On 15 May 2010 the Shantou-Oxford Clinical Research Unit (SOCRU) was established at Shantou University Medical College(SUMC). Established with the support of the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the purpose of SOCRU is to strengthen the collaboration between SUMC and the University of Oxford in the field of scientific research related to human and animal health. The collaboration will include exchange of academic expertise, research ideas, and techniques held by both universities to facilitate scientific progress in and understanding of human and animal health and will be lead by the principal investigators Prof. William Ba-Thein from SUMC and Prof. Farrar from the University of Oxford.
SOCRU’s mission is to strengthen clinical research infrastructure at SUMC and its affiliated hospitals to improve health in Shantou and ultimately throughout China.?

To achieve its goal, SOCRU is (i) providing opportunities to Chinese students and scientists to exchange academic expertise and research ideas with UK scientists through domestic/oversea training and education at UK universities, (ii) developing clinical research projects in SUMC-affiliated hospitals in Shantou, and (iii) setting up collaborative research projects with hospitals and universities in other cities and provinces in China.

SOCRU is also striving to become a full partner of Oxford University Asia Research Network along with the centers in Vietnam and Thailand.

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