A delegation from Duke-NUS Medical School visited Duke Kunshan University (DKU) on May 19-20 to deepen institutional ties and advance joint initiatives in medical education, research, and faculty development. The discussions yielded concrete plans to strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The visit brought together leaders from DKU, DKU Global Health Program, and Duke-NUS Medical School, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to high-impact and sustainable cooperation. Discussions emphasized education as a key pillar, with plans to develop joint programs in student and faculty exchange and professional training.
A key outcome of the meeting was the establishment of structured pathways for DKU students to pursue MD or PhD programs at Duke-NUS. Both institutions will work together to create streamlined admission processes and preparatory programs to facilitate student transitions into these advanced degree programs.
The partnership will also introduce a joint faculty appointment mechanism between DKU and Duke-NUS, enabling scholars to contribute to teaching and research at both institutions. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration on global health projects and expand educational opportunities in the region.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to leverage resources in innovation and entrepreneurship and foster deeper ties in research collaboration across focus areas, including AI in healthcare, cancer, ageing, infectious diseases, and pandemic preparedness.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the DKU-Duke-NUS partnership, paving the way for transformative advancements in global health education and research. To ensure long-term progress, the institutions are finalizing a detailed collaboration roadmap to guide future joint efforts.
“Our discussions have produced actionable plans to integrate our academic strengths. The student pathways and joint appointments will create new opportunities for innovation in global health education and research.” ——Prof. Shenglan Tang, Prof. Fujie Xu, Co-Directors of DKU Global Health Program
About Duke-NUS Medical School
Duke-NUS was born from a pioneering partnership between Duke University and the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2005. Duke-NUS stands as a beacon of excellence in medical education, research, and practice, borne from a pioneering partnership between Duke University and the National University of Singapore (NUS). As Singapore’s only graduate-entry medical school, Duke-NUS is dedicated to nurturing clinical innovators and leaders equipped to navigate the complex landscape of global healthcare. Its cutting-edge curriculum, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities are meticulously designed to cultivate a culture of innovation, excellence, and compassion.
For more information: https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/
About DKU Global Health Program
The Global Health Research Center was established in 2013 through a joint initiative between Duke Kunshan University and Duke Global Health Institute （DGHI）. With a mission to “improve health and promote health equity in China and worldwide,” the center is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with research institutions both domestically and internationally, generating evidence-based research and innovative solutions to address health challenges at local, regional, and global levels. In 2014, the center launched its MSc in Global Health program. Leveraging DGHI’s world-class faculty, extensive practical experience, and academic expertise, the program offers an interdisciplinary and personalized curriculum designed to train the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and leaders in global health.
For more information, please visit: https://globalhealth.dukekunshan.edu.cn/
By Wuyue Qian
