Global Alliance of Confucius Institutes for Chinese Medicine

On May 16, 2025, the 3rd Global Alliance of Confucius Institute of Chinese Medicine Conference was successfully held at the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Pécs, Hungary. Organized by the Global Alliance of Confucius Institute  of Chinese Medicine and hosted by the Pécs TCM Confucius Institute, the event brought together over 50 Chinese and international deans and academic representatives from 11 TCM Confucius Institutes around the world.

As the chair institution of the Alliance, the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway played an active role in the conference. The Institute demonstrated its cutting-edge research and international collaboration in integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern science and technology.

Professor Timothy O’Brien, Chair of the Global  Alliance Irish Director of the Confucius Institute at University of Galway , delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He emphasized the strategic significance of the conference in strengthening global cooperation in the field of TCM. Professor O’Brien highlighted that traditional Chinese medicine, as a shared global health resource, requires more interdisciplinary and cross-cultural platforms to advance its global dissemination and innovation. The Alliance, he noted, serves as a promising bridge in this endeavor.

During the thematic forum on “Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Modern Technology,” Dr Ren Li, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Galway , delivered a featured presentation. He shared the Institute's progress in exploring the intersection of TCM and regenerative medicine, and showcased the vast potential of TCM in interdisciplinary applications and innovations in modern healthcare.

In the closing roundtable forum, experts engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics including the international communication of TCM culture, mechanisms for alliance collaboration, resource sharing, and standardized education models. The participants offered insightful suggestions aimed at building a more efficient and closely connected global cooperation framework for TCM education.

Following the conclusion of the conference, participating delegates visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Pécs and, under the guidance of the host institution, toured the Harkány Thermal Rehabilitation Hospital at the Pécs Clinical Center. There, they gained firsthand insights into the region’s unique rehabilitative therapies, including carbon dioxide baths, underwater massages, and traditional mud therapy—providing inspiration for potential future collaborative clinical research.

The successful hosting of the 3rd Global Alliance of  Confucius Institute of Chinese Medicine Conference significantly strengthened ties among TCM Confucius Institutes worldwide, promoted innovation in both theory and practice of TCM, and made a meaningful contribution to the international education and dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Second Global Alliance of Confucius Institute of Chinese Medicine Conference Successfully Concludes in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, September 19, 2024 — The Second Global Alliance of Confucius Institute of Chinese Medicine  Conference concluded successfully on September 19, 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. Hosted by the Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute at the University of the Western Cape, the conference brought together alliance members from various Confucius Institutes, experts, scholars, and representatives from South African government agencies. The event aimed to deepen international exchange and cooperation in the field of Chinese medicine and to promote its global preservation and innovation.

The conference attracted representatives and scholars from several member institutes, including the Confucius Institute of Chinese  and Regenerative Medicine at  University of Galway, the South African Department of Science and Innovation, the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, the University of the Western Cape, and universities in China. Throughout the event, ten representatives from Confucius Institutes around the world discussed themes such as “Chinese Medicine Education,” “Global Traditional Medicine,” and “The International Dissemination of Chinese Medicine,” contributing insights and expertise to advance Chinese medicine’s global reach.

As Alliance Chair, Professor Timothy O’Brien, Dean of the Confucius Institute of Chinese  and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway , highlighted in his closing remarks that the alliance offers a broad platform for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary cooperation. He encouraged members to strengthen communication and resource-sharing to drive the international development of Chinese medicine. Shan Bing Shen, Executive Director of  Confucius Institute at University of Galway , delivered a keynote report titled “Gene Editing of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Drug Discovery in Chinese Medicine,” sharing the latest research developments in combining Chinese medicine with regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, Dr. Li Ren, Chinese Director of Confucius Institute, led a forum discussion that engaged experts on various topics, further fostering international collaboration and exploration in Chinese medicine.

During the conference, the alliance proposed several key development directions, including establishing a global platform for Chinese medicine education resource sharing, promoting the “Chinese Language + Chinese Medicine” dual-focus educational model, and nurturing bilingual international professionals with expertise in Chinese medicine. It was also emphasized that the alliance would leverage the strengths of its member institutions to explore diversified development paths integrating medicine, education, industry, and research, further enhancing the global influence of Chinese medicine.

The successful conclusion of this conference marks a new phase in the alliance’s collaborative efforts, injecting fresh momentum into the international promotion of Chinese medicine. Moving forward, the alliance will continue to foster the development of Chinese medicine globally, contributing to human health and well-being and promoting the richness of international cultural exchange and cooperation.