Chenyu Wang becomes our third PhD student to successfully defend their thesis on our UoE single degree programme at ZJE, in China. Chenyu with PhD supervisor Professor Sue Welburn and PhD external examiners. Last week, Chenyu Wang successfully defended his thesis in Edinburgh for work undertaken at the ZJE Institute into the drivers of malaria transmission and approaches to its elimination “Global and regional drivers of malaria transmission and elimination: an integrated analysis of ecological, financial and policy dimensions” Chenyu was part of the 2021 entry cohort of PhD students on the single-degree doctoral programme at the Zhejiang University–University of Edinburgh Institute. Speaking after his viva, Chenyu said: “Being a PhD student at the ZJE Institute isn’t just another chapter in my life – it has been a wonderful experience for me. When I was younger, I never imagined I would gain a PhD. Now I would like to do a postdoctoral fellowship, and maybe one day become a research leader. This experience is not the end for me; it is just the beginning.” Chenyu Wang, PhD student, UoE single degree programme Professor Sue Welburn commented: “Chenyu saw malaria as an important biomedical and global health problem and wanted to make a contribution to alleviating its devastating impact, particularly in Africa. He relished the opportunity to travel, to learn, and to build his professional networks.” Prof Sue Welburn, Executive Dean, Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) Reflecting on his supervision, Chenyu added: “Professor Welburn gave me many opportunities. She believed in me, and now I believe in myself. Last year she encouraged me to attend a conference in South Africa, saying it would be an opportunity to meet professors from all over the world, discuss our work, and perhaps one day work together.” Professor Welburn concluded: “Chenyu is an excellent example of someone who has truly benefited from undertaking research study at the ZJE Institute. Alongside his doctoral research, he embraced opportunities to learn and also to teach, contributing as a teaching assistant in the business school on the International Campus. While scientific excellence is paramount, our most successful students gain a wide range of experiences that prepare them for future success. On behalf of the ZJE Institute, I warmly congratulate Chenyu on all he has achieved. He joins an impressive group of alumni making their mark on biosciences across the globe.” Further information An extended interview can be found here on Linked InFind out about the PhD programmes delivered in China in collaboration with the ZJU-UoE Institute Publication date 05 Feb, 2026
