Recently, the Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province announced the 2024 list of approved Provincial International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Platforms, including 39 Provincial International Joint Laboratories. Wenzhou Medical University has been awarded four new laboratories, namely "Zhejiang-Russia Joint Laboratory for Basic Medicine and Intelligent Medical Care", "Zhejiang-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Diseases", "Zhejiang-UK Joint Laboratory for Ocular Biomechanics", and "Zhejiang-Australia Joint Laboratory for 3D Printing of Oral Biomaterials."

Zhejiang-Russia Joint Laboratory for Basic Medicine and Intelligent Medical Care

Based on the School of Basic Medical Sciences, the laboratory focuses on four key areas: AI medical physics and intelligent medical care, medical physics and artificial intelligence (AI application in radiotherapy), individualized diagnosis and treatment based on big data models, and intelligent transformation of basic medical research, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the combination of artificial intelligence and basic medicine.

Zhejiang-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Diseases

Based on the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of WMU, this laboratory is committed to addressing the key challenges in the precise diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases, such as intervertebral disc degeneration, scoliosis, and spinal cord injury. International collaborations will focus on the research and development of three areas: molecular pathological mechanisms and biological treatment methods, precision diagnosis equipment, and treatment and rehabilitation equipment.

Zhejiang-UK Joint Laboratory for Ocular Biomechanics

Based on the affiliated Eye Hospital, the laboratory will conduct basic research focusing on ocular biomechanics, novel refractive surgery techniques, ocular tissue engineering, new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases, and innovation in ophthalmic imaging technology. It strives to break through related technical difficulties and major issues, promote talent exchanges and training, and develop itself into a world-class research and cooperation platform for ocular biomechanics research.

Based on the affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, the laboratory aims to meet the clinical needs for precise biological oral restorative materials and overcome key technological challenges in the 3D printing of the materials, ensuring quality control of high-aesthetic, high-performance, and functional 3D-printed oral restorative materials. The laboratory carries out international cooperation in the research on three main directions: extremely thin and tough ceramic dentures based on patterned topological microstructures, 3D printing of low-elastic modulus porous ceramic implants and degradable porous metal scaffolds, and their application in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.

It is reported that the Zhejiang Provincial International Joint Laboratories are established based on universities, research institutes, and enterprises in Zhejiang and their collaborations with their international partners in specific technological fields. The co-constructed high-level research platforms carry out basic scientific research, research and development of applied technology, demonstration and promotion of advanced and applicable technology, and talent training.

In recent years, WMU has been embracing openness, innovation, and cooperation for mutual benefit, and built opening-up platforms for scientific and technological innovation, focusing on cutting-edge technologies in the fields of ophthalmology & optometry, regenerative medicine, translational medicine, precision medicine, new drug development, and high-end medical device research and development. At present, WMU hosts 16 approved international scientific and technological cooperation platforms, including 2 International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Bases of the Ministry of Science and Technology, 5 International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Bases of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, and 9 International Joint Laboratories of Zhejiang Province. WMU will continue to serve the national strategic needs, carry out international scientific and technological cooperation and exchanges, expand cooperation channels, and gather innovative resources, to provide scientific and technological support for the university’s goal of building a high-level and "double first-class" medical university.