In the fall of 2025, Semmelweis University began a new chapter of collaboration with China’s Qilu Institute of Technology (QIT), a leading provincial university known for its engineering and life‑science programs. The partnership, backed by a series of high‑level discussions, aims to enrich health‑care education, expand research output, and deepen international engagement for both institutions.
What Does the Qilu Partnership Offer?
QIT is a top regional research university located in Jinan, Shandong Province. Its strengths cover:
- Biomedical engineering and applied medical education
- Interdisciplinary research centers that bridge life sciences with information technology
- Active industry collaboration and technology transfer
- Robust exchange programs for faculty and students
Semmelweis University, home to one of Europe’s most respected medical schools, stands to gain access to these cutting‑edge research facilities, new training modules, and the talent needed to push healthcare education forward.
Key Outcomes from the Delegation Visit
Delegated by the Directorate of International Relations, Deputy Director Levente Béla Vágó led an exploratory mission to QIT. Meeting face‑to‑face with Vice President Shan Chengjuan, Executive Dean Professor Ding Hailing, Associate Dean Professor Li Hao, and Director Ding Lei, the delegation established:
- Mutual ambition to develop joint educational pathways, including dual‑degree programs and shared curricula in clinical sciences.
- A framework for student exchanges that allows participants to spend semesters in Hong‑Kong‑style teaching environments, gaining exposure to world‑class labs and rural community engagements.
- Research collaborations focused on biomedical device development, data‑driven diagnostics, and public health studies.
Following the meetings, Vágó toured QIT’s Stomatology Center, the Experimental Center of Basic Medical Sciences, and the Electronic Information Science Platform. Those tours highlighted:
- High‑resolution imaging labs that mirror the current capabilities of Semmelweis’ Department of Dermatology.
- State‑of‑the‑art bioprocessing equipment used in vaccine research.
- Collaborative spaces that support cross‑disciplinary projects where software engineers collaborate with clinicians.
Impact on International Partnerships in East Asia
Semmelweis University already partners with Sun Yat‑sen University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, giving students and faculty a broad platform in China. The QIT alliance will strengthen:
- Knowledge exchange on algorithmic patient monitoring.
- Joint grant‑seeking for EU–China research initiatives.
- Global health curriculum development that aligns with OECD educational standards.
These collaborations support the university’s long‑term strategy to raise international rankings and produce research that meets global healthcare challenges.
How This Benefits Students and Faculty
Students at Semmelweis will soon have opportunities to study at QIT’s laboratories, enabling hands‑on experience in emerging digital‑health technologies. Faculty, on the other hand, will gain instant access to interdisciplinary research environments that emphasize data science and implantable sensor design.
What You Can Do Now
If you are a medical educator, researcher, or program administrator looking to broaden your institution’s reach, consider the following actions:
Explore Semmelweis’ international collaboration opportunities to see how our partnerships can complement your strategic goals.
For students curious about exchange possibilities, visit the Mobility Programs page to view current agreements and application steps.
Faculty members interested in joint research projects can submit a proposal for international collaboration through the university’s research portal.
Future Milestones and Vision
Semmelweis University intends to:
- Launch a joint PhD program in Biomedical Engineering with QIT by 2027.
- Co‑host an annual International Medical Education Conference, rotating between Budapest and Jinan.
- Secure EU Horizon Europe funding for a cross‑border project on wearable health monitoring.
These initiatives will reinforce the university’s commitment to fostering innovation that translates into real medical solutions worldwide.
Call for Engagement
We invite academics, administrators, and students to connect with the International Relations Office and find out how they can participate in the growing partnership network. For more details on how to apply or collaborate, please review the resources linked above.
Stay Informed
Follow Semmelweis University on social media for updates on partnership announcements, research breakthroughs, and educational opportunities. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For ongoing insights, check our News page regularly.
We look forward to building a stronger future together, combining the strengths of Semmelweis University’s medical education and Qilu Institute of Technology’s scientific innovation.
