On the afternoon of March 13, a collaborative seminar, jointly organized by ShanghaiTech, Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, and Swissnex in China, was convened at the Conference Center of ShanghaiTech University. The seminar, with the theme of “Future Hospitals: Research Institutes Meet Industry”, brought together eminent representatives from sectors of medicine, science, and industry in China and Switzerland, to delve into topics including the collaboration opportunities between research-oriented hospitals and industry, as well as the pivotal role of technology in driving hospital transformation.

The opening remarks were delivered by Philippe Roesle, CEO and Consul of Swissnex in China, and Wu Jinglei, President of the Shanghai Medical Association. Nie Yan, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs, presided over the seminar.

Philippe Roesle, CEO and Consul of Swissnex in China

Wu Jinglei, President of the Shanghai Medical Association

Nie Yan, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs

The seminar was structured around two main themes. The first theme, “Collaborative Opportunities Between Research Hospitals and Industry” was moderated by Lei Ying, Deputy Director of Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, Research Director of Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center. Several distinguished guests were invited to give speeches. The speakers included Zhu Chuowen, Director of Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Christiane Pauli-Magnus (online), Co-head of the Department of Clinical Research at University Hospital of Basel and the University of Basel, Chen Qun, CEO of Central Research Institute of United Imaging Healthcare, and Zhang Lianshan, Board Member and Vice Executive Officer of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals.

During the interactive session that followed the reports, various topics were discussed, such as the current landscape of clinical research and translational outcomes in the world, challenges and experiences in establishing research-oriented hospitals, strategies for addressing the global issue of aging populations by governments and medical institutions, and emerging areas of collaboration between enterprises and hospitals.

From left to right: Lei Ying, Zhu Chouwen, Christiane Pauli-Magnus (online), Chen Qun, Zhang Lianshan

“Technology in Hospital Transformation”, the second theme of the seminar, was moderated by Ren Wuwei, Swissnex Fellow and Assistant Professor in the School of Information Science and Technology. Speakers in this session included Stefan Sulzer, Managing Director, and Minou Afzali, Head of Research, at the Swiss Centre for Design and Health, as well as Xiong Ze, Swissnex Fellow and Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering, and Frederick Johnson (online), Founder and CEO of SurgeonsLab.

Following the speeches, discussions revolved around topics such as the application of medical technology in addressing the challenges posed by aging populations, enhancement in patient healthcare environments and experiences through technological advancements, and strategies for biopharmaceutical companies to maintain competitiveness. Participants also explored visionary concepts for the future of hospitals in the era of artificial intelligence.

From left to right: Ren Wuwei, Frederick Johnson (online), Xiong Ze, Minou Afzali, Stefan Sulzer

In his closing remarks, Nie Yan expressed gratitude to all attendees and highlighted the increasing exchanges between China and Switzerland, coupled with favorable policies, which have significantly bolstered bilateral relations. He expressed the expectation for continuing collaboration among all participants, aiming for breakthroughs that positively impact public health.

The seminar served as an excellent platform for exchange and communication between communities in medicine, science, and industry in both China and Switzerland. It marked a promising beginning for deeper collaboration and exchanges between the two countries in the medical and health sectors.