NUIG signs major biomedical research deal in China

By Martina Nee

NUI Galway continues to make its mark in research on an international stage as the university’s president Dr Jim Browne arrived in Beijing this week for the signing of a major biomedical research deal.

The memorandum of understanding is between NUIG’s Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials and two Chinese research bodies - the Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine (TJAB) and China Nucleon Medical Technology Group (CNPK). It is understood that this agreement with help bring about a mutually beneficial relationship which will facilitate the exchange of researchers and academic information as well as the development of collaborative research projects.

Also in attendance at the signing between NUIG and the two Chinese research bodies, was minister for health Dr James Reilly who is in Beijing after accepting an invitation by Mr Chen Zhu, the Minister of Health of the People’s Republic of China, to speak at a major conference. Dr Reilly also took the opportunity to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and China on cooperation in the health sector.

Commenting on the visit, Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, said: “Coming after the February visit of the Chinese vice president, Mr Xi Jinping to Ireland and the visit of the Taoiseach to China in March, Minister Reilly’s visit will be an opportunity to add further impetus to the development of the broad bilateral relationship between China and Ireland, specifically in the health sector.”