Barry J. Marshall (R) poses for a photo after receiving the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in Beijing on Monday. Courtesy of SZU
Australian Nobel Prize laureate Barry J. Marshall received the prestigious International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in Beijing on Monday, with Shenzhen University (SZU) playing a pivotal role as his primary collaborating institution.
The award is the only one among China’s five major scientific and technological awards that are given to foreign individuals or international organizations in recognition of their achievements in scientific research and contributions to international cooperation.
Marshall was officially appointed as a chair professor at SZU during a ceremony held at SZU’s Lihu campus in Nanshan District yesterday.
Zhang Xueji, vice president of SZU, congratulated Marshall during the ceremony, saying that the award is not only a recognition of Marshall’s significant contributions to scientific research, but also serves as a testament to the collective accomplishments of Marshall, SZU, and Shenzhen in international sci-tech cooperation.
To continue building SZU into a world-class university, Zhang expressed hope that SZU would further promote the development of medicine and related disciplines by cooperating with Marshall and enhancing cooperation and exchanges with international scientific research institutions.
Marshall said that Shenzhen has produced high-quality science, and he is very proud to be able to contribute to this effort.
According to Marshall, Shenzhen provides an excellent environment for talent cultivation, scientific research, and innovation. He also believes that many interesting projects are being carried out.
Collaboration between Marshall and SZU began in 2017 when he became a visiting professor at the university. The Marshall Biomedical Engineering Laboratory at SZU was established in 2019 and focuses on the engineering aspects of biosystems to create new procedures, technologies, and devices that enhance health and the quality of life. Furthermore, Marshall and SZU established a biotech startup to bring the lab’s inventions to market.
As Marshall’s research continues at the lab, his attention will be on promoting Sino-Australian sci-tech and cultural exchanges, researching gastric cancer prevention and treatment, and developing the medical industry.
Furthermore, plans are in the works to establish the Marshall Transitional Medicine Research Institute in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. Marshall also hopes to establish a cultural exchange foundation or an exchange program aimed at fostering interactions among young scientists.
In 2005, Marshall was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Dr. Robin Warren for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
In 2015, Marshall received the Friendship Award from the Chinese Government, the highest commendation for foreign experts who have made exceptional contributions to China’s modernization drive.
Ten foreign experts were honored with the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award for 2023. A total of 146 foreign experts, three international organizations, and one foreign organization have received the award since 1995, according to Xinhua.
（eye shenzhen）
