CityUHK advances collaboration with Cornell University in One Health and veterinary education
A high-level delegation from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), led by Professor the Honorable Michael Ngai, Council Chairman, visited Cornell University in August. The two universities explored new frontiers with a dedicated focus on One Health, reinforcing their long-standing academic partnership.
Professor Ngai was joined by Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise); Professor Vanessa Barrs, Dean of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC); and Mr Ronald Chu, General Counsel and Secretary to the Council.
CityUHK’s partnership with Cornell University began 17 years ago, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the JCC at CityUHK. The first step, which preceded the establishment of the Veterinary School, was the creation of a joint PhD programme, which offers dual mentorship from faculty at CityUHK and Cornell, along with the opportunity to study for up to a year at Cornell University. Since 2014, 82 students have enrolled, 44 have graduated and 27 are currently completing their PhDs. The programme has also resulted in many joint publications between researchers from Cornell and CityUHK.
During the visit, the delegation held in-depth discussions with senior leadership at Cornell University, including Professor Michael Kotlikoff, President, and Professor Kavita Bala, Provost. They explored opportunities to deepen institutional synergies and discuss new collaborations, particularly in One Health. Professor Barrs and Professor Jessica McArt, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Cornell University, agreed to strengthen their shared focus on One Health and explore new study abroad programmes for Master’s students.
Emphasising innovation and related applications, the delegation also met with representatives from the Cornell CVM Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, where they exchanged insights on veterinary business education programmes. Professor Yang presented CityUHK’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship initiative, HK Tech 300, to Cornell faculty and leadership from the Centre for Technology Licensing, the university’s technology transfer office.
The CityUHK delegation toured the facilities of the CVM, including the Teaching Dairy Barn and Equine Park, the Baker Institute for Animal Health, and advanced research laboratories. The tour highlighted Cornell’s integrated approach to veterinary education, animal health research and clinical training, showcasing how teaching, research and innovation come together to address real-world challenges in animal and public health.
This visit reinforced CityUHK and Cornell University’s joint commitment to driving global innovation, fostering top-tier scientific talent, and pioneering solutions for animal and public health through sustainable, long-term international collaboration.
