Research

An institutional affiliation between Baker IDI and the Peking University Institute of Health Sciences has existed since 2006.  Peking University is in the top 10 universities worldwide, and the Institute of Health Sciences has a very high level and large research group with interests in cardiovascular disease.  The likelihood is that this area of medical research will become more of a focus in China over the medium term as China is facing significant growth in cardiovascular disease statistics.  The imperative to retain a link with Peking University therefore exists on at least two counts.  To establish collaboration with a group of high performing scientists with cognate interests; and to have a window on Chinese research activities and interests in a geographic area which is likely to become an international focus given the increasing prevalence of chronic disease.   

A group of 18 Baker IDI researchers visited Beijing in September 2008 for a ‘Bi-Institute Symposium’ which enabled scientists from both countries to compare notes and discuss research activities, and a series of potential joint research projects are now under discussion.  It is likely that our plans for 2009 will encompass a proposal to build on this relationship with a focus on joint research initiatives, including funding costs for an initial (joint-funded) project.