Amgen Scholars Program Launches in China for the First Time in Collaboration with Tsinghua University

BEIJING, July 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Amgen Scholars Program, established by the Amgen Foundation, has officially launched in China for the first time. In collaboration with Tsinghua University, a prestigious Chinese institution, the program selected 15 "Tsinghua-Amgen Scholars" from 282 applications received from over 50 countries and regions worldwide. Since its inception in 2006, the Amgen Scholars Program has supported nearly 4,000 students from more than 700 universities globally, providing funding for them to engage in research practice under the guidance of mentors at leading educational and research institutions around the world.

The “Amgen Scholars Program” aims to inspire and cultivate future scientists by funding students with a strong interest in life sciences and pharmaceutical research to engage in 8–10 weeks of hands-on research experience worldwide. Undergraduate students selected for the “Tsinghua-Amgen Scholars” program will participate in cutting-edge biomedical research projects, learn about biotechnology and drug development from world-leading academic scientists, and build meaningful connections with them through seminars.

In addition to their research practice, the 15 “Amgen Scholars” will also participate in the Amgen Scholars Asia Program Symposium, to be held at the National University of Singapore on August 3 and 4. These scholars will have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with peer scholars from other institutions, jointly discuss scientific research projects and study biotechnology, and communicate directly with leading scientists from both industry and academia.

“We are delighted that Tsinghua University has been successfully selected as one of the 24 global host institutions for the ‘Amgen Scholars Program,’ marking the first time a Chinese university has been included in this program. After receiving numerous applications, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation guided by principles of diversity and inclusivity. We gave full consideration to the strong desire of students from underdeveloped countries to access cutting-edge scientific research and aimed to encourage female students to pursue careers in science. Ultimately, we confirmed the selection of these 15 ‘Tsinghua Amgen Scholars.’ We eagerly hope that this eight-week practical experience will unlock their potential and lay a solid foundation for their future academic advancement and advanced scientific training,” stated Professor Chen Ligong, Director of the Tsinghua Amgen Scholars Program and Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University.

Biology and biotechnology have advanced rapidly over the past three decades. As a pioneer in the biotechnology industry, Amgen has been dedicated not only to delivering innovative medicines to patients since its founding in 1980, but also to nurturing the potential of future scientific innovators to improve patients’ quality of life. Initiatives such as the “Amgen Scholars Program,” which cultivates young scientists, are particularly vital to advancing our ability to combat serious diseases in the future. The world needs more outstanding scientists to continuously develop innovative therapies for patients. Today, Amgen China is delighted to see the “Amgen Scholars Program,” initiated by the Amgen Foundation, launch in China, and Amgen looks forward to expanding its initiatives in the country in the years ahead.

To date, the total investment in the Amgen Scholars Program over its 16-year history has reached $74 million. The Amgen Scholars Program in China is one of the program’s initiatives across 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Canada. Among participants who have completed their undergraduate studies, nearly 900 are currently pursuing graduate degrees in science-related fields, and more than 500 are working in science-related sectors across 33 countries. Ninety-nine percent of surveyed alumni reported that the program has had a profound impact on their academic or career trajectories.

For more information about the “Amgen Scholars Program,” please visitwww.AmgenScholars.com