WUHAN – Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) held an Interdisciplinary Development Symposium on Health Sciences on December 2 at the QIU Fazu Academic Lecture Hall of Tongji Medical College, bringing together leaders and experts to discuss strategies for deepening integration between medical disciplines and other academic fields. The event aimed to enhance the HUST's capacity to address public health challenges and contribute to pushing forward national health initiatives.

Vice President Prof. XIE Xiaolin opened the forum by emphasizing that interdisciplinary integration in health sciences is essential for building a "strong medical discipline" and advancing HUST's goal of becoming a top-tier institution. He called for proactive collaboration between medical schools and other colleges, to be supported by systematic planning, policy incentives, and resource allocation.

Prof. YAO Lan, Dean of the School of Health Management, gave a presentation on the theme “Crossing Boundaries, building a Shared Vision,” outlining her school's research priorities and the transformative potential of interdisciplinary integration. Prof. TONG Wensheng, Deputy Director of the Office of Humanities and Social Sciences, reaffirmed the university's commitment to fostering collaboration in medical-humanities and pledged further targeted support.

Prof. GUO Jiajie from the Institute of Medical Equipment Science and Engineering mentioned challenges in talent cultivation, practical training, and career pathways within medical-engineering fields. Prof. HUANG Kun, Director of the Medical Discipline and Development Planning Office, provided an overview of medical discipline growth and proposed actionable recommendations, including establishing interdisciplinary platforms, tackling key research challenges, promoting talent cultivation, and strengthening international cooperation.

During discussions, participants explored how disciplines can integrate under the Healthy China initiative, systematically organize cross-field research, and foster collaboration in talent development and project applications.

In his concluding remarks, Vice President Prof. ZHANG Yonghui, stressed that interdisciplinary health sciences align with the national commitment to people's health. “Disciplines must go beyond their boundaries to move on”, he noted, emphasizing that breakthroughs depend on integration and innovation driven by real-world clinical needs and major health challenges.

The symposium was attended by leaders from Tongji Medical College, the Science and Technology Development Institute, the Office of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Graduate School of Medicine, medical school departments, and affiliated hospitals.