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News & Events
From January 26 to 28, 2026, the delegation of Gloryren visited the University Medical Center Mainz, meeting Prof. Grus, Director of the Department of Experimental Ophthalmology; Prof. Pfeiffer, Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, former Chief Executive Officer of the University Medical Center Mainz, and former Director of the Eye Hospital; Prof. Theobald, Director of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology and Deputy Director of University Center for Tumor Diseases (UCT Mainz); and Prof. Grabbe, Director of the Department of Dermatology.
Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, Mainz is a historic university city characterized by a calm and refined atmosphere. As the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, it combines rich cultural heritage with a longstanding academic tradition. Although not always prominent in certain international ranking systems, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and its University Medical Center have long maintained a solid position within Germany’s academic landscape, particularly in medicine and the natural sciences.
The world-renowned pioneer of minimally invasive spine surgery, Prof. Mayer, was born and raised in Mainz and completed his medical studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Prof. Ge Junbo, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice President of Tongji University, and Director of Cardiology at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, as well as Prof. Zhang Lin, former Vice President of Sichuan University and Chair of the Teaching Steering Committee for Forensic Medicine under the Ministry of Education of China, both obtained their doctoral degrees at Mainz. Prof. Gong Ye, Prof. Zhao Yao, and Prof. Wang Yongfei from the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University completed clinical fellowship in neuroendoscopy at the University Medical Center Mainz. After systematic training in Mainz and other German institutions, Prof. Gong Ye introduced neuroendoscopic techniques to China and pioneered their clinical application domestically.
Jan. 26
Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz
At 10:00 a.m. on January 26, the the delegation of Gloryren arrived at the University Medical Center Mainz. Prof. Grus arranged for Dr. Qu, a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory, to receive the delegation and accompany them to the lab for discussions. Dr. Qu introduced her academic background: she obtained her master’s degree under the supervision of Prof. Zhang Jingfa at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), later received funding from the China Scholarship Council to pursue her doctoral studies at the Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, successfully completed her PhD, and subsequently secured a postdoctoral position to continue her research within the team.
During the meeting, Prof. Grus systematically presented the laboratory’s three primary research areas: glaucoma, retinal diseases, and ophthalmic proteomics and immunology. The research spans basic science, clinical research, and translational studies, supported by a dedicated proteomics platform. The laboratory’s structure is well-established, with clearly defined and focused research directions.
He further introduced a translational achievement developed by his team, which is an applicable diagnostic product aimed at improving early detection of glaucoma. The goal is to enhance screening efficiency and benefit patients in regions with relatively limited medical resources. The two sides also exchanged views on potential future pathways for clinical translation and broader implementation of this innovation.
Over the years, Prof. Grus’s team has trained multiple Chinese doctoral candidates and established a relatively mature talent development system. In addition to completing their research projects, doctoral students have opportunities to participate in translational activities and build connections with Chinese hospitals and research institutions. Both parties expressed their intention to further strengthen collaboration in doctoral training and scientific research.
This exchange laid a new foundation for cooperation in basic and translational ophthalmology research and further deepened the professional scope of Sino-German medical scientific collaboration.
Jan. 27th
Eye Hospital, University Medical Center Mainz
At 8:30 a.m. on January 27, the delegation of Gloryren visited the Eye Hospital of University Medical Center Mainz to meet Prof. Pfeiffer, a Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, former Chief Executive Officer of the University Medical Center Mainz, and former Director of the Eye Hospital.
The University Medical Center is well-organized, with most specialty departments housed in independent buildings. The ophthalmology building, an eight-story structure, is one of the most iconic within the campus, integrating outpatient services, diagnostic facilities, operating theaters, inpatient wards, and research spaces into a single, complete layout.
On the morning of the visit, Prof. Pfeiffer specially arranged for the founder of Gloryren to have a consultation with Dr. Elflein. The entire outpatient process was standardized and efficient. Even international patients unfamiliar with German can navigate the system smoothly thanks to clear guidance. Patients first register at the ophthalmology reception, then proceed to the hospital’s International Patient Office to prepay €1,000; with the receipt, they return to the ophthalmology department to collect their patient number and complete registration. Basic information and medical history are self-reported, with detailed questionnaires. Before entering the consultation room, a physician assistant performs basic examinations and verifies the patient’s history. The doctor reviews all materials thoroughly before beginning the formal consultation. Within the consultation room, communication is precise and meticulous; the diagnostic equipment is advanced and comprehensive, yet the process also incorporates humanistic care, reflecting a mature and systematic management approach.
After the consultation, the team visited the fifth floor of the ophthalmology building for an internal discussion with Prof. Pfeiffer. The meeting took place in the department’s library, which houses extensive ophthalmology literature and historical documents, creating a strong academic atmosphere.
During the discussion, Prof. Pfeiffer reflected on his visit to China in November 2025 for the Fifth Sino-Euro Global Forum on Hospital Management, Specialty Construction and Talent Cultivation. He highly praised Gloryren’s organizational work for the forum, noting that the arrangements were professional and rigorous, and that he had the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges with multiple Chinese Grade Three Class A hospital directors, department directors, administrative directors, and outstanding young physicians. He stated that the trip not only deepened his understanding of China’s hospital system and specialty-construction models, but also allowed him to experience the integration of traditional Chinese culture with modern technological development, and he remains open to future exchanges in China.
On the collaboration front, Prof. Pfeiffer confirmed that this year a doctoral student would be accepted through Gloryren; this student had received a China Scholarship Council (CSC) award in March last year. He emphasized that, aside from cooperation facilitated through Gloryren, the ophthalmology department currently has no official partnerships with any other commercial institutions in China, and advised Chinese ophthalmologists intending to study in Mainz to carefully verify their information sources.
This visit further solidified the foundation for cooperation in ophthalmology talent development and academic exchange, providing a clear framework for the standardized implementation of future doctoral and clinical training programs.
Jan. 27th
Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Mainz
At 5:00 p.m. on January 27, the delegation of Gloryren visited the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology to meet Prof. Theobald, Director of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology and Deputy Director of University Center for Tumor Diseases (UCT Mainz).
The department is one of the core departments at the university medical center for hematologic disorders and solid tumor management. It handles hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and related comprehensive treatments, while actively participating in the multidisciplinary collaborations of the tumor center. The department maintains a close integration of clinical care and research translation and represents a key component of the University Medical Center Mainz’s oncology system.
Prof. Theobald has long been engaged in both clinical practice and research in hematology and oncology. As Director of the department and Deputy Director of UCT Mainz, he has contributed to the development and implementation of the hospital’s multidisciplinary oncology framework.
The meeting began with Gloryren presenting recent collaborations with other departments at the University Medical Center Mainz, as well as current programs including Sino-German doctoral project, clinical observorship, and visiting professorship, explaining their operational models and mechanisms. Prof. Theobald listened attentively, expressed strong interest in each project, and raised detailed questions related to the department’s context, including doctoral training time frame, research alignment, forms of clinical observorship, and sustainability of collaboration.
He mentioned having visited China multiple times, with a solid understanding of the Chinese medical system and academic development. Prof. Theobald expressed an open attitude toward establishing more systematic talent development and academic collaborations between China and Germany, and indicated a willingness to further explore potential cooperation once specific frameworks and alignment directions are clarified.
Jan. 28th
Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz
At 10:00 a.m. on January 28, the delegation of Gloryren visited Prof. Grabbe, Director of the Department of Dermatology, and participated in discussions together with Dr. Rietz, a senior physician from the Department of Dermatology.
The Department of Dermatology at the University Medical Center Mainz holds significant influence in German dermatology, providing clinical care, research, and teaching across a wide spectrum of skin diseases and cutaneous immunology disorders. Prof. Grabbe serves as Deputy Editor of the official journal of the German Dermatological Society, one of the most authoritative journals in the field. He has made substantial contributions to research in skin immunology and inflammatory skin diseases, including the first demonstration of the critical role of skin dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor immune responses, and he was one of the first scientists to use DCs in treating patients with advanced melanoma. The department not only offers clinical services nationwide but also actively engages in basic and translational research.
During the discussion, Gloryren presented its experience collaborating with other specialties at the University Medical Center Mainz, as well as ongoing programs including the Sino-German doctoral project, clinical observorship, and visiting professorship. Prof. Grabbe expressed strong interest in these cooperation models and raised detailed questions about each program.
Regarding the doctoral program, Prof. Grabbe noted that he has received many applications from Chinese students in the past, but due to complex administrative procedures and inconsistent application quality, he has not yet admitted any. He hopes that collaboration with Gloryren can enable more precise candidate selection, recommendations, and administrative support.
For the clinical observorship, Prof. Grabbe highlighted that this project requires a relatively high level of German language proficiency. He hopes to work with Gloryren to design an English-language curriculum to better facilitate Chinese visiting physicians’ participation in departmental clinical activities. Dr. Rietz, who has certain understanding of Chinese culture and language, also expressed willingness to provide assistance during the visits.
Regarding the visiting professorship program, Prof. Grabbe has visited China multiple times, mainly for short-term academic meetings. Through cooperation with Gloryren, he hopes to gain deeper understanding of China and its hospitals. He showed strong interest in Chinese dermatologists’ research publications and clinical case reports, and acknowledged the recent development and progress of dermatology in China. Prof. Grabbe demonstrated a positive attitude toward Sino-German medical collaboration and looks forward to gradually establishing a long-term, stable partnership through cooperation with Gloryren.
