Further collaboration between Cornell University and City University of Hong Kong (CityU) was discussed during a visit by Professor Michael I. Kotlikoff, Provost at Cornell, on 10 February.
This was the first time Professor Kotlikoff had visited CityU since the HKSAR Government began lifting COVID-19 restrictions. He and President Way Kuo had a fruitful exchange of ideas on the developments of our veterinary medicine programmes and the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC). Joining them was Professor Wendy Wolford, Vice-Provost for International Affairs at Cornell.
A highlight of Professor Kotlikoff’s visit was his distinguished lecture titled “Universities and the Future: Building Excellence through Global Engagement and Collaboration”.
“I’m grateful to have this opportunity to talk about Cornell and global engagement and our drive for innovation,” said Professor Kotlikoff, adding that the CityU–Cornell collaboration had been successful because both institutions were passionate about fostering greater global engagement.
As the former Dean of Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Kotlikoff has played a huge role in building the long-term partnership between Cornell and CityU, one that has led to the establishment of JCC, the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
During his lecture, Professor Kotlikoff touched on several themes related to collaboration, stressing throughout that some of the world’s most pressing problems can be solved only by drawing on the skills, wisdom and experience of researchers all over the world, a vision that CityU shares.
He made special mention of Cornell’s Global Hubs, a network of connections with leading peer universities and their communities, countries and regions aimed at building strong, long-term international relationships.
“The nimblest institutions will be the most successful,” he said, “and those that can work together will be able to address problems at scale.”
Another key takeaway from his talk was that in the era of rapid technological transformation, especially with the expansion of AI, it was important to always work within an ethical framework to ensure social differences were not adversely impacted.
“I am very proud of the partnership between Cornell and CityU, especially in promoting the One Health concept, and for helping to build capacity for tackling global health challenges,” he said.
At the end of the lecture, President Kuo presented Professor Kotlikoff with a copy of the recently published book, The Vet School Marathon: Drive and Tenacity at CityU.
President Kuo said he hoped CityU would be able to offer joint degree programmes with Cornell in the future.
Professor Kotlikoff later visited CityU’s Veterinary Medical Centre including facilities in primary care, specialty care and emergency services. He also had an interactive exchange with students on the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme.
