On 14 July 2026, a delegation from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) visited Semmelweis University. During the visit, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking another important milestone in the development of educational, research and professional relations between the universities.
The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Ting, Vice President of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The delegation also included Zhang Licai, Director of the Science Park Management Office; Zheng Fengjie, Dean of the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Shi Lin, Dean of the School of Continuing Education; An Chao, Deputy Director of the International Exchanges and Cooperation Department; and Chen Younan, Deputy Dean of the School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuin.
Founded in 1956, BUCM is a public university designated as a Double First-Class institution and is one of China’s leading educational and research institutions in the fields of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica.
Cooperation between Semmelweis University and its Chinese partner institutions has expanded steadily in recent years. The University currently hosts 291 Chinese students and maintains cooperation agreements with 22 Chinese higher education institutions. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding is expected to create further opportunities for educational, research and professional collaboration between Semmelweis University and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
The visit began with mutual institutional presentations and professional discussions with representatives of the Directorate of International Relations and Alumni Affairs. Director Dr. Tamás Hegedüs and Vice President Wang Ting introduced the main activities, educational and research profiles of their respective institutions and reviewed potential areas for future cooperation. The discussions also covered the growth of the international student community and the importance of student mobility and professional partnerships. The participants agreed that combining the experience and professional expertise of the two institutions could create new opportunities for joint initiatives.
The programme continued at the Heart and Vascular Centre, where Professor Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University and Director of the Centre, welcomed the delegation. During the visit, the Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed, with Professor Béla Merkely and Vice President Wang Ting formally confirming the commitment of the two institutions to future collaboration.
Following the signing ceremony, Professor Béla Merkely and Dr. Gábor Koós presented the professional activities and operation of the Heart and Vascular Centre. The delegation gained insight into the Clinic’s high-quality patient care, education and research activities, as well as its advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The visitors also had the opportunity to observe a heart valve replacement procedure performed by Professor Béla Merkely.
The visit concluded with an informal yet professionally focused discussion, during which the participants explored further areas for future cooperation. Professor Béla Merkely was invited to attend the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026, as well as the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
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