Australia-China network set to advance collaborative biomedical research

A new initiative will bring Australian and Chinese researchers together in a structured program designed to deepen collaboration, enhance shared research capability and support emerging scientific talent. 

The WEHI-China Health Research Network will connect researchers through joint activities that promote knowledge exchange, build enduring scientific relationships and enable the co‑development of projects to address global health challenges. 

The new network has been established through the support of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. 

At a glance 

The WEHI-China Health Research Network brings together leading and emerging researchers to strengthen biomedical research capability in the region.   

Four joint symposia in Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Beijing and Melbourne will facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange, while a competitive PhD exchange program will nurture and develop future scientific leaders. 

Supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the initiative will enable sustained partnership to tackle shared health challenges. 

Accelerating progress on priority regional health challenges 

Through a series of collaborative symposia and shared research training opportunities, the WEHI-China Health Research Network aims to accelerate progress on pressing health challenges that affect communities across the Asia-Pacific region. 

Over four years, the initiative will deliver hybrid research symposia in Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Beijing and Melbourne (2029).  

These events will bring together leading and emerging researchers to share expertise and spark new collaborations in clinical immunology, global health and drug discovery. 

WEHI director Professor Ken Smith said the initiative reinforces the long‑standing scientific ties that underpin research across the region. 

“This is about developing the foundations for discovery – deep collaboration, mutual learning and the training of exceptional young scientists who will shape the future of biomedical research,” Prof Smith said. 

“WEHI has been engaging with leading researchers and institutions in China for over three decades, and we’ve seen how fostering opportunities for connection and dialogue can spark new ideas and drive meaningful progress. 

“The establishment of the WEHI-China Health Research Network takes our shared commitment to the next level.” 

Developing the next generation of scientific leaders  

Central to the new initiative is a competitive PhD exchange program supporting up to 12 students to undertake collaborative research placements at partner institutions.  

Participants will gain hands‑on experience and training, cultural immersion and joint supervision from both WEHI and Chinese laboratories. 

These students will showcase their work at the final Melbourne symposium and will join an alumni network designed to foster long-term links in biomedical research. 

National Foundation for Australia-China Relations CEO Nancy Gordon said: “Australia is a world leader in medical research. We take pride in the fact that breakthroughs made in Australia bring better health to people all over the world.  

“The Foundation is supporting platforms like the WEHI-China Health Research Network which strengthen important exchanges between Australian and Chinese researchers and universities. 

“Projects like these enable us to turn the miracle of discovery into treatments and technology that change – and save – lives. And the personal connections forged become generational and cultural links between our institutions and the next generation of medical researchers.” 

Building on years of collaboration 

WEHI’s long history of engagement with institutions in China includes Master and PhD programs, as well as an internship program called InSPIRE, that with the support of the Foundation has brought over 150 outstanding students from leading universities across China to undertake intensive research training at WEHI and partner institutes in Melbourne. 

The new initiative is led by Professor Ivo Mueller, laboratory head and co-head of the Infection and Global Health division at WEHI. 

“Building on this strong foundation, the WEHI-China Health Research Network will expand our collaborative footprint and offer a fresh framework for deepening engagement with long‑standing Chinese partners,” Prof Mueller said 

“Importantly, in addition to hosting Chinese researchers at WEHI, we will for the first time also support research placements for WEHI students with Chinese partner institutions.”  

The WEHI-China Health Research Network is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.  

Participating institutions: Snow Centre for Immune Health, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immune Therapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Westlake University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong