Bulletin

Issue: May 2004

People

Honour for top Chinese medical researcher

One of China's leading medical researchers, Professor Yang Baofeng, President of Harbin Medical University, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by La Trobe University.

Professor Yang - who has been granted patents for the invention of three new major drugs and has held research posts in Japan and in Montreal, Canada - was named the Outstanding Young Expert by the Chinese Ministry of Health for 2001-2002.

Presenting the honorary doctorate at a Faculty of Health Sciences graduation ceremony recently, La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Fred Smith, spoke of Professor Yang's enormous contributions to medical science, his development of medical education in China, and his very close association with La Trobe University in forging innovative joint programs, primarily in the area of public health.

'Professor Yang's belief in the value of internationalisation has led the Harbin Medical University to be linked to many prestigious universities worldwide, including membership in the International Network of Universities, a consortium founded by La Trobe University to enhance opportunities for staff and student mobility between the partner universities,' Professor Smith said.

Professor Yang's major contributions to medical research have been recognised by the award of numerous prizes. He has been honoured for his study of berbamine, a novel antiarrhythmic drug, as well as for the invention of Xuezhiping, a new drug which rapidly produces marked reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the plasma of patients with hyperlipidaemia. His significant contributions to the curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout China, either as Chief Editor or Associate Editor of critical textbooks, include the Textbook for Medical Colleges and Universities in China and the Textbook for 7-year Program Medical Students.

Professor Yang is a graduate in pharmacology from the Tongji Medical University in Wuhan.

Accepting the award, Professor Yang said he has been happy to contribute to the relationship between La Trobe and Harbin universities, and that these links have made considerable contributions to the study of health sciences and administration, nursing and business programs in both countries.

Professor Yang said La Trobe University was a well-known and active university in China and he was honoured to receive such recognition for his research and for his own university while in Australia.

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