On June 18, 2026, the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 of the Zhejiang University–University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was held at the International Campus, Zhejiang University. The year marks three milestones: the 10th anniversary of the International Campus, the 10th anniversary of ZJE, and the 300th anniversary of the University of Edinburgh Medical School, making the occasion extraordinary.
Distinguished attendees included Professor HE Lianzhen, Vice Chair of the Zhejiang University Development Committee; Professor David Argyle, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh; Professor GU Zhen, Associate Vice President of ZJU and Dean of the International Campus; Professor Li Min, Chief of International Campus; Professor Mike Shipston, International Dean for College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh; Professor Ke Yuehai, Dean of ZJE; and Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean of ZJE. Faculty, staff, graduates, and families also joined the celebration.
The ceremony opened to the sound of Scottish bagpipes, with faculty leading graduates into the hall, symbolizing years of guidance and mentorship. An animation of a red horse galloping across campus set the tone, echoing ZJE's decade-long journey. The audience then joined in a heartfelt rendition of Zhejiang University's anthem, honoring the spirit of truth-seeking.
In his opening address, Professor Gu Zhen congratulated the graduates and credited the faculty, families, and Edinburgh partners. Standing at the intersection of three anniversaries, he offered three reflections.
First, embrace inclusivity. Use cross-cultural experiences to build bridges in a divided world. Second, seek truth. Maintain critical thinking in the age of AI and never outsource judgment to machines. He also announced ZJE's new Intelligent Biomedicine Program, integrating biology, medicine, and AI. Third, stay resilient. Citing the creation of Dolly the Sheep after 277 attempts, he encouraged graduates to persevere through setbacks.
Professor David Argyle celebrated a decade of partnership between ZJU and Edinburgh, built on mutual respect, shared vision, and academic collaboration. ZJE has established innovative programs in biomedical sciences and bioinformatics, supported by world-class faculty.
Professor Sue Welburn reflected on ZJE's ten-year journey, noting that students have thrived in interdisciplinary, multicultural environments. Drawing on the Fire Horse symbolism shared by Edinburgh Medical School and 2026, she encouraged graduates to stay curious, act with integrity, pursue ambitions boldly, and make a positive impact.
Outstanding graduates were recognized with four awards:
· Huang Yawen – Overall Performance Award (Biomedical Sciences)
· Liu Xiaofei – Research Project Award (Biomedical Sciences)
· Chen Yumo – Overall Performance Award (Bioinformatics)
· Zhao Bingkang – Research Project Award (Bioinformatics)
Professor Li Min and Professor Mike Shipston presented the trophies.
Professor Ke Yuehai then presented graduates with commemorative gifts and yearbooks, filled with memories of challenges, friendships, and growth. Golden confetti rained down as the hall celebrated.
Graduate representatives shared their reflections. Undergraduate Ji Shuhan thanked the Institute for encouraging students to become active explorers, not passive learners. Master's graduate Rong Zining spoke of insights gained across Chinese and international academic environments. Doctoral graduate Shao Qizhe reflected on his nine-year journey from undergrad to PhD, acknowledging challenges but emphasizing the satisfaction of discovery.
Parent representative Mr. Wei Yang quoted former ZJU President Zhu Kezhen: "Seek truth without regard for personal gain or loss." He encouraged graduates to stay humble in success, calm in adversity, and carry forward a strong sense of responsibility.
Led by Professor Chen Di and Professor John Menzies, the graduating class renewed their oath, committing to academic integrity, scientific inquiry, and the advancement of human health.
Performances throughout the evening celebrated friendship, growth, and aspiration. Songs like Bird's Nest and Speak Out Your Wish, alongside student band performances, brought the hall together. As Goodbye played, hundreds of phone lights swayed like a sea of stars.
Over the past decade, ZJE has built a vibrant academic community and become a model of East-West collaboration. Now, the Class of 2026 leaves Haining equipped with the knowledge and values of two world-class institutions, ready to charge into boundless futures and write the next chapter of ZJE's story.
(Article | ZJE DONG Chuhua YU Jiao LIU Shuaiyin; Translation| Bao Nong; Editing | YU Jiao; Editing in Charge | HUANG Xiaohan LI Yinan; Reviewer | YANG Yi; Final Reviewer | QU Haiding)