Ⅱ. Peking University Student of the Year: Three Awardees from the Health Science Center

The results of the 2024 “Peking University Student of the Year” awards have been announced, and three outstanding students from the Health Science Centerhave been recognized:

·Sun Dong, PhD student, Class of 2020, School of Public Health

·Hongbo Wang , PhD student, Class of 2022, Institute of Medical Technology

·Jia Kerun, PhD student, Class of 2020, School of Clinical Oncology

In addition, the following students from the Health Science Center were nominated for the award:

·Song Yuxuan, PhD student, Class of 2021, Second Clinical Health Science Center

·Wang Qizheng, PhD student, Class of 2022, Third Clinical Health Science Center

With research as their pen and the Healthy China initiative as their canvas, these students are writing a brilliant chapter of youth. Through their words and commitment to public health education, they embody the spirit of social responsibility. From clinical practice to research innovation, they demonstrate the wisdom and strength of Peking University. Let us follow in their footsteps and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Peking University Health Science Center students this year.

Hongbo Wang

PhD Student, Class of 2022, Institute of Medical Technology

In the 2023–2024 academic year, Hongbo Wang ranked first in the comprehensive academic evaluation of his institute. He currently serves as the National Executive Chair of China Youth Daily·China Youth Media, Vice Chair of the Peking University Graduate Student Representative Assembly Standing Committee, Director of the Health Science Center Youth Health Communication Center, and Class Leader of the 2022 PhD cohort at the Institute of Medical Technology.

He has completed internships at institutions such as Flag magazine (Central and State Organs Work Committee), the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, and the Shanxi Provincial Medical Insurance Bureau. He has contributed to the operation of several national-level media platforms, including “Flag Micro Platform,”“School Youth League,”“Create Youth,” and “Youth Observer,” and has published more than 120 signed articles with a total readership exceeding 4.4 million. He also participated in producing the 2023 “World AIDS Day” promotional video for the National CDC, as well as the Youth Tea Lounge series by China Youth Daily.

Rooted in Student Leadership, Committed to Volunteerism

Hongbo Wang is dedicated to the medical profession and always upholds the doctor’s original mission: “Health is at stake, life entrusted.” He has completed more than 440 hours of volunteer service. As President of the Peking University Medical School Youth Volunteers Association, he organized over 100 volunteer events, recruited more than 1,700 volunteers, and facilitated over 7,000 hours of service. As the team leader, he was awarded the 2023 National College Student “Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, Volunteer Actions” Outstanding Volunteer Team Award. He has also organized volunteer activities for underserved groups, including five events for children with hearing impairments and autism, serving more than 200 children.

Committed to Science Communication and Social Responsibility

Hongbo Wang actively engages in science communication and social outreach. He founded the Youth Health Communication Center at the Peking University Medical School, which has launched 38 health-themed lectures on topics such as Healthy China, Dental Health, Everyday Health, and Preventive Care - mobilizing youth to support national public health initiatives. He also serves as a lecturer for the Graduate Student Communist Youth League of Peking University, delivering lectures and health education sessions to over 1,000 people at more than 20 universities and three government agencies.

Knowing and Doing: Comprehensive Development

Wang has gained practical experience through internships and social research, including placements at Flag magazine, the “Create Youth” studio under the Central Youth Development Department, and China Youth Daily. He has published over 120 signed articles with more than 4.4 million total views. He also conducted social research in Yantai, Jinzhong, and Jincheng (Shanxi), producing over 50,000 words in research reports, and received several honors, including Outstanding Intern Leader and Excellent Individual.

Wang is also actively involved in student affairs, serving as Vice Chair of the Graduate Student Representative Assembly, Head of the External Relations Practice Department of the Medical School Graduate Student Union, and Class Leader of the 2022 PhD cohort. He has organized more than 30 student activities, benefiting over 2,000 students.

Active in Research and Cultural Activities

Hongbo Wang has excelled in research competitions, winning the Gold Medal in the 8th China International “Internet+” College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and the Second Prize in the Peking University “Challenge Cup” Special Contribution Award. He has also participated in cultural and commemorative events, such as the “Classic Reading of the 100th Anniversary of the Communist Youth League of China,” the Peking University May Fourth Youth Poetry Gathering, and the 111th Anniversary Gala of Peking University Medical School - using his voice to convey the vitality and spirit of youth.

Yitong Bai

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2021, Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Medical Technology

Main Deeds

Guided by conviction and standing at the forefront of her time - As a member of the Communist Party of China, Yitong Bai exemplifies youthful dedication and responsibility through her actions. She actively participates in work-study programs and was honored with the “Work-Study Star” award at the institute level. As a peer counselor for the incoming Class of 2024, she provides comprehensive support to new students, guiding their transition and growth. She has led and organized multiple ideological and political education initiatives to strengthen Party spirit and awareness. In addition, she serves as Vice President of the Sunshine Love Clinic, an assistant at the Medical Department Career Center, and a representative of her hometown’s Youth United Committee. In these roles, she has initiated volunteer programs and engaged in employment services, contributing to youth development in her local community.

Rooted in curiosity and driven by knowledge - Yitong Bai is diligent and academically outstanding, consistently ranking among the top in professional coursework. Through her involvement in scientific research, she stays aligned with disciplinary frontiers, focusing on the pathogenesis and progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Through dedicated study and experimentation, she has published one high-quality paper in an SCI journal and presented a poster at an international academic conference.

Motivated by passion and committed to student service - Yitong Bai serves as Secretary of her class Youth League Branch, fully utilizing her role to lead and inspire fellow students. Under her leadership, 100% of her classmates joined the League, and the branch has been repeatedly rated as a five-star unit in benchmark assessments. It has also been recognized as an Outstanding Youth League Branch at both Peking University and the Peking University Health Science Center. As a key member of the Youth League General Branch, she has planned and delivered several sessions of the “Mentorship and Support Among Medical Researchers” series, contributing to a robust peer mentorship system.

Dialogue

“During the first experiment I completed on my own, my mentor told me:
With me here, all you need to do is give it your all. What matters more than the result is the growth and insight you gain from every project.”

Yang Wang

Master’s Student, Class of 2022, Medical Imaging Technology, Institute of Medical Technology

Main Deeds

Firm in his ideological alignment with the Communist Youth League, Wang Yang actively participates in League and Party-related activities, and has made significant contributions to the development of the college news website. During his tenure as a teaching assistant and assistant manager, he was recognized as both “Excellent Teaching Assistant” and “Excellent Assistant Manager” by the Medical Department for his responsibility and outstanding performance. He has accumulated over 100 hours of volunteer service. Academically, he has excelled in both coursework and research, ranking first in the college’s comprehensive evaluation for the master’s program.

Focused on cutting-edge research in neurodegenerative diseases, Wang Yang has published two SCI-indexed papers and received the Outstanding Young Paper Award from the China-Germany Translational Medicine Association (CDGTM). He participated in the Peking University Graduate Freshman Navigation Program and was named an Outstanding Student. He also completed the Pacific Rim University Alliance’s Global Climate Change Simulation Course and the “AI+Medical Innovation Research and Frontier Progress” Graduate Summer School, graduating with distinction. Additionally, he won first prize in the Beijing Information Literacy Competition and has been awarded top honors in multiple cultural and creative design contests.

He has also demonstrated excellence in social practice and community service. Wang Yang actively participated in projects such as “Three Going to the Countryside” and the “Li Xing Plan,” conducting field research in Yulin, Dingbian, and other regions. His team completed a high-quality 100,000-word report and was named one of the “Top Ten Teams” in the Peking University Li Xing Plan. Individually, he received honors such as Excellent Team Member, Excellent Volunteer, and High-Quality Development Expert. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he actively joined epidemic prevention volunteer efforts and was awarded the title “Peking University Epidemic Volunteer.”

Dialogue

“At the end of 2024, I said to myself: Life is limitless. The road ahead is vast. We must embrace the infinite possibilities that lie before us.”