International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation, China

The past academic year marked a significant milestone for RCSI as the first cohort of students began their studies at the International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation (ICPI), a groundbreaking collaboration between RCSI and Soochow University in China.

This new joint college combines the strengths of both universities, merging student-centred education and innovative research to ensure we develop graduates equipped to succeed in the workplace or in postgraduate research. Located on Soochow University’s cutting-edge Future Campus, ICPI offers students the opportunity to earn dual degrees awarded by both RCSI and Soochow University.

The campus is home to a growing academic community, with newly appointed faculty and professional staff from both universities supporting teaching and student engagement on-site. We are delivering three programmes, also offered by the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences in RCSI Dublin: BSc Pharmacy, BSc Advanced Therapeutic Technologies and MSc by Research, all of which commenced in September 2024 at ICPI. Our programmes, which have been designed in collaboration with clinical, research and industry experts, will prepare students to better meet the demands of the changing healthcare landscape.

ICPI was officially launched in April 2025, at an event attended by senior representatives from both RCSI and Soochow University, along with dignitaries from the local and provincial governments of surrounding areas, Suzhou and Jiangsu. The ceremony included speeches from key figures, including the Mayor of Suzhou, RCSI President Professor Deborah McNamara, the Consul General David Murphy and Dr Nicholas O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to China.

The event was a fitting celebration of the foundation of ICPI, underscoring the strong collaboration between the two universities, while also highlighting the promising future ahead for ICPI graduates. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic Sino-Irish Friendship tree planting.