Party Secretary Xu Yan Leads Delegation on Visit to Institute of Biomaterials, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

To further deepen international scientific research cooperation, promote disciplinary innovation and development, enhance the international reputation and influence of our hospital, and better serve the university's "Double First-Class" and "High-Level Research Hospital" initiatives, from February 7th to 11th, a delegation led by Professor Xu Yan, Party Secretary of our hospital, visited the Institute of Biomaterials at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) in Germany for exchange.

Professor Aldo R. Boccaccini, Fellow of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech), Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the World Academy of Ceramics, Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), and Fellow of the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering (IUSBSE), received Secretary Xu Yan and her delegation. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including sharing high-quality resources, jointly building research platforms, mutual faculty exchanges and professional development, and joint student training. Both parties agreed to establish a regular cooperation framework, exploring models such as summer exchange programs, joint doctoral training mechanisms, and cross-disciplinary laboratory co-construction, aiming to leverage complementary strengths between China and Europe in the fields of dental education and research translation.

During the visit, Secretary Xu Yan's delegation conducted in-depth inspections of molecular biology, dental materials, and bioengineering laboratories, as well as the university-affiliated dental hospital. Additionally, a high-level talent recruitment seminar was held at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, highlighting the advantages of our hospital in disciplinary development, research platforms, and talent policies. Secretary Xu Yan expressed her anticipation for more outstanding young scholars with international backgrounds to join the SMU School of Stomatology (South Medical University), working together to build globally competitive dental innovation teams and drive leapfrog development in areas like precision prevention and treatment of oral diseases and AI-enabled diagnostics technology.

This visit closely aligns with the "Healthy China" strategy and the requirements of the New Medical Science Initiative, focusing on exploring paths for medical education reform and innovation. By building a high-level international cooperation network and introducing cutting-edge technologies and concepts, our hospital will continue to enhance its international influence in the field of dental research, injecting new momentum into cultivating globally competent medical talents and producing original scientific research achievements. In the future, our hospital will continue to advance global cooperation with an open attitude, contributing to a stronger voice for Chinese stomatology on the international stage.