On February 20, 2024, the Institute for Global Health and Development at Peking University held its spring 2024 semester opening meeting. It was chaired by Professor Guoen Liu, Dean of the Institute for Global Health and Development and Boya Distinguished Professor of Economics.

In his new year’s address, Professor Liu reviewed the significant achievements of the Institute in the field of global health over the past year and expressed high hopes for the future. In particular, he emphasized the importance of teamwork and expressed confidence in the Institute’s future endeavors. Professor Liu pointed out that since its establishment three years ago, the Institute has achieved many results, including progress in teaching, research, international cooperation, and talent development. Specifically, research teams have increased the quantity of papers published in top-tier international journals and established collaborations with renowned institutions worldwide.

Regarding objectives for the new semester, Professor Liu underscored the need to strengthen doctoral training. This includes optimizing seminar course content and increasing opportunities for exchanges with internationally renowned scholars to improve doctoral students’ research abilities and broaden their perspectives.

Professor Liu also introduced the backgrounds of newly appointed faculty, emphasizing that their addition will bolster the Institute’s research capabilities and research quality.

As for scientific research, Professor Liu highlighted two ongoing projects: the Global One Health Atlas and the Surgical Robot Queue Survey Economic Evaluation (SMART Panel Study). He hopes that students and faculty will actively participate in these projects and achieve the desired research outcomes.

Professor Ming Xu, an Associate Dean of the Institute, expressed his hopes for the Institute to strengthen its plans for international exchange, including inviting internationally renowned experts and scholars to participate in teaching and research.

Professor Xuezhang Qin, also Associate Dean of the Institute, provided specific suggestions for the curriculum and application process, giving insights on how these measures can enhance the Institute’s academic status and influence.

Professor Haibin Zhang, another Associate Dean of the Institute, shared his views on the development of the Institute, including future plans, talent acquisition, research, and international collaboration. He emphasized the need for unified thinking and the pursuit of common goals.

Lastly, faculty and students shared their hopes for the new semester.

(Interpreted by Waverly Shi)