Leicester plants a lasting legacy at Chongqing Medical University’s 70th anniversary
A commemorative tree planted during Chongqing Medical University’s 70th anniversary celebrations will be a lasting symbol of the growing partnership between the University of Leicester and one of China's leading medical institutions.
The magnolia was planted by Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, alongside senior leaders from Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), marking both the Chinese institution’s milestone and the continuing success of the Leicester-CQMU partnership.
The institutions joined forces in 2020, with a joint educational programme in Clinical Sciences (awarded by Leicester) and Clinical Medicine (awarded by CQMU). Read about the class of 2025, who were the first cohort to graduate from the programme.
The relationship was further strengthened through the launch of the CQMU-University of Leicester Joint Institute, in 2024.
The partnership continues to grow through programmes spanning Psychology and Psychiatry, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Cancer Cell Molecular Biology and Oncology, helping prepare future healthcare professionals for an increasingly interconnected world.
Speaking at the ceremony, which took place at CQMU’s Jinyun campus on Saturday 24 October, Sir Nishan said: “As we look to the future, I am confident that the best chapters of CQMU's story are still to be written.
“We will write them together as we tackle global health challenges through international collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking and a shared commitment to innovation, scientific research and healthcare.”
He added: “We are engaged in a noble endeavour of educating people. Generations of doctors, nurses, scientists, healthcare professionals and leaders have emerged from this university and gone on to improve the lives of countless patients and families. That is a legacy of which every member of the CQMU community can be immensely proud.”
During the visit, Sir Nishan also attended an event with key partners and alumni, working as clinicians, researchers, educators and healthcare leaders.
The event also saw Sir Nishan announce a new scholarship scheme with Chevening to support high-quality Chinese scholars wishing to undertake postgraduate taught study in healthcare and related disciplines at the University of Leicester. The scheme would provide two scholarships for the September 2028 intake, with the University funding a 100% tuition fee waiver and Chevening covering living costs and associated expenses.
Tim Standbrook, Acting Consul General, British Consulate, said: “I was delighted to sign this MoU on behalf of the FCDO, establishing the Chevening/Leicester China Healthcare Scholarships. Building on the strong partnership between the University of Leicester and Chongqing Medical University, and the wider links between Leicester and Chongqing, the scholarships will help deepen UK-China education and healthcare ties and create new opportunities for talented healthcare professionals from across China.”
The University of Leicester has a Chinese-language website which provides information for potential applicants.