On the morning of March 6, 2019, Professor Ian Graham, Fellow of Royal Society and Head of Department of Biology, University of York and Dr. Li Yi, Senior Research Associate of Department of Biology, University of York paid a visit to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Shi Bingyin, President of the hospital, She Junjun, Assistant to the President of the hospital, Wu Shengli, Deputy Director of Department of Science and Technology, Ren Hui, Deputy Director of International Exchange Office, Professor Ye Kai and Associate Professor Guo Li, School of Electronic and Information Engineering of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Associate Professor He Wei, School of Life Science of Northwestern University, Professor Zhang Chengsheng, Professor Li Wanping and Research Associate Chen Jundi of Precision Medicine Center, Professor Zhang Feng from Benjamin Laboratory, Professor Liu Bing from BioBank and Zhang Yan, Research Associate of Translational Medicine Center attended the academic exchange meeting, which was presided over by Deputy Director Ren Hui.

First of all, President Shi Bingyin warmly welcomed Professor Ian Graham and his delegation on behalf of the hospital, and mainly introduced the history, overall influence and the unique advantages and advanced levels in developing traditional Chinese medicine to the visiting guests. He expressed that bilateral sides could deepen exchange and cooperation relying upon their respective advantages in medical technology to promote the integration and development of modern medicine with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, Professor Ian Graham delivered in-depth communication with the experts regarding the research interests, experiences and directions. Professor Ian Graham was highly interested in the interdisciplinary platform established by our hospital.

After the meeting, Professor Ian Graham and his delegation visited the sample library and laboratories, accompanied by relevant staff of our hospital. He expressed sincere gratitude towards the warm reception and hoped that bilateral sides could establish collaboration through this academic exchange, laying a solid foundation for further cooperation.

The Department of Biology of University of York is affiliated to the Academy of Sciences of University of York and covers the scientific fields from ecology to biomedicine in modern biology, which is one of the elite university biological sciences departments in the UK. The department was ranked first in the overall impact of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 and retained a position in the top 5 in the Complete University Guide. The department has several research centers, and teaches and researches across the whole spectrum of biological sciences. The Center for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) of the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, led by Professor Ian Graham's team, is a strategic scientific research center affiliated to the Department of Biology of University of York. It has established close ties with the government, enterprises and charitable organizations to achieve outstanding accomplishment.