The Rector of Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc., made an official visit to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), Hangzhou, China, to explore strategic cooperation in the field of traditional medicine development and genomic research, Monday (4/14/2025).
In the activity, Prof. Widodo was received directly by the ZCMU leadership, namely Vice President Prof. Wu Chengliang, Deputy Director of International Relations Office Wang Jingna, Director of International Relations Office Wang Ying, and Zhang Jine (Jane) from the International Office.
ZCMU is one of the best medical universities in China in the field of Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM). ZCMU is currently ranked 665th in the QS World University Rankings and is included in the top 1000 of THE World University Rankings, the only traditional Chinese medical university to make the list, demonstrating a serious commitment to the development of integrative medicine. Vice President, Wu Chengliang said that ZCMU is not only superior in TCM but also modern medicine, science, engineering, and management, and has more than 10 international research platforms and four Confucius centers.
In the meeting, UB offered several cooperation initiatives, including the establishment of a joint laboratory for traditional medicine and human genomic research, increasing the number of foreign staff and students through a reciprocal exchange scheme, finding partners for joint research funding (matching fund), and developing a joint degree program in the field of Traditional Medicine.
In addition, UB also opens opportunities for UB Stars, Visiting Lecturer, and Adjunct Professor programs that allow for deeper collaboration in academics and research.
“We welcome the proposal to establish a joint laboratory. This will be a strong foundation for developing TCM research with a modern scientific approach, including the integration of genomic research and testing of local traditional medicinal materials in Indonesia,” said Prof. Wu.
Prof. Widodo conveyed UB’s readiness to provide basic laboratory space and initial staff support for the development of this center. He also emphasized that traditional medicine research at UB has so far focused more on local herbs, but has not had any strengthening in the field of TCM.
“We want to invite 5-10 ZCMU professors as adjunct professors at UB, and send 10-20 outstanding UB Star students to study directly at ZCMU,” said Prof. Widodo.
ZCMU expressed its interest in sending a team to conduct an assessment of the facilities available at UB, including the potential of human resources, laboratory equipment, and regulatory readiness. ZCMU is also open to applying for joint funding from the Indonesian and Chinese governments to support the establishment of the collaborative laboratory and research center.
This collaboration is expected to create a leading research center in the field of integrated traditional medicine development, support human resource development through advanced education programs and clinical training, and strengthen the position of Indonesia and China in health innovation based on local knowledge and modern technology. (HDX/UB PR/ Trans. Iir).
