The Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART), led by its founding Dean Yan Ning, has announced an exciting partnership with Westlake University by unveiling a new doctoral training collaboration known as the Westlake-SMART Program.

As reported by the Shenzhen Guangming WeChat account, this initiative is poised to contribute to national agendas on scientific advancement and education, cultivating a new generation of innovative talent in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This cutting-edge program is seeking to attract ambitious doctoral students who are enthusiastic about delving into the mysteries of life sciences and medical research. These students will be at the forefront of examining life's fundamental questions and diseases' intricacies with the goal of scaling new heights in biomedical science.

Intending to recruit full-time doctoral candidates in biology, the selection process will be rigorous, embracing an "application-assessment" method to ensure only the most promising scholars are chosen. These candidates, once accepted into the program, will embark on a four-year journey, extendable up to seven years, at the end of which they will graduate with a degree from Westlake University should they meet all the requirements.

Prospective students are invited to apply online with the admission window opening March 12, and closing April 15. The interview stage is expected to be conducted in late May, with specifics to be communicated at a later date. Successful applicants will be informed of their acceptance, subject to Westlake University's review and higher-level endorsement.

Doctoral students will contribute a tuition of 10,000 yuan annually, but SMART emphasizes its dedication to supporting students through a robust scholarship and aid program that will allow them to focus on their academic pursuits without financial burden.

Westlake University boasts a strong commitment to originality in theory and technology, particularly within the biological sciences. There's a clear vision to establish a globally recognized hub for training and research in the life sciences, attracting talented individuals from diverse scientific backgrounds.

As for SMART, the institution is on a mission to nurture original innovation, foster high-caliber researchers, and drive comprehensive studies ranging from the laboratory to industry applications, all in service of human health and well-being. The academy is determined to assert Shenzhen — and the broader GBA — as a powerhouse in the biopharmaceutical realm.

With a detailed focus on a range of fields including neuroimmunology, mental health, infectious diseases, developmental biology, biomedical structure, rare diseases, systems medicine, and pharmacology, SMART is ready to make its mark on the world of scientific research and beyond.