Tsinghua University Vanke School of Public Health (SPH) was newly established on April 2, 2020 in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Margaret Chan, the Former Director-General and Emeritus Director-General of the World Health Organization, is the founding dean of the School. The establishment of the School is a historic milestone for Tsinghua University, as it actively undertakes its mission to shoulder the responsibility of addressing national and global challenges, development priorities and needs. It is also a timely disciplinary response to major global public health issues.