnership of the Year 2018-2020: Zhejiang University ranks 53rd in the QS World Rankings 2020; University of Edinburgh ranks 20th.  ZJE is situated at Zhejiang University International Campus Haining, 80 miles southwest of Shanghai and 50 miles northeast of Hangzhou. The International Campus, Zhejiang University is major pillar of ZJU’s internationalization strategy. Position Summary Zhejiang University seeks to appoint a visionary scientist and educator able to lead ZJE into the future through a rapidly changing scientific and research funding environment.  The Dean will facilitate ZJE’s ambition to build a world leading educational and research partnership in biomedicine of international standing, connecting scientific endeavour to society through teaching, basic and translational research and entrepreneurship.  This is a unique opportunity for an innovative leader and accomplished scientist to join one of the leading international education and research joint institutes in China. Required Qualifications 1. supports the values of ZJU and our partnership with the University of Edinburgh (UoE), including international collaboration and transnational education,2. understands the value of biomedical science research, research-led education and its benefits for all humankind,3. able to make a compelling case to scientific, research and education leaders for the support and promotion of ZJE research and education globally,4. able to implement the strategic vision to strengthen this prestigious Institute and lead it toward its core mission to develop the model of international education partnership.5. demonstrates integrity and cultural sensitivity,6. has had senior-level scientific administrative experience, including demonstrated ability to manage a large complex research and teaching institute. 7. is an innovative first class internationally renowned researcher, qualified in a field relevant to the scientific priorities of the Institute, who understands the importance of novel approaches for the development of biomedical science research,8. has profound understanding of national and regional development strategies, particularly the “Double First-class Initiative” and the Integrated Development of Yangtze River Delta,9. fluent in English and Mandarin. Salary and BenefitsSalary commensurate with education and experience. The positions are also eligible for a comprehensive benefit package of Zhejiang University.How to ApplyClosing date for receipt of applications is February 28, 2021. Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research accomplishments, as well as three references to:   Ms. MaTel: +86-571-88981345  18258283979Email: zjurcb@zju.edu.cnFax: +86-571-88982640Diversity, Inclusion & BelongingZhejiang University is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to our mission “Empower future international leaders and citizens with skills, passion, ambition, resourcefulness, and knowledge (SPARK) to enable them to change their world”.

The article Encapsulation and Delivery of Therapeutic Phages by Dr. Belinda Loh received the special honour to be featured on the cover of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.https://aem.asm.org/content/early/2020/12/08/AEM.01979-20 AbstractIn the article, the authors describe methods for the encapsulation of bacteriophages that can be used as biological antibiotics. With the increasing number of multidrug resistant bacteria, alternatives to antibiotics are desperately needed and therapeutic phages present a solution to solve the antibiotic crisis. ContactDr.Sebastian LeptihnEmail: leptihn@intl.zju.edu.cnWeb:https://leptihn-lab.org

On 6th January, ZJE 2020 Annual Review Conference & 2021New Year Party was held in Multi-functional Hall. All ZJE faculty, staff and postgraduates gathered together, to sum up the extraordinary 2020, and looking forward to the new 2021. 2020 is the special year for everyone. Prof.Sue Welburn and Prof. Linrong Lu gave great speeches for the work summary of 2020. Looking back on this year, ZJE has made remarkable achievements in student training, talent recruitment and scientific research construction, especially in the case of epidemic situation, ZJE has created various surprises. Prof. Hongwei Ouyang also affirmed the achievements of ZJE and looked forward to the bright future of ZJE. Five-Year Service Award and Person of the Year 2020Faculty, staff and students prepared various excellent programmes for the party, everyone enjoyed it and had a wonderful night.

Mr. Sicheng Zhou, first year graduate student co-mentored by Dr. Wenwen Huang (ZJE) and Dr. Weiliang Shen (SAHZU), has been awarded second prize of ZJU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Congratulations! Figure: Award CertificateZJU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition aims to support the development of translational research and novel technologies which positively impact the biomedical research society and human health. In this competition, the collaborative project, “De novo design of injectable biomimetic hydrogels for rapid bone/cartilage regeneration”, provide new insight into the design rules of thermo-responsive injectable biomaterials for the non-invasive treatment of knee osteoarthritis.  Figure: Sicheng Zhou presenting the collaborative project, “De novo design of injectable biomimetic hydrogels for rapid bone/cartilage regeneration”. Figure: Prize Award Ceremony

Zhejiang University – The University of Edinburgh InstituteUndergraduate Programmes for International Students（Integrative Biomedical Sciences/Bioinformatics）Are open to Apply for 2021I. About ZJU-UoE InstituteThe Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE Institute) is a collaboration in the field of Biomedical Sciences between Zhejiang University of China and The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The two universities established an international research institute at the International Campus of Zhejiang University in Haining, Zhejiang, that builds on the existing strengths of both, and aims to foster collaborations in teaching and research. The Institute provides undergraduate education programmes that produce students with academic excellence, leadership skills, innovative capacity and global vision. Top-tier Universities in the worldZhejiang University (ZJU) is one of China's oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions. It is ranked 53rd in the 2020/21 QS world University Rankings. Founded in 1583, The University of Edinburgh (UoE) has been providing students with world-class teaching for more than 400 years. It is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50, and placed 20th in the 2020/21 QS World University Rankings. The University of Edinburgh is also ranked 4th in the UK for research power, based on the breadth and quality of its research.  II. Academic ProgrammesThe ZJU-UoE Institute offers all English taught undergraduate academic programmes in integrative biomedical sciences and biomedical informatics, and a Dual PhD programme, and plans to expand into other fields of medicine and science as it grows. Successful students receive biomedical science degrees from both UoE and ZJU when their study is completed. BSc Integrative Biomedical Sciences OverviewIntegrative Biomedical Sciences is a multidisciplinary degree programme that provides opportunities to investigate the biomedical sciences in the 21st century. The core structure of the programme provides the knowledge, skills and personal and professional development appropriate to meet the needs of a future career as a leader in biomedical science. The programme provides opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in the biomedical, physcio-chemical and clinical sciences. In addition, in later years focused optional courses provide opportunities to explore the biomedical disciplines of physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, medical microbiology and developmental biology. Integrative Biomedical Sciences is founded on developing skills in academic research and scientific enquiry thereby encouraging awareness and understanding of the research that is needed to continue to advance clinical practice. Alongside a depth of knowledge in Integrative Biomedical Sciences, graduates will have developed a breadth of skills and experience, including interpersonal skills, critical judgement and computer literacy.BSc Biomedical Informatics OverviewBiomedical informatics encompasses the study of information and computation in biology and health. Researchers in this area create computational tools to manage, share and study information and generate knowledge from biomedical data.The first year of the programme is an exciting exploration of the application of biomedical informatics, facilitating student development in the key areas of biomedical sciences. The programme will build extensively on the existing BSc Biomedical Sciences courses which students will study together with peers from this programme while introducing new courses in all four years. The goal of the programme is to train undergraduate students in the overarching principles of Biomedical Informatics and apply these skills in fundamental biomedical research.III. Dual DegreeStudents admitted to this international degree program are enrolled in both Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh. Students who successfully complete the program and meet the requirements of both universities will receive two bachelor’s degrees in their respective major fields and a graduation certificate of ZJU:·       Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Edinburgh·       Bachelor of Science from Zhejiang University·       Graduation Certificate from Zhejiang UniversityIV. LocationInternational Campus of Zhejiang University718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, Zhejiang 314400, P.R. ChinaV. Enrollment, fees and ScholarshipsWe plan to enroll 20 international students. Scholarships are awarded on an individual basis to outstanding students. Fees·          Tuition fee: CNY 200,000 per year·          Accommodation on campus: CNY 8,000 per year·          International student medical insurance: CNY 800 per year. (Relevant medical insurance items can be found at www.lxbx.net).·          Living costs: CNY 20,000-40,000 per year (estimated)ScholarshipsThe Institute offers three types of scholarship support: Undergraduate Scholarship, Academic Scholarship and Overseas Scholarship. -Undergraduate ScholarshipThere are three rates for tuition fee waivers:A - 200,000 RMB waiver/year for 4 years (full fee waiver of all tuition fees)B - 140,000 RMB waiver/year for 4 years (student contribution 60,000 RMB/year)C - 80,000 RMB waiver/year for 4 years (student contribution 120,000 RMB/year) Academic Scholarship and Overseas Scholarship will be awarded during University study. Duration: 4 years (The scholarship will be reviewed and given on the condition that the student meets the requirements for satisfactory progress toward a degree and follows the rules of the ZJU-UoE Institute.)VI. Deadline for Application12:00 GMT +8, 15th April, 2020 VII. EligibilityRequired by ZJU registration regulation and Ministry of Education of the PRC, applicants shall be aged at 18-25, non-Chinese passport holders, high school graduates, mentally and physically healthy and must obey by Chinese law and University’s regulations, and respect Chinese culture and habits. For more detail, please review on ZJU international College: http://iczu.zju.edu.cn/english/redir.php?catalog_id=22210 Minimum academic requirements:SQA/HighersIBGCE A-levelABBB   by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one   year of S4-S6, to include Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics and/or Physics   are recommended. Qualified applicants are advised to take Biology and   Chemistry at Advanced Higher level where possible. National 5: Mathematics at   Grade B. English at Grade C. Overall   score of 32 points, including HL Biology and Chemistry, one at Grade 5 and   one at Grade 6. Mathematics and/or Physics are recommended. SL: English at   Grade 4 and Mathematics at Grade 4. If you are using English / English   Language at SL as part of the English language requirements, you must obtain   Grade 5.ABB,   in one sitting, to include Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics and/or Physics   are recommended. GCSEs: Mathematics at Grade B or 6 and English at Grade C or   4.. VIII. ApplicationWeb applications shall be made through：http://zje.intl.zju.edu.cn/Undergraduate students should plan to apply by April 15th, 2021 for full consideration. Submit required materials:  l  Personal Statement in application forml  2 referees – NOT parentsl  Degree certificate showing highest qualificationl  High school transcripts, scores on recognised tests such as ACT or SAT or IBl  English Language proficiencyl  And other material indicated on the admissions websiteApplications are reviewed based on all factors in the application record.Demonstrate English proficiency:  Students whose native language is not English should submit official results of TOEFL or IELTS tests. The Admissions team are seeking students who will be successful in our English-based instructional program. IX. AdmissionWill be determined according to evaluations based on applicants’ competitiveness and interviews.X. AccommodationInternational students at International Campus of Zhejiang University enjoy single room dormitory’s.XI. RegistrationThe usual on-campus registration period is late August or early September. The exact time will be specified in the matriculation notice. Students should apply for an X1 visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Usually a valid passport, matriculation notice, and JW202 Form are needed for the visa application. For registration, students should report to International Campus of Zhejiang University at the time specified in the admission letter with the following documents: a valid passport, matriculation notice, JW202 Form and an X1 visa. High school diplomas are required for students who have submitted pre-graduation certificate. Failure to do so will result into cancellation of admission.XII. Contact Person ZJU-UoE InstituteMs. Hannah HuangPhone: +86 571 87572813; Email: huangxiaohan@zju.edu.cn University of EdinburghMs. Natasha GoldieEmail: natasha.goldie@ed.ac.uk International College, Zhejiang UniversityMr. Zusen CaiPhone: +86 571 88981022; Email: caizusen@zju.edu.cn Office of Undergraduate Program, International CollegeOffice B125 East 1 Building866 Yu Hang Tang RoadZijingang Campus, Zhejiang University,Hangzhou, ChinaPost code: 310058 For more information, please refer to ZJU International College Homepage http://iczu.zju.edu.cn and ZJU-UoE Institute Homepage http://zje.zju.edu.cn/ 2021 ZJE Intl Recuitment Overview.pdf

Bats, the only flying mammal, carry a variety of viruses, many of which are zoonotic. Some of these viruses can spread to humans, often causing severe disease and even death, such as coronavirus, Ebola virus and paramyxovirus. Even though they can host so many viruses, bats maintain a healthy state by producing only a limited inflammatory response. Uncovering the mechanisms by which bats fight off these viruses has important implications for human health. Aaron T. Irving's research team recently published an article in PNAS about the complementary mechanisms by which bats suppress inflammation.Picture：Complementary relationship between M. davidii, E. spelaea, and P. alecto caspase-1 and IL-1β.（Published in PNAS） Caspase-1（or cysteine aspartic protease 1）is the central inflammasome effector for pyroptosis and triggers cytokine ( such as IL-1β) secretion. The team identified residues in caspase-1 which are critical for enzymatic activity yet have been targeted for inhibition in Pteropus bats. Further, they discover cleavage-site flanking residues which led to the loss of IL-1β cleavage in Myotis bats. The team report an inverse relationship between caspase-1 function and IL-1β cleavage in bats within two suborders, with different evolutionary mechanisms resulting in a consistent reduction of downstream signaling by the inflammasome.  https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/10/21/2003352117  Dr Aaron Irving trained at the Diamantina Institute (UQ Australia), Monash Institute of Medical Research (Melbourne Australia) and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medial School (Singapore). He recently opened his lab at ZJE with a focus on emerging zoonotic viral infections and the host-pathogen interactions triggered by these viruses. There is a special interest in comparative biology using bats as a model organism and identifying key factors from bats that may be utilized to improve the human immune responses to pathogen infections. Other projects in the laboratory include novel diagnostic techniques to identify current or historical infection of wildlife by zoonotic viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and establishing/evaluating factors that may contribute to zoonotic potential. 

In order memorialize the westward migration of Zhejiang University, enhance the relationship between teachers and students, and carry forward the team spirit, ZJU-UoE institute organized a trail-walk on the morning of October 11 with a distance of 10 kilometers. Nearly 400 teachers and students from ZJE, other joint institutes and campus units participated in the activity.01.Before the start of trail-walk, ZJE Vice Dean Ye Chen expressed her wishes for all participants: “I hope you will enjoy the warm autumn sun and get close to nature with relaxation; I hope you can build up your body and feel the happiness brought by sports and sunshine ; I hope you can work together and experience the strength and courage of the team. Finally, I wish ZJE and you are always on the way to build a dream together, on the way to move ahead together.”02.The trail-walk is divided into two parts: around the cuckoo lake and around the campus. At 9:00 a.m., as the whistle blew, the teams who had already gathered in front of the South Gate rushed out to start their journey of happiness and sweat.Starting from the first spot, a total of 8 check-in points distributed on the trail-walk route need to be clocked in. Check-in point No. 4 is the supply point to provide water and food to the participants, and No. 2 and No. 7 are the task points, which need to complete the task of taking group photos and small games. All the team members used their intelligence and worked together to complete the tasks. While enjoying the scenery along the way, they talked and laughed with new friends, encouraged each other, and rushed to the next check-in point.03.  After all the participants gathered at the finishing point, they got the souvenirs, signed their names on the spray painting, and took the characteristic group photo of their own team, the trail-walk activity was successfully completed. Ultimately, every participant received a well-designed ZJE passport, which stamped with the mark of "trail-walk".04.    In this trail-walk activity, I was honored to be a team leader. With the sunrise, the sky is so bright, the ground is so wide, the feeling is so rippling, the heart is so waves, the beautiful scenery is accompanied by friends all the way, what a wonderful memory.——BMI student Xinyue Huang Although the sun is very bright, although we have been walking for a long time and were tired at last, the perseverance of “Left Behind” team is perfect. We have gained growth, friendship and positive energy.——BMS student Pengwei Yu One thing that I want to highlight from ZJE 2020 Trail-walk as a sport event is that it is inclusive for everyone despite their sport ability. I think having inclusive event like this will make everyone feel appreciated and belong to the ZJE family. It also helps breaking the barriers between the International and Chinese members of ZJE.——PhD student IAN MELIALA I believe that all participants today can understand what Trail-walk is. The participants walked ten kilometers under the sun, which was a test of perseverance. Volunteers accompany the participants, busy but fulfilling. Everyone gains a lot through ZJE Trail-walk.——BMS student Lingyun Jin(Volunteer) It's the best reward for scientific research workers to have a walk in the beautiful autumn, enjoy the pleasant sunshine and boundless scenery. What's more, you have many friends to walk with you. ZJE trail-walk not only liberates us from the busy scientific research life, but also gives us a chance to blow the breeze on the lake, enjoy the time with your friend. Although this activity has just ended, we are looking forward to the coming of the next trail-walk.——Postdoctoral Mingxu Zhang

The Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) new student welcome ceremony was held in the Multi-Function Hall of Campus on 13 September 2020, with 147 new undergraduate and postgraduate students in attendance. Many distinguished guests attended the ceremony including Vice President of Zhejiang University (ZJU) and Secretary of Party Working Committee of ZJU International Campus Lianzhen He, ZJE Vice Dean Linrong Lu, ZJE Vice Dean Ye Chen, ZJE Assistant Dean Suhong Xu, and ZJE faculty and staff. Everyone gathered to witness this special moment.The ceremony began with the new students and guests signing their names and creatingmulti-coloured handprints on the signature wall. These colourful handprints symbolize the bright futures expected for the new students. The college has also prepared a special mailbox for students. Students will express what they want to say to their parents and family members on postcards. ZJE's mailbox will convey the students' heavy missing to their families. ZJE 2020 welcome ceremony officially started at 9am.Professor Lianzhen He delivered a welcome speech to students. Professor He expressed her welcome and congratulations to all the new students. She said in this special period, humanity’s health needs biomedical sciences, you who choose biomedical/biomedical informatics will be our heroes to save the world! She also put forward three expectations for students: have dreams; embrace the new era though unity of knowledge and action; master ways to success.  Dean of biomedical science, University of Edinburgh Professor Mike Shipston, Vice Dean of ZJU International Campus and ZJE Dean Professor Hongwei Ouyang, ZJE Executive Dean Professor Sue Welburn and ZJE undergraduate programme director Dr. John Menzies sent their best wishes to the students through videos. They hoped students can make full use of the excellent resources of Zhejiang University and University of Edinburgh and expressed that all ZJE faculty and staff will do best to support the students’ dreams.  The Launching Ceremony was attended by Prof. Lianzhen He, Prof.Linrong Lu, Chen Ye, Prof. Suhong Xu, ZJE faculty, and student representatives. Many forces gather together to open a new starting point and a new journey for students and ZJE.  On behalf of undergraduate and postgraduate freshmen, Jiashang Xu and Feiran Gao gave speeches. They expressed their joy at coming to ZJE and the beautiful campus and were very honored to open a new chapter in ZJE with students from all over the world. At the same time, they expressed the expectation for the future study and life and determined to work hard for the future of biomedicine.  Then, all the freshmen took the oath ceremony. As scholars who will study and explore in biomedical field, ZJEers have faith and responsibility, and will shoulder the responsibility of human health in the future. Parents also sent their sincere wishes to the freshmen through videos. Each word carried the parents' strong care and love for their children. We believe that the students can understand their parents' love and work hard to achieve their dream in ZJE.The versatile ZJEers also gave a wonderful performance to all the guests attending the welcoming ceremony, everyone enjoyed their great performance. The welcome ceremony is a starting point for freshmen, from here, they will embark on a new and unknown but hopeful journey. We sincerely hope that every new student can be confident, face challenges bravely, and keep moving on!

Continuing the success of fruitful collaborations between the ZJE Institute and the University  of Edinburgh, two articles were published in a joint effort of the Leptihn group, together with Prof. Susan Welburn and Dr. Xiaoting Hua from the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, in Hangzhou. One article was published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine entitled“ Secondary Bacterial Infections in Patients with Viral Pneumonia”. In a “back-to-back publication” the group published a second review article with the title “Secondary Bacterial Infections during Pulmonary Viral Disease: Phage Therapeutics as Alternatives to Antibiotics?” in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Microbiology.Picture: Comparison of scientific, clinical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of chemical antibiotics, endolysins, and bacteriophages in the treatment of bacterial infections (published in Frontiers in Microbiology).Article summaries:Both articles describe the complex disease progressions of viral pneumonias, which are often complicated by secondary bacterial infections. In the review published in Frontiers in Medicine, the frequency, treatment and impact of secondary bacterial infections during viral pneumonia are discussed, comparing influenza, SARS, MERS and SARS-CoV-2 related infections. Case studies were analysed to interpret the severity of disease progression due to secondary bacterial infections during the global pandemic and antibiotic treatment regimes. The authors reported that up to 15% of the COVID-19 mortality may be caused by secondary bacterial infections, although regional differences do exists.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00420/fullIn the publication in Frontiers in Microbiology the authors highlight the use of antibiotic therapy to prevent or cure secondary bacterial infections or co-infections that are occur during viral pulmonary diseases. The authors discuss the potential of using phage therapy or phage-derived compounds as alternatives to antibiotics, in particular for strains that are antibiotic resistant.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01434/fullThe Leptihn’s research group is working on bacteriophage biology and phage therapy. Prof. Sebastian Leptihn’s Research Group (http://leptihn-lab.org/) includes Dr. Belinda Loh (Post-doc) and Dr. Prasanth Manohar (Post-doc), the two lead-authors on the articles.

Recently, Prof. Wenwen Huang has been awarded a ZJU-Cornell Joint Seed Fund to design and synthesize multi-stimuli responsive biomaterials. The funding is provided by Zhejiang University and Cornell China Center to support world-class research, education, collaboration and entrepreneurship across diverse communities in ZJU and Cornell.  About this joint project:China is grappling with demographic shifts due to the global trend of rapid aging that exacerbates the burden of noncommunicable diseases and causes an urgent need to improve preventions and treatments. To address this, we are developing soft, adaptive, and responsive biomaterials using elastin: a major structural protein with high water content, tunable viscoelasticity, and biocompatibility. Using recombinant DNA technology, mechanically weak elastin can be fused with strong silk to adjust the mechanical properties of the dynamic elastin system, dubbed silk-elastin- like proteins (SELPs). We will design and synthesize reconfigurable, self-assembled SELP hydrogels with controllable properties to perform highly specific, pre-programmed functions. We will tightly integrate computational modelling and synthetic biology to design hydrogels that respond to combinatorial changes in temperature, pH, light, and electromagnetic fields. We embed computational modelling into the early stages of material synthesis to achieve time- and cost- efficiencies in generating specific targeted functions from molecular building blocks.Figure. The amino acid sequence in silk-elastin-like proteins can be specifically tailored to imbue the resulting hydrogel with a broad range of stimuli-response About ZJE/Cornell labs:Huang lab (ZJE, China) has extensive knowledge and expertise in the development and integration of de novo designed protein biomaterials with high throughput screening and regenerative medicine. Her lab focuses on the synthesis of tailored proteins with tunable functional properties using recombinant DNA technology and the translation of protein biomaterials for tissue engineering and controlled release systems.Yeo’s lab (Cornell, USA) deploy bio-inspired, bottom-up, computational approaches to rationally design next-generation biomaterials and precisely obtain the desired properties and functions. His lab harness polymeric design principles developed by Nature and combine multiscale modeling with high throughput simulations to rapidly test and validate the properties of these materials for implementation. E-mail: wenwenhuang@intl.zju.edu.cn; jingjieyeo@cornell.eduWebsite: https://person.zju.edu.cn/wenwenhuang; https://www.mae.cornell.edu/faculty-directory/jingjie-yeo

On June 23, 2020, Prof. Wenwen Huang’s lab published their collaborative research on bioinspired actuators in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). This research provides a novel approach to build smart biocompatible actuators for in vivo biomedical soft robotics and bionic devices.Figure. Schematic of the fabrication of thermo-responsive and ionic strength responsive SELP/CNF actuators.About this research article:‘Smart’ stimuli-responsive materials, which are sensitive to environmental triggers or biological signals, are appealing platforms for the development of biomedical devices. However, most smart materials are synthetic polymers that are not biocompatible and biodegradable, limiting their use in vivo. In this study, the researchers at ZJE and Tufts designed and built a new class of bionic actuator entirely out of biocompatible and biodegradable materials, using genetically engineered silk–elastin-like proteins (SELPs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). Programmable and reversible deformations in response to the stimuli have been achieved with the SELP/CNF actuator. This novel bioinspired actuator can provide an avenue to customized responsiveness toward applications for in vivo biomedical devices.  Movie. The transformation process of the SELP/CNF actuators over time in 1M NaCl solutions at room temperature.Link of this article: https://www.pnas.org/content/117/25/14602About Huang Lab:Huang lab focuses on predictive design, synthesis and functionalization of protein-based biomaterials for regenerative medicine and sustainable technology innovations. The ultimate goal of the lab is to advance the basic research in biomedical science, promote sustainable technologies, and translate biomaterials to the clinic.E-mail: wenwenhuang@intl.zju.edu.cnHome page of Prof. Wenwen Huang: https://person.zju.edu.cn/en/wenwenhuang

The first cohort of students to graduate with a Dual Award from The University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University celebrated their achievements at an event on 22 June. The seventeen graduates are the first to complete the four-year Integrative Biomedical Sciences programme run at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute (ZJE) in Haining, PR China. The majority of the graduates intend to go on to postgraduate study, with many joining postgraduate programmes in Edinburgh. The graduates were joined at the celebration by their families, friends and staff at the Institute, as well as receiving messages of congratulations from Prof Peter Mathieson, Prof Moira Whyte, the President of Zhejiang University Prof Wu Zhaohui, the Dean of Zhejiang University International Campus Prof He Lianzhen, the Vice Dean of International Campus and Dean of ZJE Prof Ouyang Hongwei, the ZJE Executive Dean Prof Sue Welburn, and the Dean of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh Prof Mike Shipston, as well as many staff who have been with them on this journey. You [our graduates] have shown exceptional talent in developing your strengths to undertake biomedical research over these past four years, in what is the early state of your career. We hope you will continue to build these strengths going forwards, as your careers develop in the years ahead. The global impacts of the pandemic and the increasing pace of technological innovation on medicine are likely to be profound and you are our pathfinders to a brighter future.Professor Sue  WelburnZJE Executive Dean