The Faculty of Medicine (FMD) (formerly the Faculty of Health Sciences) at the University of Macau (UM) organised the 2026 Health Sciences Summer Camp for Outstanding Students of Mainland Universities, attracting 35 top students from 18 ‘double first-class’ universities in the Chinese mainland. The camp aimed to establish a high-level platform for academic exchange, strengthen collaboration between UM and mainland institutions, enhance participants’ understanding of frontier research in health sciences, and broaden their perspectives on future research directions and academic pathways.
This year’s summer camp received over 150 applications. Following a comprehensive and rigorous selection process, 35 outstanding students were selected. They came from top institutions including Zhejiang University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sichuan University, Central South University, China Medical University, Ocean University of China, and Northwestern Polytechnical University.
At the opening ceremony, Interim Associate Dean Shen Hanming delivered a welcome address. He encouraged participants to seize this valuable opportunity to engage in the activities, interact with UM faculty members and students, explore the frontiers of health sciences research, and experience UM’s vibrant academic environment and Macao’s unique charm.
Interim Assistant Dean Zhang Xuanjun provided a detailed overview of the faculty’s history and development, academic structure, research platforms, and distinctive approaches to talent cultivation, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the faculty’s research strengths and its international achievements in biomedical and health sciences. Assistant Professor Tang Zhenghai, the coordinator of the summer camp, outlined the programme schedule and key activities to help participants prepare for their subsequent learning and exchange experience. In addition, a representative from the UM Graduate School gave a presentation on the university’s postgraduate programmes, admission policies, and application procedures, offering useful information for those interested in pursuing further studies at UM.
Throughout the camp, participants took part in a variety of academic and cultural activities, including laboratory visits, thematic lectures, faculty-student exchange sessions, and campus tours. Through direct engagement with research teams, participants gained a deeper insight into UM’s latest advances and innovations in areas such as precision oncology, stem cell research, and drug development. They also held in-depth discussions with professors regarding research interests, academic planning, and further studies. In addition, participants visited the Historic Centre of Macao, experiencing its unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Chen Yike, a student from Central South University, said that the ‘Meeting with Professors’ session provided her with an opportunity to interact with UM professors and she learned that the faculty places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of postgraduate students. She also learned that UM not only focuses on developing students’ research skills, but also on encouraging independent research capabilities and innovative thinking. She added that the summer camp gave her a deeper understanding of UM’s strengths in education and research, and strengthened her interest in pursuing further studies at the university.
Mo Peiye, a student from Sichuan University, said that the summer camp provided an excellent platform for outstanding students from different places to exchange ideas and learn from one another. In addition to expanding her professional network, the camp enabled her to gain an understanding of various research fields from different perspectives, and visit advanced laboratories to learn more about the latest developments in scientific research. She added that the experience not only expanded her knowledge, but also broadened her perspective and inspired new ways of thinking.
At the closing ceremony, Prof Tang encouraged participants to maintain their curiosity and passion for scientific exploration, and to continue to pursue academic excellence. He also invited them to join UM in the future to contribute to the advancement of biomedical research and the development of medicine and life sciences.
