TMU Delegation Explores Collaborative Avenues at Oxford University

President Mai-Szu Wu of Taipei Medical University is leading a university delegation for the first time to visit the United Kingdom and meet with important collaborative partners.

On January 17, 2024, Taipei Medical University (TMU) delegation embarked on the second day of their visit to the University of Oxford (Oxford). The delegation members and their hosts at the Botnar Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences engaged in discussions to explore the institute’s initiatives to translate research outcomes into medical policies, aiming at enhancing the lives of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The delegation delved into the current research efforts within the orthopedic field undertaken by Oxford’s research teams. Dr. Wu Meng-Huang from TMU delivered a presentation, focusing on the impact of alcohol intolerance on conditions such as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy, expressing the hope for future collaborative research with the institute.

In the morning, the TMU delegation was also hosted by Professor Jonathan Rees, the Head of the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS). The delegation engaged in discussions with several research teams under NDORMS and were particularly impressed by the Oxford Space Lab, a pioneering laboratory established in the UK in 2023. The lab is dedicated to understanding the effects of microgravity in space on the aging process, aligning with the shared research interests of TMU teams focusing on aging issues.

Following this, the delegation met with the Oxford BioEscalator team for lunch. Professor Chas Bountra, the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford, expressed strong interest in collaborating with TMU on clinical trials and suggested the establishment of a clinical trial site at Oxford.

In the afternoon, the delegation held a meeting with Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg, the Associate Head for Research of the Medical Sciences Division (MSD) at the University of Oxford. MSD is the largest of Oxford’s four academic divisions, renowned for its excellence in biomedical and clinical research as well as teaching. Vice Superintendent of TMU Taipei Neuroscience Institute, introduced TMU’s portfolio in clinical trials and neuroimaging research, as well as research highlights of the Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on research related to traumatic brain injuries caused by external forces.

TMU Delegation

1. Professor Mai-Szu Wu, President
2. Professor Jiunn-Horng Kang, Dean, College of Biomedical Engineering
3. Professor Yung-Hsiao Chiang, Superintendent, Taipei Neuroscience Institute
4. Professor Chaur-Jong Hu, Vice Superintendent, Taipei Neuroscience Institute
5. Professor Yung-Kang Shen, Chairman and Professor, School of Dental Technology
6. Associate Professor Meng-Huang Wu, Director, Spine Division, Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital
7. Assistant Professor Jowy Tani, CEO, Taipei Medical University Biomedical Accelerator
8. Ms Andrea Liu, Chief, Global Partnerships Section, Office of Global Engagement
9. Dr. Cheng-Yu Tsai, Secretary-General, TMU Alumni Association in UK