On June 16, 2025, the PKU-Yale 2025 "Digital Health" Economics Summer Institute, jointly organized by the Peking University Institute for Global Health and Development (PKU GHD) and Yale Center Beijing, officially commenced at the Beiling Lecture Hall of Peking University Science and Technology Park. Centered on the theme of digital health, this summer institute provides a week-long public-benefit academic program for outstanding young scholars in global health, health economics, health policy, and related fields. Through lectures, forums, field visits, and roundtable discussions, participants gain systematic knowledge of digital health's theoretical frameworks and practical applications, while expanding global perspectives and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The summer institute has attracted over 40 exceptional students from leading institutions worldwide, including Peking University, Renmin University, Zhejiang University, Xiamen University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Chicago, McGill University, and the University of Toronto. Selected from more than 400 global applications, their participation reflects the program's international prestige. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and experts from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Peking University, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yale University, Stanford University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Brown University, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and King's College London, collectively forming an exceptional international lecturer team.

Experts Share Inspiring Messages and Digital Health Advances

At the opening ceremony, Professor Gordon G. Liu, Dean of the PKU Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University BOYA Distinguished Professor of Economics at PKU National School of Development, and a fellow of the Chinese Academy of Medicine, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and outstanding young scholars in attendance. He invoked the Chinese metaphor of "sesame stalks ascending node by node" (芝麻开花节节高) — symbolizing sustained upward progress — to underscore his aspirations for the summer institute's continuous advancement and the participants' enduring academic growth. He emphasized that digital health is both a technological frontier and a catalyst for health equity and global health solutions, encouraging students to embrace this immersive learning opportunity.

(Image: Opening Remarks by Professor Gordon G. Liu)

Professor Xi Chen, Associate Professor of Global Health Policy and Economics at Yale University and Adjunct Associate Professor at the PKU Institute for Global Health and Development, noted that this summer institute has brought together outstanding young scholars from top universities worldwide, serving as a platform for the convergence of diverse cultures and academic ideas. He encouraged students to leverage cross-cultural exchanges for shaping the future of global health.

(Image: Opening Remarks by Professor Xi Chen)

Ms. Manli Zhou, Deputy Director of the PKU Office of International Relations, expressed in her speech that the PKU-Yale "Digital Health" Economics Summer Institute stands as a significant achievement in the two institutions' joint efforts to advance global youth talent development. She emphasized that digital health, as a cutting-edge issue of global concern, represents a key focal point for future international collaboration. Peking University remains committed to building cross-border, interdisciplinary exchange platforms, providing young scholars with opportunities for growth and contributing to the advancement of global health initiatives. 

(Image: Opening Remarks by Deputy Director Manli Zhou)

Ms. Carol Rafferty, Managing Director of Yale Center Beijing, remarked in her speech that the implementation and adaptation of digital health in emerging economies and resource-limited settings is one of Yale University’s key focuses for future research collaboration. She expressed great anticipation for how this summer institute would deepen the partnership between Yale and Peking University, while encouraging participants to gain knowledge and grow through their learning experience.

(Image: Opening Remarks by Director Carol Rafferty)

Professor Xiaoyan Lei, Changjiang Distinguished Professor and Chair of Management Council at the PKU National School of Development, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging and Development, and Joint Professor at the PKU Institute for Global Health and Development, emphasized that the integration of digital health and artificial intelligence represents a crucial direction for future health governance. She particularly highlighted that participants of this summer institute will gain exposure to "AI-irreplaceable" knowledge, cultivating interdisciplinary thinking and critical judgment skills. She believes this immersive learning experience—which blends global perspectives with local practices—will enable young scholars to deeply understand digital health's manifestations across different societal contexts, fostering multi-level, multidimensional academic co-creation.

(Image: Opening Remarks by Professor Xiaoyan Lei)

Following the opening speeches, participants of the summer institute introduced themselves, sharing their research backgrounds and academic interests. Assistant Professor Yuhang Pan at PKU GHD presided over the opening ceremony and outlined the program schedule. The lively atmosphere reflected everyone's anticipation for the coming days—a memorable journey of systematic learning, intellectual exchange, and cross-disciplinary exploration.

(Image: Professor Gordon G. Liu in Discussion with Faculty and Students)

(Image: Opening Ceremony Group Photo)