Edinburgh graduation season kicks off at ZJE in China

On 18 June, more than 200 students celebrated their graduation from the ZJE Institute, marking the start of Edinburgh’s graduation season. 

This year’s celebration also marked two major milestones: 10 years of ZJE and the 300th anniversary of the founding of Edinburgh Medical School.

Students were at the heart of the celebration. Two students hosted the event, while undergraduate, master’s and PhD representatives shared reflections on their time at ZJE. The event closed with performances of songs and dances by students. Other speakers included Professor Welburn Executive Dean ZJE representing the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University and Professor Gu from International Campus, Zhejiang University. 

Professor Argyle, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, said: 

I had the privilege of attending the ZJE graduation celebration and meeting members of the Class of 2026. My visit to ZJE leaves me truly inspired by the exceptional work taking place here.

In my address to our graduates and their families, I highlighted how, year after year, ZJE graduates advance to postgraduate study in remarkable numbers - many gaining admission to leading universities worldwide, with a significant proportion pursuing doctoral research. They continue to distinguish themselves through academic excellence, innovation making meaningful contributions to a community that is actively shaping the future of biomedical science and healthcare.

If such progress has been achieved in just ten years, what might 2036 look like? This is the question we will explore in the coming weeks as we work together to develop a roadmap for the next stage of this journey”

Professor Mike Shipston said: ‘This is a joyous fusion of traditions from the parent institutions and new traditions that are evolving at ZJE. The most moving moments included the student and academic staff processions being piped into the hall to the Skye Boat Song, and more than 200 students making their affirmation to uphold the ZJE Biomedical oath.

I was delighted to announce the undergraduate prizes for overall academic achievement and research. Of the four winners, three were women scientists and it is really gratifying to see that ZJE is a place that equips women to take up leadership in what is being described as the golden age of biomedical sciences.’