On Friday, August 26th ,2016，UWC Changshu China welcomed Professor Liang Liming to our first Global Issues Forum as we started our new academic year.  

Prof. Liang Presenting at UWCCSC

Professor Liang is the Associate Professor of Statistical Genetics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He introduced the concept of genetics and the interaction between genetics and the environment to hundreds of students and faculty members gathered in the theater. After the talk, Professor Liang answered many questions from our students. It was a great start for the Global Issues Forum on the important topic of global health.

Earlier last week, Professor Liang and a group of post-doctoral fellows from Harvard delivered Harvard Youth Public Health Symposium at the Harvard Center Shanghai. 16 UWC Changshu China graduating senior from 14 countries attended the symposium. They very much enjoyed the three day program, learning both about public health issues and general research methodologies. 

Ishfer from Bangladesh said：“Quality of health is something that should never be compromised. We all agree with that but nevertheless, it is difficult to ensure a good quality of life in reality. During my time at the Harvard Public Health Symposium, I learnt how public health advocates along with policy makers, doctors and everyone in that field collaboratively work towards the betterment of humanity. ”

Annika from China said: “The Harvard Symposium opened my eyes towards left behind children phenomena. Besides economic, geographic, and educational considerations, now I can reflect on this phenomena based on my knowledge of public health, psychology and even government policy making. More importantly, I learnt how to put theories and ideas into a feasible plan and carry it forward step by step. I will by all means continue to fulfill my project on left behind children in the future.”

Professor Liang commented that he was very impressed by students’ breath of knowledge and depth of thoughts and believed that they were ready for more challenging topics. He was delighted to learn that a UWC Changshu student was already working out a plan to improve the mental as well as physical health of the left behind children in rural areas.

According to Wang Yi, Executive Director of the Harvard Center Shanghai, “UWC students made exceptional contributions to the Youth Symposium, bringing their real concerns and insights about public health systems in their respective countries. Their curiosity, passion, and energy made the Youth Symposium all the more exciting!”