From January 7 to 11, in an effort to further strengthen Sino–French collaboration in medical education and scientific research, a delegation led by Fan Xianqun, Chancellor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, paid an official visit to France. During the visit, the delegation attended the “Lyon–Shanghai: A Century of Friendship in Medical Cooperation” exhibition and engaged in a series of high-level academic and institutional exchanges with Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université Grenoble Alpes. Spanning from the banks of the Huangpu River to the Rhône, the visit advanced substantive cooperation in education, research innovation, and cultural exchange, marking a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between China and France in the field of medicine.
The delegation also included Zhao Wenhua, Deputy Secretary of SJTUSM committee; Shen Baiyong, Vice President of Ruijin Hospital; and representatives from the Publicity Department, Office of Academic Affairs, Graduate School, Student Affairs Committee, International Affairs Office, and the Sino-French Joint Medical School.
Strengthening Cooperation: Charting a New Blueprint for Medical Education
Delegation Meeting with the Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Fan Xianqun and Gilles Rode exchanged commemorative gifts
At Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Chancellor Fan and his delegation were warmly received by Professor Gilles Rode, Dean of the Lyon-Est Faculty of Medicine. Both sides reviewed decades of close collaboration and held in-depth discussions on key initiatives, including a dual bachelor’s degree program in nursing, joint postgraduate training in nursing and related disciplines, international cooperation in medical education, and the development of the Hainan International Medical Center. The two institutions reachedabroad consensus on expanding student exchange programs, accelerating joint construction of nursing programs, exploring new models for international student education in Hainan, and strengthening exchanges between frontline clinical and research professionals. Both parties agreed to seize the opportunity presented by the 10th anniversary of medical humanities education and the annual academic activities involving“three countries and four universities” tofurther promote the internationalization of medical education.
Fan Xianqun and Yassine Lakhnech exchanged commemorative gifts
Group photo withrepresentatives ofUniversité Grenoble Alpes
Later that day, the delegation visitedUniversité Grenoble Alpes to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on deepened cooperation. The meeting was attended by Yassine Lakhnech, President ofUniversité Grenoble Alpes, and Olivier Palombi, Dean of its Faculty of Medicine. Building on over two decades of collaboration in student and faculty training and language education, the signing of the memorandum marked the beginning of a more comprehensive and systematic phase of partnership between the two universities.
President Fan Xianqun poses for a group photo with training participants and student representatives
During the visit, President Fan also met with SJTUSM faculty members and students currently engaged in teaching and training programs at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, encouraging them to actively learn from France’s strengths in educational philosophy, pedagogical methods, and humanistic care, and to explore new pathways for international medical education.
Honoring History: Carrying Forward a Century of Friendship
Opening of the“ Lyon–Shanghai: A Century of Friendship in Medical Cooperation” Exhibition
The following day, the“ Lyon–Shanghai: A Century of Friendship in Medical Cooperation” exhibition officially opened at the auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. Distinguished attendees included Bruno Lina, President of Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Director of the Hospices Civils de Lyon; Yu Jiang, Consul General of China in Lyon; and Marc Delpech, Vice President of the French National Academy of Medicine and recipient of the Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award.
In his address, President Fan reflected on the profound and enduring ties between Shanghai and Lyon, underscoring that medicine has long served as a vital bond between the two cities. He noted that the exhibition not only honors a shared history but also represents a new starting point for future collaboration,expressing his hope for expanded and substantive cooperation in scientific research, talent development, and clinical innovation.
Alain Labat presented a signed copy of his book to Fan Xianqun
That afternoon, the delegation visited the historic Institut Franco-Chinois de Lyon. Alain Labat, Vice President of the New Franco-Chinese Institute and head of the Federation of Franco-Chinese Friendship Associations, introduced the institute’s history since its founding in 1921. He recounted the stories of prominent Chinese figures such as Deng Xiaoping, Cai Yuanpei, and Chen Yi, who studied and exchanged ideas there, highlighting the institute’s pivotal role in Sino-French educational and cultural exchange. At the conclusion of the visit, Labat presented President Fan with a signed copy of his bookLyon and China: A Friendship Through the Ages.
That evening, the delegation visited the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lyon for discussions with Consul General Yu Jiang and consular staff. Yu emphasized that in an increasingly complex global environment, openness, cooperation, and mutual understanding are more important than ever. He noted Lyon’s historical significance as one of the earliest French cities to establish ties with China and reaffirmed the Consulate’s continued support for cooperation between SJTUSM and universities in the Lyon region.
Continuing the Legacy: Embarking on a New Journey of Cooperation
The visit yielded fruitful outcomes, further consolidating partnerships between SJTUSM and multiple French universities, and injecting new momentum into Sino-French cooperation in medical education and research innovation. Looking ahead, both sides will continue to promote student exchange and joint training programs, encourage exchanges among young physicians and researchers, advance collaborative research, and enhance educational philosophies. Together, they aim to build an open and shared international platform for medical cooperation, contributing wisdom and strength to global health endeavors.
About the Institutions
Faculty of Medicine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is a renowned public comprehensive university in France, with particular strengths in life sciences, medicine, and health sciences. Its Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest and most comprehensive medical education institutions in France, leading nationally and across Europe in medical education reform, public health, basic medical research, and innovative healthcare. The university has maintained a long-standing and productive partnership with SJTUSM in student exchange, joint training, and research collaboration.
Université Grenoble Alpes
Located in southeastern France, Université Grenoble Alpes is one of Europe’s leading comprehensive universities and a major French research hub. Its disciplines span science, engineering, medicine, information science, and the humanities and social sciences. The Faculty of Medicine is known for interdisciplinary research and innovation in medical technologies, with internationally recognized strengths in neuroscience, rehabilitation medicine, and AI-driven medical imaging. Collaboration with SJTUSM began in the early 2000s, yielding notable achievements in faculty exchange, student training abroad, and language education.
Institut Franco-Chinois de Lyon
Founded in 1921, the Institut Franco-Chinois de Lyon stands as a key witness to the modern Chinese overseas student movement and a landmark institution in the history of Sino-French educational and cultural exchange. Co-founded by Cai Yuanpei, the institute, originally located in eastern Lyon, was established to cultivate modern talents with both Chinese and Western intellectual traditions. Over the past century, it has hosted many distinguished Chinese figures, including Chen Yi, Li Weihan, Dai Wangshu, and Pan Yuliang, who contributed significantly to China’s modernization and Sino-French friendship. Today, the institute continues to serve as an important platform for Sino-French cultural exchange and research, embodying a mission and friendship that transcend generations.
