At the opening ceremony for Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) 2025 PhD cohort, President Nieng Yan began with a question: "If resources were unlimited, what scientific problem would you most want to explore?" This inquiry ignited the start of the students' scientific journey, posing not only a philosophical prompt about their original aspiration, but also embodying the exciting research environment that SMART is building for its students.

President's question | Igniting scientific aspirations

In her opening remarks, President Nieng Yan invited the incoming students to reflect on a scientific problem worthy of a lifetime's pursuit. She emphasized that SMART is actively working to turn the vision of "unlimited resources" into reality: over the past year, SMART has collaborated with top universities including Tsinghua University and Westlake University to optimize the education and training mode, with research from its inaugural cohort already appearing in leading journals. The distinguished faculty continues to grow, as several world-renowned scientists have joined SMART in a full-time capacity. The construction of the permanent campus is accelerating, and major platforms such as the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center (BAY TRIAL) and the Alliance of Open Life Science are steadily advancing.

"Daring innovation and relentless pursuit define SMART's institutional ethos and must guide your scholarly endeavors." President Nieng Yan encouraged the students to embrace Shenzhen's pioneering spirit (“dare to explore, dare to pioneer”) and to explore the unknown within SMART's inclusive community.  

Faculty's advice | Illuminating the path of discovery

Professor Ling Li, Deputy Dean of Graduate School of Westlake University, addressed the assembly as a representative of SMART's partner institutions. He emphasized that doctoral training represents a pivotal transition from established knowledge acquisition to the discovery and creation of new knowledge. He urged students to become active explorers, incisive questioners, and even the "very first" to chart a new direction in their field.

Professor Liang Shan, Director of the Institute of Human Immunology (IHI) at Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, spoke as a faculty representative. Having returned to China just a week earlier, he shared his own academic and scientific journey, encouraging students by noting that when you encounter difficulties, your passion will be the greatest driver. You may have to slow down, but you won't lose your direction. Sometimes, slowing down can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Professor Ying Mao, Dean of Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, made a speech as a representative of SMART Investigators, sharing with the students that: transformative breakthroughs often arise at the intersection of disciplines. Do not see disciplinary boundaries as barriers. Instead, leverage today's highly collaborative research environment to discover new possibilities through combinatorial innovation.

Students' pledge | Advancing frontiers of science

Mengya Cai, a PhD candidate from the class of 2024, recounted her memorable "firsts" at SMART over the past year: the formal admission, conversations with renowned academics, and an international conference poster prize. "SMART is the place that turns your ideals into reality and reminds you that they are always worth believing in."

Yang Shen, a student representative of the 2025 PhD cohort, pledged to "advance societal progress through rigorous scientific research and innovation!" She expressed her commitment to pursuing frontier knowledge and pioneering biomedical inquiry at SMART. "Within this environment characterized by challenges and opportunities, we will strive tirelessly and move forward with determination."

Zhiyan Lin from Malaysia, an international student representative of the 2025 PhD cohort, joined SMART for further studies after completing his undergraduate degree in Tianjin. Deeply impressed by Shenzhen's openness and inclusivity, he shared: "I look forward to continuing to grow here." He expressed his resolve to "explore courageously, advance with determination, and define my own scientific journey", aiming to push the frontiers of research with "Shenzhen speed" and to safeguard human health with "SMART's wisdom".

Social support | Joining hands to cultivate talents and realize dreams

The opening ceremony was attended by supporters passionate about life science advancement and talent training. Ms. Xia Yang (Chairman, Shanxi Jinbo Biopharmaceutical Ltd.) addressed the assembly as a donor representative, expressing her company’s steadfast commitment to supporting research, education, and talent development. To honor the diverse and sustained contributions from all sectors of society, Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation established the "Jinbo PhD Scholarship" and the "Mindray PhD Scholarship". President Nieng Yan presented commemorative certificates and letters of appreciation to Ms. Xia Yang and Mr. Xinsheng Li (Senior Deputy President, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.). This collective commitment extends far beyond financial support, it safeguards scientific aspiration and fuels medical innovation.

Spiritual coordinate | A shared mission for building a powerful nation

The ceremony was presided over and concluded by Mr. Xiaojun Hu the Secretary. He emphasized that Shenzhen's pioneering spirit ("daring to explore, daring to pioneering, and striving for excellence") is the spiritual coordinate for SMART's development. He encouraged all students to embody this ethos, "by weaving your personal scientific aspirations into the nation's journey toward scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, and a Healthy China." On the fertile ground of SMART, where science is revered, innovation is encouraged, and failures are tolerated, he urged students to delve deeply, scale new heights, and write their own distinguished chapters in the story of Chinese medical science.

At the ceremony, SMART extended its sincere gratitude to all those who supported its development: the Shenzhen and Guangming district authorities, dedicated donors and partners, and collaborating institutions such as Tsinghua University and Westlake University.

During the ceremony's special activity, "A Postcard to the Future", students wrote their answers to the question, "What scientific problem would you most want to explore?". From question to answer, their scientific journey has formally commenced. Here in Shenzhen, a city built on innovation, and at Smart, a fertile ground for scientific pursuit, the 2025 PhD cohort has now begun its journey. With intellect and perseverance, they will write their own scientific answers, injecting fresh energy into health and life sciences in China and the world!