On April 7, 2020, Prof. Zhi Hong’s lab from the Joint College of Edinburgh University and Zhejiang University together with Cong Yi’s lab from the Basic Medical College of Zhejiang University published a research article on Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology，titled "Mitochondrial Fusion Machinery Specifically Involved in Energy Deprivation-Induced Autophagy". This research expounded the relationship between mitochondrial morphology and energy deprivation-induced autophagy.  Main idea:Autophagy is a process in which cells degrade intracellular substances for reuse when facing internal and external environmental changes. Autophagy can be classified into non-selective autophagy and selective autophagy according to different degradation substrates. Non-selective autophagy, commonly known as macroautophagy or autophagy, has no selectivity for degradation substrates. Selective autophagy relies on the interaction between specific autophagy receptors with LC3 / Atg8 to degrade damaged organelles. Numerous studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in maintenance of cellular homeostasis and development of biological organisms. Dysfunctional autophagy contributes to various human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, typeⅡdiabetes, fatty liver, cancer etc.Mitochondria, as the center of cell metabolism and signal transduction networks, regulate ATP synthesis, intracellular calcium homeostasis, oxidative phosphorylation and cellular apoptosis, and are one of the most important organelles for maintaining normal physiological functions of cells. Mitochondria vary in different cells and show dynamic changes. The dynamic balance of fusion and division affects the distribution and morphology of mitochondria, which in turn determines their physiological functions. Mitochondria form a dynamic network that is mainly regulated by mitochondrial fusion, fission, and tubulation machinery, which play an important role in maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial genetic material and DNA in living organisms. Mitochondrial damage will rapidly initiate mitophagy, but the link between mitochondrial morphology and non-selective autophagy remains poorly understood.Drawn by Yuling Qin (PhD student in Prof. Zhi Hong’s lab)In this study, they found that the mitochondria fusion machinery Ugo1, Fzo1, etc. regulate the interaction between Snf1 (AMPK homolog in yeast cells) and Mec1 (ATR homolog in yeast) by participating in aerobic respiration in an energy-deficient state. Depletion of Ugo1, Fzo1, etc. leads to a decrease in Snf1 activity and Mec1 phosphorylation level, which fails to recruit Atg1/ULK1 and other autophagic proteins to the pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS), therefore inhibits the occurrence of energy-deficient induced autophagy. Interestingly, the molecular machineries responsible for mitochondrial fission and tubulation are not involved in energy deprivation-induced autophagy.Associate professor Choufei Wu and assistant researcher Weijing Yao are the co-first authors of this article. Researcher Cong Yi (left) and researcher Zhi Hong (right) are the co-corresponding authors of this article.This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Key R&D Program of China.Lab info:Zhi Hong’s research team has been focusing on spatiotemporal regulation of vesicle transport, organelle crosstalk network and cell homeostasis maintenance, and is keen to solve biological problems by using different disciplines. If you are also interested in freely exploring and risk taking, welcome to join us! E-mail: zhihong@intl.zju.edu.cnHome page of Prof. Zhi Hong: https://person.zju.edu.cn/hongzhi

Professor Ouyang Hongwei, Dean of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, was inducted as fellow of The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE College of Fellows class of 2020) for his pioneering work in tissue engineering, biomaterials and sports medicine. 156 scientists in the world were elected in 2020.The induction ceremony was originally scheduled to be held at the American Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., on March 30, 2020. However, due to the current global special situation, it was announced online. About AIMBEThe American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., representing the most accomplished individuals in the fields of medical and biological engineering. No other organization can bring together academia, industry, government, and scientific societies to form a highly influential community advancing medical and biological engineering. AIMBE’s mission is to provide leadership and advocacy in medical and biological engineering for the benefit of society.The health and value of AIMBE as an advocate for public policy issues related to improving lives through medical and biological engineering is ensured by a College of Fellows comprised of experts in areas such as clinical practice, industrial practice, and education.  Fellows and constituents of AIMBE cultivate ideas and address current issues by attending national events intended to advance the mission of AIMBE.  Among these events is the AIMBE Annual Event which takes place each winter.  At this event, Fellows and distinguished guests meet and discuss innovations in biomedical engineering, pertinent legislation, and the future of AIMBE.About Prof. Hongwei OuyangProfessor Hongwei Ouyang is Dean of ZJU-UoE Institute, Vice Dean of ZJU School of Medicine, Vice Dean of ZJU International Campus, Honorary Professor, The University of Edinburgh, The “Qiu-shi” Distinguished Professor, Zhejiang University. He is also the awardee of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars（Jie-Qin）He devotes himself to multidisciplinary research and education for musculoskeletal system restoration and regeneration, leading the team to make outstanding progress in the field of regenerative medicine.In the last 10 years, he has initiated and demonstrated the first clinical application of tissue-engineered cartilage transplantation technology and has accelerated the translational research of innovative silk medical implants in China. He has established a research system of multidisciplinary intersection and upstream-downstream integration and has promoted the development of joint surgery from replacement to regeneration.Check the list of AIMBE ELECTS 2020 FELLOWShttps://aimbe.org/2020-fellows/  

Recently, the shortlist of 2019 Zhejiang Province “10 Thousand Talent Programme” Outstanding Young Scholar is released, 252 people in total and Dr. Wenwen Huang is one of them.Dr Wenwen Huang, Assistant Professor/PI of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, received her bachelor’s degree in Physics from Peking University, her PhD in Biophysics from Tufts University, and postdoctoral training in SITEP joint program at Tufts (BME) / MIT (CEE).Dr Wenwen Huang’s research lies in highly interdisciplinary area at the interface of biophysics, biomedical engineering and material science. Her research focuses on the development and integration of de novo designed protein biomaterials with multi-scale modeling, high throughput screening and regenerative medicine. The ultimate goal of her research is to advance the basic research in biomedical science, translate biomaterials to the clinic, and promote sustainable development of Zhejiang province.Meanwhile, Dr. Wenwen Huang seeks for international communication and collaboration, and she is keeping close contact with Professor David Kaplan, an expert in biomaterials and tissue engineering field from Tufts University, Professor Markus Buehler, an expert in multi-scale simulation field, and Professor Karen Gleason, founder of the CVD technology from MIT etc.Dr. Wenwen Huang has published more than 30 papers on international top journals, such as Chem. Soc. Rev (IF 40.443), Acc. Chem. Res (IF 20.268), Adv. Funct. Mater (IF 15.621) and Macromolecules (IF 5.997) etc.

Dear international faculty and staff at IC and all our friends at UoE and UIUC,It has been a tough time since late January, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Over the period of nearly two months, all-out efforts have been made by the Chinese government to curb the spread of the virus and the situation has much improved. Zhejiang University has been committed to offering whatever expertise and aid we could extend for the prevention and control of the disease. Over 500 doctors and nurses from the affiliated hospitals have been sent to the area where the outbreak happened, and many more have been trying their best to cure those who have been infected in this province. We’ve moved teaching, research and administrative work online to ensure the smooth running of the International Campus and the University as a whole. During this process, support from ourfriends at UoE and UIUC, and the entire IC community has proved valuable and helped us through the most difficult time. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to you all.Beginning in late February, the terrible virus started to spread worldwide, involving over 150 countries and regions as of today. Keeping an eye on the update of the situation worldwide, the health and safety of our international faculty and staff and all our friends at UoE and UIUC has been our major concern. Our experience over the past nearly two months shows that, to strengthen self-protection, it helps to minimize outdoor activities, avoid crowded areas and group gatherings, wash hands frequently and wear medical masks in public places, maintain proper ventilation, and more importantly, to keep a balanced schedule of work, rest and exercise to improve immunity and live a healthy life.In time of difficulties, the entire IC community stands together. We look forward to welcoming our international faculty and staff back to campus safe and healthy and wish all our friends at UoE and UIUC well. International Campus   March 18, 2020      

 For the 30th edition of ECCMID, we would like to highlight 30 outstanding young scientists 30 years of age or younger. ZJE post-doctor, Dr. Prasanth Manohar is one of the awardees and the only one in China.Dr. Prasanth Manohar is working as a post-doctor in Dr Sebastian Leptihn’s lab in ZJE. He completed his Ph.D in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India, during which he was awarded with 'Young scientist award' from INNO Indigo projects, European Union and 'CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship' from Government of India. His research interests are bacteriophage biology, phage therapy and antibiotic resistance.When asked why came to China for research, he mentioned that China is one of the fastest growing economy in the world withhands-on-use latest technologies, and there are substantial research funding sources available to meet the global needs that eventually supports the scientists to do innovation. Additionally, he loves Chinese people and the life in Haining has been pleasant.During the COVID-19 outbreak, China carries out strict and effective prevention and control management. Therefore, Dr. Prasanth Manohar and his family still stay in India and waiting for new guideline. As a scientist in close area, Dr. Prasanth tells us that compared with SARS and MERS, covid-19 has lesser fatality rate but rapid transmission within the population. Being pandemic, countries with minimal health aids needs to be more cautious and such global emergency can only be controlled by public support. He stresses that 'prevention is better than cure'.When it comes to future plan, Dr. Prasanth precisely states that he wants to become one of the reputed scientists in the field of phage therapy and he is working towards bringing phage therapy into a reality to treat antibiotic resistant infections. About ECCMID&ECSMIDSince its founding in 1983, ESCMID has evolved to become Europe’s leading society in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases with members from all European countries and all continents. For more than 30 years, ESCMID has been an influential component in the professional lives of microbiologists and infectious disease specialists and now reaches more than 8,500 individual and 30,000 affiliated members around the world.ECCMID held by ECCIM, has become one of the most comprehensive and influential congresses in the field of infection and an exciting networking place bringing together >13,000 colleagues from all over the world. The scientific programme is built by the ECCMID Programme Committee, and independent group of experts representing all disciplines related to clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. The programme is built in two phases, based on submitted session proposals or submitted abstracts.

Work in concert and pull together.Cherish everyday and wait to turn to the page of spring.If Wuhan wins the battle against the virus, Hubei will. If Hubei wins the battle, the nation will.This is not only a tough job for China, but a common challenge for the people all over the world as well.Far away in Scotland, on the other side of the world, the faculty and students at the University of Edinburgh are also on the move, to try to convey their care and best wishes to their Chinese friends.Distance can neither affect our familiarities, nor keep us part.When things go well, we don’t stop to think about the strong connections between us；When there are difficulties,we feel them too.UoE is Here with You！On February 5th 2020, University of Edinburgh Zhejiang Alumni Association, together with the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE), launched the " UoE is here with Zhejiang" anti-epidemic fund-raising proposal, which received strong support and positive response from faculties and students, alumni and other people who are concerned with the situation!At the same time of raising capital for charity, we also try to promote the mutual understanding and integration of the voice at home and abroad. This video was produced by the volunteer team of the fund-raising project, and also helped by many people.It is hard to estimate and repay every kindness in this critical period. Thank you all! Dr. Zhong Nanshan is one of the three finalistsfor the 2020 Being Edinburgh Award.Voting period: 9am 24 February – 12pm 4 March GMTOnly open to UoE alumni, faculities and studentshttps://www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/being-edinburgh-award/vote-winner In 1881, Marion Blake, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Edinburgh, came to Hangzhou as the first president of Guangji Hospital (the predecessor of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine). [The "UoE is here with Zhejiang" anti-epidemic fund-raising activities are ongoing]Gather sand to form a tower, accumulate water to converge into a river. Even small kindness has great righteousness!Stay Strong Zhejiang! Donation Proposal from UoE Alumni&ZJEDonation MethodsAll the donations are collected through the account of Zhejiang University Education Foundation.For all donors for this project, please remember to make notes for later statistics and data tracking.The unified note is “StayStrongZJ".Bank transfer (UK)Account Name: Zhejiang University Education FoundationAccount Number: 364968853401Bank Name: Hangzhou Zheda Sub-Branch, Bank of ChinaSwift Code: BKCH CN BJ910Bank Address: 28, Qiushi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 

Prof. Sue Welburn, Executive Dean of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Chair of Medical and Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology, very concerned  about the situation of 2019-nCoV in China. She analyzed several possible outcomes of this disease in the article named The Only Thing We have to Fear is Fear Itself.The only thing we fear is fear itself ?As humans, we have lots of fears; fear of snakes, fear of heights, fear of spiders and of course fear of diseases. In 1933, Franklin D Roosevelt the 32nd President of the US at the lowest point of the Great Depression said “let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance”.These words are as important today as they were back in 1933, as China now battles an unseen enemy causing fear and heartbreak in communities. Fear can cause unjustified terror that impedes public health efforts to contain the spread of infection.In December 2019, a new illness emerged in Wuhan, caused by a novel RNA coronavirus, 2019-nCoV – a virus that seemingly came from nowhere, unknown to science. Suddenly, everyone was working day and night to manage the impact of this tiny little pathogen, to try and stop its spread regionally and globally, and to work to develop drugs and vaccines to prevent a global pandemic. The speed at which 2019-nCoV is spreading is truly incredible and the response of the PRC (and globally) is unprecedented.The disease is so new and there are so many unknowns. We do not know where it came from, how it spreads or how deadly it really is? We don’t know how the outbreak will end, but experience tells us that it will end. There are several possible outcomes.Firstly, that the spread of 2019-nCoV is brought under control by extensive public health interventions (fast diagnosis, isolation and effective treatment of affected individuals, close identification of close contacts and their treatment). This is how two previous coronavirus outbreaks - SARS and MERS ended. Both viruses had made the jump from animals to humans and spread between them. SARS infected 8,096 people, and killed 774 people across 17 countries, but by 2004 SARS was no longer a public health problem. For SARS, health authorities identified cases quickly isolating and treating infected cases to prevent the infection spreading. Airports screened international travelers to establish whether they had been in contract with the virus. Today SARS may still exist in reservoir animal hosts, for example the forest civet, but it is not spreading among humans.SARS could be contained, infected people, mostly did not spread the virus until they were showing symptoms, so when someone was sick, they were identified quickly, placed in quarantine and transmission was stopped.2019-nCoV appears to be able to spread before any symptoms arise making it harder to contain. People do not know they are sick before they spread the virus to other people, and as they are not feeling ill, they will not seek medical care.SARS also conveniently tended to stay within the hospital or healthcare setting with transmission fueled by a few “super-spreaders” who were disproportionately infectious.The 2019-nCoV outbreak has outpaced SARS. A new mathematical model published in The Lancet suggests that up 75,800 people in Wuhan may have been infected by January 25 but also showed that if transmission could be reduced by a quarter, the growth rate of the outbreak would slow down.Secondly, the virus might die out after it infects all or most of the people that are most susceptible to it. Disease outbreaks need susceptible individuals to spread and a virus outbreak will stop when there are no susceptible people left to infect. The 2015-2016 Zika virus epidemic infected >35,000 people but died out when the number of susceptible individuals reduced. People who were most at risk of coming into contact with Zika carrying mosquitoes had already been exposed to the disease. Zika is still around today but is not spreading.If 2019-nCoV runs low on susceptible individuals to infect, for example people showing some immunity, then public health interventions can finish it off. Lastly, 2019-nCoV may become yet another common seasonal virus, as has been seen before for flu. In 2009, a new flu strain H1N1 emerged and became pandemic but eventually became part of the normal flu architecture each flu season. 2019-nCoV could become another one of the 4 coronavirus strains that commonly infect humans every year, in China or globally.Ultimately, the outbreak of 2019-nCoV will likely be ended with the invention of a new vaccine(s) but development and deployment may take some time. In the mean while we need to support a strong public health response such as is being launched in China. It is important to keep fear at bay and this virus in perspective, each year globally 500,000 people die of flu and many more would die of flu if we did not have flu vaccination programmes for high-risk groups.

Dear ZJEers：The outbreak of 2019-nCoV has had a far-reaching impact in China and internationally. While the risk to health remains relatively low in Zhejiang province, there has been significant disruption to travel to, from and within China.ZJE Institute has decided to begin semester 2 by teaching online and this approach will be used by all staff and we anticipate this will continue until new policy announced. We will introduce face-to-face teaching once travel restrictions have been lifted that permit teachers and students to return to campus.Your China- and UK-based teachers are working closely together to ensure minimal disruption to your teaching and learning activities. All courses will run online. There may be some changes to the course content and/or assessments. Course organisers will be in touch to share specific arrangements for each course. Any changes are made to benefit you, our students.Semester 2 will start on Monday 17th February. The date of the exam week (the week beginning 25th May) is unchanged, the summer vacation is also unchanged (beginning 1st June), and plans for Y4 students’ graduation are unchanged. We expect that the mode of delivery will change as semester 2 progresses, transitioning from an entirely online mode to the predominantly face-to-face mode you are familiar with.We are committed to supporting all our students during this challenging time, including students who have difficulties with these teaching arrangements. We will deal with these as they arise. Note that you must not make a Special Circumstances application to account for being away from campus, or because of the change to an online mode of teaching. However, if you encounter other circumstances that may negatively affect your academic performance during semester 2, you should make a Special Circumstances application as normal. Do discuss this with your AA before you make an application.We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in China, and we will keep all you updated as the situation develops. However, if you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your AA, who will do their best to answer.Please be assured that we are all committed to helping you through this difficult period in your academic journey and in supporting your academic futures. There are trying times for you, our students and for us as your teachers and mentors, but the spirit of our ZJE community will prevail.With best wishesHO, SCW.12/Feb/2020

Dear alumni of Zhejiang University/University of Edinburgh,Dear friends who show great concern to this donation,Hello, everyone.       The new chapter of 2020 has witnessed an unusual challenge. Although the pandemic is still raging, we all,with great courage, have been fighting to win the battle. By 10pm on February 5th, 24,433 people had been confirmed with the new type of coronavirus pneumonia in China. Zhejiang, with 895 people confirmed infected, is in dire need of medical supplies. Since the outbreak of coronavirus, people across the world have expressed a high degree of concern about the pandemic. Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a member of Chinese Academy of Engineering & honorary doctor of the University of Edinburgh, has led this fight against the disease at the front line at the age of 84. Additionally, Oxford & Cambridge Alumni Aid Association, Zhejiang University Alumni Association in UK and many other alumni associations have also immediately provided supports to help battle this pandemic.We have so many outstanding models and we believe when there is solidarity there is a way to conquer all difficulties. University of Edinburgh Alumni Association in Zhejiang, together with ZJU-UoE Institute, sincerely hope to do our own part to the front line. To all of you, we propose “UoE always stands with ZJU” - the initiative for donation.       All donations will be directed to the front line through Zhejiang University Education Fund. UoE Alumni Association in Zhejiang and ZJU-UoE Institute will follow up the progress of donation collection, strictly supervise its use and flow and publicize it to the public in time.Thank you for your attention and support! University of Edinburgh Alumni Association in ZhejiangZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University5 February, 2020 Letter from UoE Principal    The University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang: A Friendship Dating back to A Hundred YearsIn 1881, Marion Blake, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Edinburgh, came to Hangzhou as the first president of Guangji Hospital (the predecessor of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine). Guangji Hospital, the birthplace of western medicine in Zhejiang, was also one of the largest western medical hospitals in China at that time. He worked in Hangzhou for 45 years and made important contributions to the development of Zhejiang’s medical industry. Even at his old age, he devoted himself to translating medical books.Coincidentally, in 2011, medical science brought the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang together again: a delegation from Zhejiang University visited the University of Edinburgh and reached cooperation agreements at the Forum of Biomedical Sciences. In 2012, with the help of the University of Edinburgh, Zhejiang University pioneered the programme of Biomedical Sciences in the country, making up the domestic blank. In 2015, cooperation between the two universities was strengthened, witnessing the establishment of ZJU-UoE Institute to train interdisciplinary talents with a global perspective and a multidisciplinary background including Biology, Life Science and Medicine. The institute was officially approved by the Ministry of Education of the PRC in 2016 and enrolled in the same year.Giving More Concerns to Doctors and Nurses, Producing More Scientific PayoffsWithin one week after the outbreak, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine has received and treated 4,910 non-local fever patients. There are so many touching stories: upon receiving calls from hospitals, many doctors and nurses rush to the hospital before having the most important New Year’s Eve dinner; after a whole day of uphill work in isolation wards, they have to part reluctantly with their family members; some resolutely join the medical team to support the front line in Wuhan, not telling their parents the truth to save them from endless worries.Science researchers including Academician Dr. Zhong Nanshan, Academician Prof. Li Lanjuan and those from the Zhejiang Provincial CDC as well as institutes of Virology have been working day and night to race against the virus.Focusing on a better future, we hope that everyone does their part within reach.Let’s care for the angels in white. For one thing, ensure the basic demand of all the medical staff fighting in the front line. For another, consolidate our confidence for this battle and a coming better future. Part of the donation will be used for post-disaster relief and psychological assistance as well as scientific research in bio-medicine and the cultivation of medical talents. Donation MethodsAll the donations are collected through the account of Zhejiang University Education Foundation.For all donors for this project, please remember to make notes for later statistics and data tracking.The unified note is “StayStrongZJ". Bank transfer (UK)Account Name: Zhejiang University Education FoundationAccount Number: 364968853401Bank Name: Hangzhou Zheda Sub-Branch, Bank of ChinaSwift Code: BKCH CN BJ910Bank Address: 28, Qiushi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Contact InfoUniversity of Edinburgh Alumni Association in Zhejiang: Bruce ZHANG +86 13685741138ZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University: Hannah HUANGhuangxiaohan@zju.edu.cnIf you have any questions. please contact us.Remember to note StayStrongZJ, when you transfer.

The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against viruses. The tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase thought to be a key component in the activation of innate immune response.TRIM25 has recently been identified as an RNA-binding protein, raising the question of whether its RNA-binding activity is important for its role in innate immunity. Here, we review TRIM25's mechanisms and pathways in non-infected and infected cells.  This protein represents a large group of proteins with newly identified RNA-binding potential and can serve as an exemplar towards critical evaluation of protein functions in biological systems.Original publicationNila Roy Choudhury, Gregory Heikel and Gracjan Michlewski. WIREs RNA. 2020;e1588https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1588TRIM25 and its emerging RNA‐binding roles in antiviral defenseE3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25 is newly identified RNA‐binding protein which is emerging as a key factor in the innate immune response to RNA viruses.doi.orgFigure. E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25 is newly identified RNA‐binding protein which is emerging as a key factor in the innate immune response to RNA viruses.

Recently, one review paper “Current advances in microsphere based cell culture and tissue engineering” published in Biotechnology Advances (IF=11.452). Prof. Hongwei Ouyang is corresponding author of the paper. Co-first authors are Doctoral candidate Qiulin He (Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute) and Dr. Jingwei Zhang (Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine).Cell-based regenerative therapy has a great prospect in tissue repair. There are many clinical trials and preclinical animal experiments reported cell therapy for complex diseases. Effective cell culture and delivery is a necessary requirement to achieve the clinical applications of cell therapy. Recently, microsphere (MS) based system has attracted and more attention in cell culture and tissue repair (Figure 1A, B). MSs can not only serve as supportive carriers for cell culture, providing different chemical and physical environment for cell growth, but also be excellent delivery carriers for cell therapy in vivo, realizing non-invasive injectable therapy, alleviating the pain of patients, and improving the treatment effect. The main advantages of MSs are: (a) Simple method for large-scale fabrication, which is easy to realize; (b) Uniform and regular porous structure can be formed between MSs; (c) The specific surface area is large, and the size is varied and controllable; (d) MSs are able to control the release of drugs and biomolecules.Figure 1. (A) Number of papers of “microsphere AND (tissue engineering)” from 1980 to 2018; (B) Citation frequency of papers about “((microsphere) AND tissue engineering)” from 2000 to 2018; (C) Schematic illustrating topics covered in this review.In this review, MS system has been divided into two categories：(a) Cells cultured on the surface of MSs (cell-on system); and (b) Cells encapsulated in MSs (cell-in system) (Figure 1C). Firstly, in the cell-on system, often used for cell expansion, the final yield depends on cell adhesion ratio, proliferation rate and harvest rate; “low input and high output” should be a criterion for effective cell expansion in vitro. This review summarized three main factors for cell adhesion and proliferation in the cell-on system: chemical property, physical property and surface modification of MSs, as well as three methods for cell detachment: enzymatic treatment, non-enzymatic degradation and temperature-responsive detachment. Secondly, in cell-in system, used to protect encapsulated cells and control cell distribution after in vivo transplantation, is prudent to consider the influential factors so that cells can be supported in high cell viability and proliferation. Factors such as procedures of MS fabrication and architectures of MSs have been introduced in detail. Thirdly, in MS system, stem cells can differentiate into different mature cells, including chondrocytes, osteocytes, adipocytes, neurocytes. Both inherent properties of MSs and biomolecules released from MSs can regulate cell differentiation. At last, cell-loaded MSs provide a revolutionized approach to cell delivery in vivo, in addition to being biomolecule delivery systems, they have the characteristic of being injectableand the capacity to improve cell efficiency. On the one hand, cell-loaded MSs with a specific function serve as small building blocks (microtissues) to be assembled into macroscopic tissues (macrotissues) through a bottom-up approach. On the other hand, MSs can serve as a part of bulk scaffolds to improve biological functions of scaffolds. This review summarized researches about applications of MSs in cell culture and tissue engineering, which provides guidance and reference for future development.Link of the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0734975019301594?from=groupmessage&via%3Dihub=   

  On the evening of 26th September, the 4th Annual Haining Entrepreneurs Convention was held in the Haining Grand New Century Hotel. This congress was sponsored by the communist party of China Haining municipal committee, Haining government.  This meeting highlighted the theme of internationalization and integration. Professor Welburn and five other foreign experts and international friends won the first " Haining Friendship Award" for their important contributions to the development of Haining City. Professor Welburn made a speech as a representative of the award winners. She first thanked Haining municipal government for its kindness to foreigners and stating that she believes the International Campus is a beacon for opportunity. The outstanding facilities and academic talent attracted to the city will be of significant benefit to many generations to come, she said “China has a brilliant future and the next generation will be even more remarkable”."Haining Friendship Award" is the recognition of Professor Welburn in the fields of education, business, science and technology, as well as the recognition of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute(ZJE) and its education model. In the past three years, ZJE has been developing vigorously, making continuous efforts to build a high-level international top college, and forge ahead to create a benchmark of international cooperative education worldwide. 

 On October 22, 2019, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute(ZJE) dual award registration and Cohort Matriculation Ceremony was held in No. 2 College. Each student attended in formal dress, radiant and energetic, to welcome the moment when their dual student status was made official. ZJE Dean Ouyang Hongwei, ZJE Executive Dean Sue Welburn, Dean of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh Mike Shipston, Xu Suhong, John Menzies, Xie Xin, Mikael Bjorklund, Sander Van Den Driesche and other professors attended the ceremony and awarded cards to the first years. The college leaders and other guests from international campus were invited to attend the ceremony. Professor Mike Shipston and Professor Ouyang Hongwei delivered speeches, both expressing their ardent expectations for the students. They hope that students can enjoy learning and growing together in the ZJE family and grow into talents by virtue of the unique advantages of integration of Chinese and Western. After the speeches, eight professors awarded ZJU and UoE student cards to 2019 cohort ZJE undergraduates and dual degree PhD students.   Then, student representative Wang Shiqi's speech spoke the voice of all the students. Our dear dean of ZJE, professor Hongwei Ouyang once said: “It doesn’t matter what decisions you make, but what actions you take.” If we just think, all of those big pictures will remain in our brains and become only dreams instead ofreality. Get to know ourselves，make plans and take actions. Our bright future is right there waiting for us!As a ZJE student with two school statuses, our mission is equally important. The gap in biomedical field is waiting for students to fill, and endless difficulties are waiting for students to overcome. This is the beginning of the dream and the magic journey to light up the biomedical field!with excited mood and infinite expectation for the future, students took a group photo and each young face held a brilliant smile.  

On October 21, 2019, the UK-China Joint Institute Alliance Annual General Meeting was successfully held at Haining International Campus of Zhejiang University. UK-China Joint Institute Alliance is an organization jointly sponsored by China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and British Council(BC), which is jointly established by 21 Chinese UK cooperative institutes and serves as a member organization. The alliance is committed to promoting substantive cooperation between Chinese and British institutions and colleges, creating a platform for building a quality brand of Chinese- British cooperative education and promoting the development of Chinese- British cooperative education.  At 9:00 a.m., more than 70 guests from 21 Chinese- British cooperative institutes, representatives of Haining government and organizers gathered at the Qiushi College at the International Campus of Zhejiang University to open the grand event.  Vice President of Zhejiang University Professor Zhenlian He, Deputy Mayor of Haining government of Zhejiang Province Qinli Shen, and Director of Education in China of British Council Wu Yuanyuan all delivered opening speeches. Professor Lianzhen He first extended a sincere welcome to all member organizations coming to Haining International Campus of Zhejiang University. She said that the initial intention of establishing Zhejiang University International Campus was to cultivate students with international vision in combination with excellent education models in China and the West. At the same time, she mentioned that today is the second anniversary of the full opening of the international campus. It's more meaningful for all the guests to gather at the International Campus on this special day. Deputy Mayor of Haining government Shen Qinli introduced the development background of Haining City and the close connection with Zhejiang University in her speech. She said that Haining is now the pioneer of Sino foreign cooperation, and Haining is developing into an international high-quality city.Director of Education in China of British Council Wu Yuanyuan said Chinese and British transnational education has achieved excellent results and is still growing. The Alliance supports UK and Chinese institutions in delivering high quality TNE programmes, producing future leaders and taking bilateral relations forward. After that, special guests made keynote speeches. Vice Dean of School of Education of Zhejiang University and Director of APEID contact center of UNESCO Zhejiang University professor Yue Kan, delivered a wonderful keynote speech entitled "Opportunities and challenges of Chinese foreign cooperation in running schools in the context of China's education modernization 2035". Deputy Director of Academic Exchange and Research Department of CEAIE Tang Zhenfu conducted policy experience exchange and interpretation on the policy and method, annual report and exit mechanism of the Ministry of Education's on-site evaluation of Chinese foreign cooperative education in 2019. His incisive and in-depth interpretation brought many thoughts to participants.In view of the development and challenges of Sino- British cooperation in running schools, Director of Global Education Research of BC John McNamara shared his thoughts on how the Sino- British cooperation in running schools can promote the construction of world-class universities and disciplines and play a positive role. His vivid speech gave the audience a deeper understanding of the positioning and role of the Sino- British cooperative schools. After a tea break, members of the alliance had a thematic discussion on the common topics of concern. Executive Dean of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute Prof. Sue Welburn, and Vice President of Northeast University of Finance and Economics Prof. Yanzhi Zhao co-chaired the meeting. The participants focused on the quality assurance mechanism of cooperative education and the practice and challenges of daily management, education and teaching, and international scientific research cooperation, had a multi-faceted discussion, and actively made suggestions based on the experience of all parties.   The afternoon meeting focused on student experience, alliance management and work planning. Four student teams (Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Surrey International Institute, DUFE, Hebei University-University of Central Lancashire School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries, Glasgow College of University of Electronic Science and Technology China) which participated in UK-China Joint Institute Alliance Student Leadership Programme (Forum) presented their achievements and initiatives to all members of the annual meeting. As people with direct experience of the Sino- British cooperative education mode, students' discussions and initiatives are of great significance, and also show the international style of students under the Sino- British cooperative education. Next, under the chairmanship of Yuanyuan Wu, the representatives at the meeting reviewed and looked forward to the development of Sino- British cooperation in running schools, discussed the operation mechanism and management principles of the alliance in the next two years, and agreed on the next annual meeting of the alliance. Finally, four proposals of the alliance cooperation project were explained and discussed. The four proposals focus on improving the management, education and teaching of Sino- British cooperative schools, and provide ideas for the next development of the alliance. After a day of intense and substantial discussion, the 2019 UK-China Joint Institute Alliance Annual General Meeting was successfully concluded with applause. All Chinese and British cooperative institutes have shown their outstanding achievements in running schools, discussed their future running directions and cooperative communication mechanisms, and demonstrated their enthusiasm for continuous efforts and dedication to education. We look forward to the bright future of China- UK cooperation in running schools.