Drexel Delegation Celebrates Official Opening of Drexel-SARI Center in China

Drexel President John A. Fry and Drexel alumnus and President of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Dr. Jiang Mianheng unveil the new sign at the Drexel-SARI Center

A Drexel University delegation led by Drexel President John A. Fry marked the official opening of the Drexel-SARI Center in Shanghai on June 6 with a celebration at the Center that included a performance by musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra. Drexel signed an agreement with the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI), Chinese Academy of Sciences to launch the Drexel-SARI Center last October. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a leading academic institution and comprehensive research and development center in natural science, technological science and high-tech innovation in China.

Drexel alumnus and President of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Dr. Jiang Mianheng, who was instrumental in the formation of this partnership, joined the Drexel festivities and—together with the Drexel delegation—toured the new facility. Mianheng received a doctoral degree in electrical and computer engineering from Drexel’s College of Engineering in 1991. His father, Jiang Zemin, former president of the People's Republic of China, made a major international visit to Drexel during his presidency in 1997.

Drexel Provost Dr. Mark Greenberg, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Dr. Julie Mostov, Vice Provost for Research Dr. Deborah Crawford and Daniel Tedesco, a 2011 Drexel graduate and 2012 China Fulbright Fellow, were among the Drexel representatives. Other distinguished guests included United States Consul General Robert Griffiths and CEO and President of The Philadelphia Orchestra Allison Vulgamore. 

Located in the Shanghai Pudong Science and Technology Park, the Drexel-SARI Center will be a home for Drexel’s research collaborations and educational partnerships with SARI and other institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, offering Drexel faculty insight into the latest technology and innovation in China. The Center will also serve as a base in Shanghai for other Drexel educational endeavors including internships and co-ops, and symposia.

Among the first research collaborations at the Drexel-SARI Center will be a joint research initiative led by Dr. Wei Sun, Albert Soffa Chair Professor in Drexel's College of Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, and scientists from SARI’s Life Science Department to apply 3D cell assembly technology to generate in vitro cellular cancer models used for drug screening testing.

Engineering professor Dr. Yury Gogotsi, director of the A.J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute, has also proposed expanding his study of nanomaterials for biomedical applications with SARI colleagues at the Drexel-SARI Center.

To read more about the Drexel delegation in China or the Drexel-SARI Center, visit the Office of International Programs website, email global@drexel.edu or call 215-895-6372.

On-site Shanghai contact: Heidi West, Drexel Office of International Programs510-520-2784 (mobile) 215-895-1204 (office) or heidiwest@drexel.edu.