On April 23, 2025, Zhiyuan College faculty and students visited the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) to advance their 2024 collaborative agreement on scientific education and talent development.

The program began with researcher Xu Huaqiang's keynote on first-principles drug design, emphasizing the integration of AI technology with pharmaceutical research. Zhiyuan alumnus He Xinhang, now a SIMM Ph.D. candidate, shared his academic journey and research experiences, encouraging students to pursue innovation in drug development.Undergraduate representative Shu Zidong presented on clinically relevant biological research, arguing for patient-centered approaches to pharmaceutical science.

Education Director He Min then outlined SIMM's academic programs, research achievements, and admissions policies, followed by Deputy Director Ding Xueying's comprehensive overview of clinical drug trial methodologies.

The delegation toured SIMM's History Museum, learning about the institute's 90-year legacy of pharmaceutical innovation from faculty guides. Founded in 1932, SIMM has developed over 100 new drugs and maintains six national research centers, solidifying its position as China's premier drug research institution.

This exchange reinforced Zhiyuan College's commitment to interdisciplinary research collaboration, providing students with direct access to leading pharmaceutical scientists and cutting-edge research facilities while strengthening institutional ties in scientific education.