City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the University of Exeter in the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3 May, marking a significant step towards fostering academic exchange and deepening collaboration, particularly in the field of digital medicine.

The signing was attended by a high-level delegation from CityUHK, led by Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, who met with Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, and her senior management team. The CityUHK delegation also included Professor Kevin Downing, Secretary to the Council, and Ms Pheck Choo Ng, Director, Office of the President.

President Boey and Professor Roberts signed the MoU during the meeting, marking a new milestone in academic cooperation between the two universities. Under the MoU, both sides agree to explore opportunities for academic research, talent and institutional collaboration, academic, research staff and administrative personnel exchanges and training, and knowledge sharing.

“We are delighted to partner with the University of Exeter to further our collaboration in terms of knowledge and talent exchange,” said President Boey. “As one of the most international universities in the world, CityUHK will continue to actively foster strategic partnerships with other leading global universities to enhance collaboration across various areas.”

“The University of Exeter is delighted to have signed these two Memoranda of Understanding. Our partnership with CityUHK will deliver exciting new research and education collaborations,” said Professor Roberts. “We’re also thrilled to have joined the Institute of Digital Medicine (IDM) initiative. Working even more closely with our international partners will enhance our joint impact around the world, and goes to the core of our Strategy 2030’s aims to make key breakthroughs to transform human health and well-being.”

“These are very positive developments for our university, and I look forward to working closely with CityUHK and our friends in the IDM initiative, in order to forge a greener, healthier, fairer future,” she added.

The University of Exeter, a member of the esteemed Russell Group, is one of many prestigious academic and research partners that CityUHK has collaborated with to establish the IDM on 24 April. The IDM, in collaboration with renowned universities, medical schools, clinical and industry partners, and health tech investors worldwide, will leverage CityUHK's research strengths in engineering, data science, and life science to develop innovative technologies that support doctors and explore digital health solutions for patients’ long-term benefit.

The University of Exeter is renowned for its world-class research and high levels of student satisfaction. Its pioneering research in data science and artificial intelligence is revolutionising healthcare, with expert teams developing innovative AI-driven solutions for predicting and preventing diseases, personalising treatment plans, and improving patient care.

CityUHK is currently collaborating with 21 universities in the Russell Group, a prestigious group of leading UK universities, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Glasgow, and Imperial College London.