Leading brain research and philanthropic organization Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute (TCCI®) today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Fudan University-affiliated Huashan Hospital, and the Zhou Liangfu Medical Development Foundation, to jointly establish the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Brain Disease (Shanghai) [renamed in 2019 to “Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Translational Research”]. The new Institute will focus on brain disease research, strengthening translational research between clinical and fundamental research, and fostering international collaboration. This marks TCCI’s first donation in China, following its inaugural partnership with Caltech in 2016.
The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Translational Research for Brain Disease (Shanghai) is a non-profit, public research organization that will receive a total investment of RMB 500 million, with an initial investment of RMB 50 million, from TCCI®. Mr. Tianqiao Chen will serve as the Institute’s Chairman of Trustees, while Board Members include Professor Zhou Liangfu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chair of the Neurosurgery Department at Huashan Hospital, as well as Professor Mao Ying, Vice President of Huashan Hospital and leading Chinese neurologist, who will also serve as Director of the Institute. The inaugural group of Institute researchers will include 10 leading neurosurgeons, neurologists and psychiatrists from Huashan Hospital, focusing on the research and treatment of brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and other brain ailments.
Mr. Tianqiao Chen, TCCI® Founder and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Shanda Group, said, “This collaboration focuses on three aspects: brain disease research, strengthening translational research between clinical and fundamental research, and fostering international collaboration. Working with Professor Zhou and Professor Mao to leverage China’s strong clinical expertise, we are optimistic that the Institute will attract outstanding neurosurgeons and psychiatrists from across China on this journey.”
Professor Ding Qiang, President of Huashan Hospital, said, “This collaboration with TCCI® is a significant milestone in ushering in a new model of bridging research and clinical trials as we celebrate Huashan Hospital’s 110th anniversary. Capitalizing on Mr. Tianqiao Chen’s breadth of international resources, we are especially keen to tap into innovative technologies. We look forward to enhancing developments in the research and treatment of brain diseases, as well as translating research findings into market applications with China’s contribution to improving brain research worldwide.”
Professor Zhou Liangfu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chair of the Neurosurgery Department at Huashan Hospital, said, “Huashan Hospital has extensive clinical experience, with the Department of Neurology treating more than 450,000 patients and performing nearly 17,000 operations each year. We hope that through cooperation with the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Brain Disease (Shanghai), we can apply our clinical expertise to raise the global bar on brain disease treatment and research capabilities. This is also critical for breakthroughs in brain mapping and brain function identification.”
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About Huashan Hospital
Founded in 1907, Huashan Hospital was China’s first Red Cross Hospital and is now the major teaching hospital affiliated with Fudan University under the leadership of the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China. Huashan Hospital is renowned for its internationalized medical education and research centers, and has established an alliance with Massachusetts General Hospital of Harvard Medical School. Huashan Hospital is the first public hospital to be accredited by JCI in mainland China, and is a medical leader in integrated treatment, with strong clinical experience and a team of highly qualified doctors, among which nearly half are tutors for the Master’s degree and PhD. Huashan Hospital has been recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the world’s best medical facilities for neurology.
About the Zhou Liangfu Medical Development Foundation
The Shanghai Zhou Liangfu Medical Development Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of Chinese neurology studies and talent education. Established by Professor Zhou Liangfu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chair of the Neurosurgery Department at Huashan Hospital, the foundation is served by renowned neurosurgeons from Huashan Hospital.
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