The Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) is breaking new ground as a research-oriented institution committed to innovation. During its inauguration on September 29, founding president Fan Jianping emphasized that SUAT’s focus on the “new” extends beyond its recent establishment to encompass a forward-thinking approach to education.
Since its inception in 2018, SUAT has pursued a vision of integrating the education, innovation, talent, and industry chains, drawing from global science and engineering university models. SUAT prioritizes strategic fields like “new engineering” and “new medical science,” which align with China’s national initiatives and Shenzhen’s “20+8” industrial clusters.
Global Talent and Interdisciplinary Focus
With seven interdisciplinary faculties—ranging from Life and Health Sciences to Biomedical Engineering and Synthetic Biology—SUAT collaborates with national innovation centers and leading enterprises. The university has attracted a diverse faculty team, with over 70% having studied abroad. The internationalization strategy has brought in 14 academicians and 88 national-level talents, ensuring a world-class educational experience for students.
SUAT fosters global connections by organizing talent meet-ups in places like Singapore, Australia, and Europe, further enhancing its faculty network.
Cutting-Edge Research Institutes
SUAT is carving a niche in research by establishing specialized institutes, such as the Institute of Cell and Gene Technology and the Institute of Future Agriculture. The former, led by academician Kang Le, aims to advance biotechnology, while the latter, headed by Yang Zhenbiao, focuses on next-generation agricultural technologies.
Upcoming institutes for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will further position SUAT as a leader in strategic, technology-driven disciplines.
Unique Undergraduate Learning Model
SUAT’s undergraduate program integrates hands-on research with academics through a “4+1” learning model, where students dedicate Fridays to laboratory work. The program encourages holistic development, with residential colleges like Dawning College and Yuan Geng College supporting a well-rounded student experience.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories and mentorship from academic experts, allowing them to immerse in scientific exploration and entrepreneurial projects. Freshmen rotate through six lab fields, while upperclassmen can choose between academic, engineering, or entrepreneurial tracks.
Qiu Linfeng, an undergraduate at Dawning College, praised SUAT’s facilities and the residential system that promotes interdisciplinary exchange.