Professor Sue Welburn led the recent launch of the UK–China Health Research Alliance (UKCHRA), helping to shape a new platform for collaboration between UK and Chinese institutions focused on tackling major global health challenges. A photo of (Left to right) Professor Jon Frampton, University of Birmingham (Chair UKCHRA), Professor Sue Welburn (co-Chair) and Ross Towers Informed Engagement & Research Security Senior Policy Officer, Science & Technology, British Embassy Beijing, China. Historic foundations, modern ambitions On 10 March 2026, researchers and policymakers gathered in Wuhan for the alliance’s inaugural workshop, bringing together over 20 leading universities, research institutes, and stakeholders to strengthen engagement across academia, industry, and government.The initiative builds on longstanding ties between the two countries, with historic links in medicine and education dating back to the 19th century, and aims to align modern strengths in biomedical research.Partners are working closely with major funding bodies, including UK Research and Innovation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, to coordinate strategy, strengthen governance, and deepen institutional collaboration. Shared health priorities Five key areas have been identified: healthy ageing, obesity and diabetes, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic preparedness, supported by £28 million in joint investment across existing programmes.The alliance has outlined clear next steps, including policy engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and the development of FAIR data standards, with a strong emphasis on supporting early-career researchers. Looking ahead With ambitions to translate research rapidly into policy and improved care, UKCHRA aims to advance global health security and equity through sustained UK–China partnership. Publication date 21 Apr, 2026
