Nazarbayev University (NU) and the International School of Medicine of Zhejiang University (ZJU-ISM), one of China’s leading research-oriented medical institutions, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in medical education, scientific research, and academic exchange.
The agreement was signed on July 28 during a ceremony held at the Senate Hall of NU by Professor Xiaoxiao Lou, Vice-Dean of the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, and Professor Huck Hui Ng, NU Vice-President and Dean of the School of Medicine, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation between the two institutions.
The partnership aims to promote joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, academic collaboration, and the development of innovative approaches to medical education and healthcare. The agreement also provides opportunities for collaborative projects in areas of mutual scientific interest, contributing to the advancement of biomedical research and improved healthcare outcomes.
Opening the ceremony, NU President Waqar Ahmad emphasized the importance of expanding international partnerships in advancing research and medical education:
“This partnership reflects Nazarbayev University’s commitment to building strong international collaborations with leading institutions around the world. By bringing together our expertise in medical education and research, we create new opportunities for scientific discovery, innovation, and the development of future healthcare leaders. We look forward to working closely with Zhejiang University to address shared global health challenges and to strengthen academic ties between Kazakhstan and China.”
The Memorandum builds on an already active collaboration between researchers at NU and Zhejiang University. Existing joint research has already resulted in a publication in a Q1 journal, with several additional manuscripts currently under preparation. Ongoing collaborations span women’s health, reproductive medicine, maternal-fetal medicine, translational research, cancer immunotherapy, and biosensor technologies.
The International School of Medicine of Zhejiang University is a research-oriented medical institution established through a strategic partnership between Zhejiang University and the Yiwu Municipal People’s Government. Located in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, the school builds on Zhejiang University’s long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education and clinical training. It offers internationally oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programmes while conducting high-impact research in priority areas including reproductive health, oncology, regeneration and ageing, metabolism, brain health, and genomics.
The Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in expanding academic and scientific cooperation between Kazakhstan and China while creating new opportunities for researchers, educators, clinicians, and students at both institutions.
