Academia Europaea, represented by the Clinical and Veterinary Science section, Semmelweis University, Budapest, National Biomedical Foundation, Hungary, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China, have signed a memorandung of understanding to establish the Translational European-Asian Network TEA-NET initiative.

Background#

The AE Translational Medicine Working Group (TMWG) started its work on 1 January 2023. Its primary objective is to process, analyze, and interpret high-quality macro and micro data collected in the field of biomedical sciences with full European coverage. TMWG and training of talented research and clinical scientists dedicated to translational medicine are strongly promoted within AE, which is coordinated by the AE Clinical and Veterinary Section. The organizational and financial support for the AE-TMWG is provided by Semmelweis University.

Academia Europaea/The Academy of Europe (AE) was established in 1988, and has about 6000 members, including 83 Nobel Laureates. There are 23 sections within AE, including the Clinical and Veterinary Sciences Section (CVSS), currently with about 295 members. The AE Translational Medicine Working Group (TMWG) started its work on 1 January 2023. Its primary objective is to process, analyze, and interpret high-quality macro and micro data collected in the field of biomedical sciences with full European coverage. TMWG and training of talented research and clinical scientists dedicated to translational medicine are strongly promoted within AE, which is coordinated by the AE Clinical and Veterinary Section. The organizational and financial support for the AE-TMWG is provided by Semmelweis University.

Semmelweis University, one of Europe's leading research, education, and healthcare institutions, established and has been running one of Europe's most prominent TM hybrid PhD programs since 2021. One of SU's partners for the implementation of this program is the National Biomedical Foundation, which has been providing high-quality training in biomedical sciences to high school and university students for more than ten (10) years.

There is clear evidence of the recent rapid and continuous rise in quality and quantity of research in Asia, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), where Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two very unique and leading cities with top higher education institutions (https://www.bayarea.gov.hk/en/home/index.html). Several Members of AE (MAE) from Asia have joined the TMWG, and it has become clear that there is a strong interest in joint research projects with global implications.

After detailed recent discussions of the above-mentioned parties, a common view has emerged that a Translational European-Asian Network (TEA NET) for transforming research into real-world translational research between Europe and Asia would be timely.

The agreement was ratified by four members of Academia Europaea: András Varró, chairman of the National Academy of Scientist Education; Ole Petersen, representative of Academia Europaea; Béla Merkely, the rector of Semmelweis University; and Qin Ling, representative of CUHK.

Purpose#

By signing the document, the parties mentioned above intend to establish the TEA NET. The TEA NET would be initially established under the auspices of the Clinical and Veterinary Sciences Section of Academia Europaea and could be expanded in the future, after demonstrating a period of successful operation.

The European partners of the TEA NET will be Semmelweis University and the National Biomedical Foundation.

The Asian partners will be the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in Hong Kong (coordinating site), and its collaborating or affiliated institutions in Shenzhen, including the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technologies [SIAT], CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute [SZRI], and CUHK Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Research Institute (Futian) [FITRI] at this stage.

Roles and Responsibilities#

Academia Europaea: The Academy organization will provide a platform for intellectual exchange and facilitate international cooperation between Europe and Asia. Through its various activities, Academia Europaea strives to promote the highest standards of scholarship and facilitate the cross-fertilization of ideas among academics, ultimately contributing to the development and dissemination of cutting-edge research between the parties. Academia Europaea is unable to allocate financial support to the program. However, AE encourages the parties to explore alternative funding sources, assuring them of their utmost commitment to actively assisting and supporting these efforts during the negotiation process.

National Biomedical Foundation: The National Biomedical Foundation is enthusiastic about supporting the TEA NET initiative, recognizing its significance in fostering education and research collaboration. With a commitment to advancing translational endeavors, the foundation is prepared to contribute through various means, including the facilitation of research activities, provision of educational resources, and invitations for esteemed lecturers. The foundation aims to contribute to developing a robust platform for translational research in the Euro-Asian region.

Semmelweis University: Semmelweis University is happy to announce the establishment of the Translational European Asian Hub (TEA NET) in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The mission of SU is to actively promote Eurasian collaboration, fostering a dynamic platform for academic, research, and business activities on both continents. With the aim of enhancing collaboration between Europe and Asia, the primary goal of SU is to secure financial resources dedicated to the development and sustainability of the partnership in translational medicine. SU is committed to supporting students, faculty, and researchers through various initiatives, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and academic growth. Through TEA NET, Semmelweis University envisions becoming a catalyst for innovative collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing to advancing healthcare and translational medicine globally.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong: The Chinese University of Hong Kong is proud to collaborate with Semmelweis University in establishing the Translational European Asian Hub (TEA NET). The CUHK's objective is to actively facilitate Eurasian collaboration, fostering a vibrant platform for educational, research, and business activities across our respective continents. Central to its mission is securing financial resources dedicated to advancing the TEA NET and ensuring its sustained growth. CUHK is committed to fostering collaborative relationships between students, faculty, and researchers, providing a supportive environment for mutual learning and academic enrichment. Through TEA NET, the Chinese University of Hong Kong aims to contribute to the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and innovation, further solidifying the bridge between European and Asian academic and research communities.