To implement the "HUST Global Development Strategy 2030," School of Basic Medicine,Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology successfully concluded its second “International Summer School”, a workshop spanning from August 26 to August 30, 2024. Themed as "Exploring Metabolic Pathways, Unveiling Cell Fate," the event was designed to integrate world-class educational resources, broaden students' global horizons, encourage cross-cultural thinking, and enhance the international competitiveness of both faculty members and students.

The summer school featured a prestigious lineup of six renowned professors from top-tier institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Heidelberg University, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. They delivered six English-taught courses, including "Nutrient Sensing in the Brain," "Metabolic Control of Cell Fate Commitment," and "Cysteine Metabolism in Obesity and Cancer." Among these, five courses were conducted in-person by both domestic and international experts, with on-site guidance provided by professors LONG Lihong, HU Jing, GUO Zheng, and Vice Dean WANG Fang from the Basic Medical College.

The event witnessed an attendance of 61 Chinese students and 31 international students from 18 countries and regions, majoring in 13 different subjects, ranging from clinical medicine and stomatology to biological sciences and integrative medicine of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Participants came from diverse institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and Zhejiang University, and from multiple countries including Iran to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, among others.

A team comprising Chinese students CHEN Yumo and HOU Guangkai, Iranian student ZAHRA SEDGHAZAR (Chinese name: ZHANG Ran), and Ugandan student Kajoba Innocent Noah (Chinese name: LIN Zhen) were awarded "Outstanding Student" certificates for their exceptional performance throughout the summer school.

The lectures were given by eminent scholars, such as Prof. Sabrina Diano from Columbia University, Prof. Andreas Papapetropoulos from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Prof. Sofia-Iris Bibli from Heidelberg University. Prof. Benjamin Ohlstein from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and other distinguished professors shared their latest research results and insights in their respective fields.

The summer school was highly spoken of by its participants. Ph.D. student WANG Suxi expressed his joy: “I am happy to have the opportunity be in this event. I not only gain knowlege but also friendship”. South Korean student KIM BYEONGGUK  described his experience as unforgettable and enriching, stating that it broadened his horizons and sparked a strong interest in scientific research. Clinical medicine student ZHANG Yao was inspired by the dedication of the researchers she met and was impressed by those who have passionately devoted years to scientific research.

The 2024 International Summer School at School of Basic Medicine, as an important event of HUST's global summer school initiative, integrated teaching and research resources from world-class universities. It presented cutting-edge knowledge in cellular metabolism, helped students to broaden their horizons through international academic exchange, and promoted cross-cultural communication and interdisciplinary communication. Events like this will eventually lead to enhanced the competence of students and high-quality scientific achievements.