Dr. Shenglan Tang (left) and Dr. Yunguo Liu (right) have been appointed as co-directors of Duke Kunshan University’s global health department. 

They will work together to provide leadership, governance and strategic planning, to oversee the recruitment and management of world-class faculty and staff, and to expand academic and research activities in the university’s Global Health Research Center. Together, they are expected to make DKU one of the leading universities worldwide in global health. 

“Congratulations to both Dr. Shenglan Tang and Dr. Yunguo Liu. We are looking forward to an exciting pathway for the future growth of global health at Duke Kunshan,” said DKU Chancellor Youmei Feng. 

“It is an important initiative for the university to further grow global health by appointing two co-directors. Both Dr. Tang and Dr. Liu are well qualified for this position given their extensive experience in research, education and management,” she added. 

Tang is the founding director of DKU’s Global Health Research Center and Mary and James Semans Professor of Medicine and Global Health at Duke University. He also worked for with World Health Organization (WHO) for six years prior to joining DKU, as well as at Fudan University and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, as a faculty member. 

Liu worked for the Chinese Ministry of Health for twenty years, from 1988, where he held senior positions focused on national health policy, planning and programme management, particularly of international health development projects. He joined the WHO in 2008 as the representative for Laos, Cambodia and South Pacific countries, retiring in 2020 as director of the division of programme management and deputy director for the WHO’s Western Pacific regional office. While at the WHO he led the organization in supporting countries to deliver advanced universal healthcare, combat disease and build preparedness for public health emergencies. 

Tang and Liu will oversee the developments and operations for both the Master of Science Program in Global Health and the Global Health Research Center, reporting to Dean of Graduate Studies and Associated Dean of Research Dr. Xin Li. 

“The combined experience of Dr. Tang and Dr. Liu is a great asset to the university. I’m certain they will make a distinct mark on our expanding global healthcare program,” said Scott MacEachern, vice-chancellor for academic affairs. 

About DKU’s global health research center 

Established in 2013 by Duke Kunshan University and the Duke Global Health Institute, the center uses innovative approaches to research and solve important health and health policy challenges in China and around the world. It focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and plays host to national and international conferences that encourage dialogue among scientists, professionals, policymakers and other key stakeholders engaged in global health. The center’s faculty and research activities complement the global health education programs offered at the university, including the Master of Science in Global Health and the Global Health undergraduate degree course. 

About DKU’s Master of Science in Global Health 

The Master of Science in Global Health at Duke Kunshan University is modeled after the highly successful master’s program at Duke University — one of the first programs of its kind in the United States. Duke Kunshan program graduates also receive a Master of Science degree from Duke University in Durham, NC USA. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, a research experience, mentorship from expert faculty, and a China-based education with opportunities to study in Kunshan, China, Durham, USA, and a third fieldwork research site. Its aim is to train the next generation of global health researchers, practitioners, and leaders, who are able to make an impact in the reduction of health disparities globally and locally, through a high-quality educational program and participation in research.

（By DKU staff)