On April 2, Tsinghua Vanke School of Public Health (VSPH) holds "Five Years of Growth, Building the Future of Public Health: Conference on Quality-Driven Public Health Development" in Tsinghua University, Beijing. Academician Chen Zhu, chief scientist of the National Special Project on Four Major Chronic Disease, delivered a keynote report. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Zeng Yixin, vice minister of National Health Commission; Shen Hongbing, vice minister of National Health Commission and director of National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control; Li Luming, president of Tsinghua University; Nancy Y. Ip, president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Wu Tangchun, dean of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wang Shi, honorary chairman of BoD, Vanke Co., Ltd. and chairman of Vanke Foundation; Hua Cui, executive vice president of Vanke Group; and Margaret Chan, founding dean of VSPH. Wang Kaibo, chairperson of the VSPH Council, presided over the conference.

Chen Zhu delivers keynote speech

In his keynote report, Chen Zhu discussed the development trends of life sciences and medicine, the rising prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors, and the progress of China’s national science and technology initiatives targeting four major chronic diseases. Chen emphasized that international collaboration has become a driving force in advancing basic medicine, public health, and disease prevention and treatment, spanning areas such as health innovations, knowledge creation, and disease control practices. He also highlighted the need for a holistic approach in public health development and the cultivation of globally minded talent.

Li Luming addresses the conference

On behalf of Tsinghua University, Li Luming extended his appreciation to all the parties that have contributed to the development of VSPH. Li reviewed accomplishments the school had achieved during the past five years, and expressed his hope that VSPH would firmly adhere to its educational mission, make the most of Tsinghua University's multidisciplinary advantages, and actively promote its integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Through these efforts, VSPH could establish a world-class public health discipline that embodies Chinese characteristics. Li also called for greater contributions to national public health system development, practical health solutions, and global cooperation to advance the Healthy China initiative and foster a global health community.

Zeng Yixin addresses the conference

Zeng Yixin commended VSPH for utilizing Tsinghua’s interdisciplinary advantages to serve national strategies and advance public health development. He encouraged the school to further align with national policies, lead in training clinician-public health professionals, conduct preventive health policy research, and apply AI in public health to support high-quality development through technological innovation.

Shen Hongbing addresses the conference

Shen Hongbing highlighted the need for top-tier public health schools to deepen university-disease control agency collaboration, integrate education with public health practice, and cultivate a new generation of inter-disciplinary public health professionals. He also emphasized strengthening scientific innovation in key areas like public health security and vaccine development while enhancing China’s global health governance participation.

Nancy Y. Ip addresses the conference

In her capacity as member of VSPH’s International Advisory Board, Nancy Y. Ip praised the school’s global engagement, including research projects in multiple countries and regions, and innovative talent development models. She also shared Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s public health research achievements and looked forward to deeper collaboration in innovative public health education.

Wu Tangchun addresses the conference

Wu Tangchun acknowledged VSPH’s contributions to infectious disease control, the Healthy China initiative, and global health governance. He urged the school to further leverage its interdisciplinary and international strengths to advance China’s public health modernization.

Magaret Chan addresses the conference

Margaret Chan reflected on VSPH’s founding principles: nurturing global public health leaders, conducting policy-relevant research, fostering international dialogue, and strengthening institutional capacity. She reaffirmed VSPH’s commitment to national health priorities, scientific innovation, and global health collaboration to support Healthy China and sustainable development.

Opening Ceremony

The conference brought together over 300 participants, including public health experts, academic leaders, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, research institutions, enterprises, Tsinghua faculty, alumni, and students.