From June 27th to August 19th, 2023, 24 top students from leading global universities participated in the Tsinghua University "Amgen Scholars" program on the Tsinghua campus, completing their 8-week summer research training.
Tsinghua University, as a world-renowned institution, possesses international-level academic excellence in the field of biomedical research. In 2018, Tsinghua successfully became a host institution for the Amgen Scholars Program, making it the only university in China to host this program. The program is administered by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tsinghua University.
During the eight-week summer training program, the Amgen Scholars joined various laboratories under the guidance of volunteer mentors and participated in research projects related to biomedical science, under the supervision of experienced researchers and senior doctoral student mentors. Through one-on-one guidance and continuous hands-on experience, the scholars not only gained laboratory skills but also formed deep friendships with their mentors and fellow students, establishing connections within the academic community.
Beyond their intense laboratory work, the Amgen Scholars also engaged in academic exchanges. They collaborated with another Amgen Foundation initiative in China called the "Amgen Biotech Experience" and conducted joint exchange activities. Serving as senior peers, they shared their own learning experiences with students from Beijing secondary schools.
Additionally, the Amgen Scholars had academic interactions with students from Suzhou University and visited the Zhongguancun Life Science Park. They also toured the Beijing Institute of Life Science and the Beijing Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, where they attended engaging presentations by experts Song Huang and Yali He. The discussions during the visit focused on scholars' career choices
In addition, at the invitation of the Amgen Foundation, Professor Chen Ligong, the Vice Dean of Tsinghua SPS and teachers from the project team led 24 students to participate in the Amgen Scholar Project Asia Seminar at the National University of Singapore. During the seminar, over a hundred scholars from Tsinghua University, Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo, and the National University of Singapore gathered together to share their experimental experiences and achievements in the project. Professor Chen Ligong was also invited to deliver an interesting and insightful speech to the scholars present.
During the poster presentation session, Professor Chen Ligong and Professor Liu Xiangyu served as judges for the poster competition among the four universities. Scholars presented their academic achievements during the project as posters in the exhibition hall and gave oral presentations, engaging in discussions with fellow teachers and students. Three students, Bailng, Xinyi Liu, and Jiayi Zhang, were awarded as the best presenters.
The Asia Symposium
At the conclusion of the 2023 Tsinghua Amgen Scholars Program, the closing ceremony was held in Room E109 of the Biomedical Science Building, marking the successful conclusion of the program. During the closing ceremony, the 24 Amgen Scholars each gave final presentations, sharing their academic achievements and project experiences from the program. Academic posters were also displayed in the Medical Science Building to showcase their work. Following the ceremony, the scholars exchanged messages and expressed their thoughts as they prepared to depart.
In addition to their enriching research experiences, the Amgen Scholars had the opportunity to explore Beijing and get to know Tsinghua University better. At the beginning of the program, the scholars embarked on a campus tour of Tsinghua, visiting the University's historical museum. While enjoying the scenic beauty of the campus, they also gained a preliminary understanding of the campus environment and its historical development.
During their academic pursuits, the scholars also delved into Beijing's culture together. They hiked and explored the Mutianyu Great Wall, visited the Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park, allowing them to connect with Beijing's history and experience the local cultural traditions.
Student Representative Reflection
Wenduo Yin
Following my involvement in the Amgen Scholar Program, I am wholeheartedly convinced that the program is one of the most exceptional research opportunities accessible to undergraduate students captivated by pharmaceutical science and the biotechnology sector. Through ASP, I was granted a vital and enlightening insight into drug development. This experience not only broadened my horizons but also allowed me to take my first step into knowing what a Ph.D. degree holds.
Delving into the program, I not only deepened my understanding of the scientific process but also forged valuable connections with peers from universities located in various corners of the world. Our shared pursuit of knowledge created a strong friendship.
Participating in ASP was not solely about expanding my academic expertise but also about personal growth. Engaging in lab meetings, performing various experiments, and participating in the Singapore symposium allows me to explore my potential further and develop various skills. It makes me feel more confident in advancing in the scientific field.
In retrospect, the Amgen Scholar Program has left an indelible mark on my academic and personal journey. It has catalyzed my passion for research, clarified my aspirations, and endowed me with a global network of friends and colleagues. I will definitely recommend anyone who shares the same passion to apply and participate in the program. At last, I appreciate the Amgen Foundation and Tsinghua University for this wonderful opportunity.
Yixi Xue
At the opening ceremony, my mentor, Dr. Bai Lu asked me the purpose of coming to this program. I told him that I wish to further develop my research techniques and make contributions to my research area of interest. To this day I still remember his disappointment upon hearing my answer. He told me, as well as everyone in the program, the true purpose of coming to this program should revolve around three "P’s”: the principle by which we abide in professional environments, the potential of ourselves that we shall discover, and the people with whom we will build intimate connections.
He was right with all three of them. Our productive summer research and fruitful results shared in the Singapore conference were not possible without rigid principles. A scholar in our program delved into a new research area this summer, which is now her committed PhD research interest, marking her newly discovered potential. As for the people, some of us built robust professional relationships to prepare for their future careers; some of us established intimate bonds with each other as if we were a family; some of us even found their soulmate, with whom they will explore the world together.
“Tsinghua ASP, discover your potential,” this slogan that we shouted out over and over is incomplete without the other two “P’s”: the principles to abide by and the people to care for. Eight weeks flew by all too fast. Yet, before I knew it, everything that happened has taken its root in the very core of my memory, where it will stay beyond the end of time.
Linda Fan Bu
Life is just like an adventure. Along the way of discovering new things and having different experiences, we get to know ourselves better, discovering our own potentials and our true selves. 2023 Tsinghua Amgen program, gave me unforgettable memories, taught me useful lab skills, and help me develop invaluable relationships with students, professors, and Amgen. We always ask ourselves, who we are, where we come from, and where we want to head to. The destinations and goals may vary as time passes, but what does not change is the experience that we go through. For instance, I am a medical student in clinical years of studies. For the past years, being a doctor has always been the goal for a medical student. However, I don’t want to narrow myself to one single option, thus, I came to ASP for attaining a broader perspective of career and life style. A pivotal moment was participating the Amgen Scholar Asia Symposium hold in National University of Singapore. Where I met people from all around the world, particularly organizers of Amgen Program. They gave me meaningful insight of research career and shared their perspectives. The truth is, life is not fixed, especially for us! We might fail multiple times, however, that is a milestone that we built toward success. I believe we all have big dreams and expectations; ASP is a precious program that helps you to discover new potentials and make remarkable experiences.
Ka Yi Lee
The Amgen Scholars Program at Tsinghua University 2023 was a transformative experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the world of scientific research and experience personal and intellectual growth. The biggest takeaway, I gained a deeper understanding of the scientific process, from formulating hypotheses to analysing data and drawing meaningful conclusions. I am especially grateful for our supervisor Dr Du Juanjuan and our student mentors, who patiently guided us through the projects and answered our questions when we have new ideas. Outside of our laboratory, I had the chance to exchange with Amgen Scholars from other universities during the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium at Singapore. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn how other outstanding scholars design their scientific posters and present their findings, to gain those skills and make global connections that will undoubtedly benefit me throughout my career.
Beyond the scientific realm, I was immersed in the exciting diverse cultures of China. We visited a handful of tourist sites and areas on the outskirts of Beijing to get a glimpse of the breath-taking landscapes of the rural China. But most of all, I made a lot of friends with scholars from different cultural backgrounds, which enhanced my appreciation for diversity; and through exciting excursions, engaging in discussions, and sharing experiences, we formed lasting friendships and memories which made the Amgen Scholars Program 2023 an unforgettable journey of discovery and growth. I am positive that the program will make even more memories and enlighten more students in the years to come.
Since the inception of the Tsinghua Amgen Scholars Program, it has received strong support from various departments at Tsinghua University, including the Office of International Affairs, the Academic Affairs Office, and the Tsinghua University Education Foundation. We sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude for this support.
