Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University (SDU) in June 2013, "The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Shandong University (CUHK-SDU) Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics" (the Joint Laboratory) was officially established at CUHK on 20 December 2013. Prof. Chan Wai-yee, Director, School of Biomedical Sciences and Prof. Ma Jin-loong, President, Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, SDU will serve as Co-Directors of the Joint Laboratory.

In that morning, the Inauguration Ceremony was officiated by Prof. Benjamin Wah, Provost, CUHK; Prof. Fok Tai-fai, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, CUHK; Prof. Chan Wai-yee, Director of School of Biomedical Sciences, CUHK; Prof. Li Shouxin, Party Secretary, SDU; Prof. Chen Zijiang, Vice-President, SDU; Prof. Ma Jin-loong, President of Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, SDU; and Prof. Li Lu, Director, Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR.

Immediately after the ceremony, the 1st International Symposium on Reproductive Medicine was held at Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building. Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson, member of the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, USA; Prof. Chris Lau, Department of Medicine, University of California; Prof. Chen Zijiang, Vice-President, SDU; and Prof. Richard Choy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK served as speakers and gave presentations on their research findings in various fields of reproductive genetics.

The successful establishment of the Joint Laboratory marks a significant milestone of the collaboration between CUHK and SDU through which all related academic and research personnel, resources and experiences can be exchanged and shared in a more effective and efficient way. It is our hope that both parties can have enhanced collaboration in undertaking greater research projects in reproductive genetics that are of national and global importance.

The corresponding coverage by the Office of Academic Links (China) can be viewed here.

Prof. Benjamin Wah gives a speech during the Inauguration Ceremony

Prof. Li Shouxin gives a speech during the Inauguration Ceremony

Prof. Chan Wai-yee gives a speech during the Inauguration Ceremony

Prof. Li Shouxin (4th from right), Prof. Benjamin Wah (3rd from left), Prof. Fok Tai-fai (3rd from right), Prof. Li Lu (2nd from left), Prof. Chen Zijiang (1st from left), Prof. Ma Jin-loong (2nd from right) and Prof. Chan Wai-yee (1st from right) officiating the plague opening ceremony

Prof. Joe Leigh Simpson delivers a talk during the Symposium

Prof. Chris Lau delivers a talk during the Symposium

Prof. Chen Zijiang delivers a talk during the Symposium

Prof. Richard Choy delivers a talk during the Symposium

Snap shot taken during the Symposium

Group photo with guests and speakers taken during the Symposium

Guided tour to the School's core facilities after the Symposium