On September 15, Shanghai announced the recipients of the 2021 Shanghai Magnolia Memorial Award.

As an influential scholar and leading industry figure with broad societal impact, Professor Manfred Dietel has long been dedicated to facilitating government and industry exchange visits and collaboration between China and Germany in the healthcare sector.

Professor Dietel places great emphasis on medical discipline development and talent cultivation. He has organized and funded over 180 medical professionals from colleges and institutions in Shanghai, Hubei, and other regions to receive advanced training in German hospitals and universities. Furthermore, he has facilitated the visits of nearly 100 German enterprises and experts to China for academic exchanges and collaborative projects.

Under his leadership, the German-Chinese Health Organization, established in 2006, has achieved remarkable success in China. The intergovernmental health cooperation project he introduced, the "Sino-German Oriental Virchow Joint Pathology Institute," has made significant contributions to advancing the development of pathology in China. To date, 19 German medical academic institutions and a team of pathologists spanning 15 subspecialties have joined the institute’s telecollaboration network. Supported by AI and genetic testing technologies, this network ensures rapid and precise diagnostics.

Following Professor Dietel’s previous honors, including the Hangzhou "521 Talent" Award, Hangzhou "Global Talent Recruitment Advisor", and "Qiantang Friendship Ambassador", his receipt of the Shanghai Magnolia Memorial Award represents both a recognition and a renewed responsibility. Upon learning of the award, Professor Dietel shared:

"My collaboration with Tongji University spans over two decades. I extend my deepest gratitude to Tongji University and its affiliated Oriental Hospital for their steadfast support of Sino-German healthcare initiatives. I am also profoundly honored by the Shanghai Municipal Government’s acknowledgment of my work. Moving forward, I hope to foster further academic exchanges and contribute even more to the advancement of healthcare in Shanghai and China.

To get a better understanding：

Magnolia Memorial Award is one of Shanghai's series of awards for foreign recognition. It was established by the Shanghai Municipal Government in 1989 to recognize and thank outstanding foreigners for their positive contributions to Shanghai's foreign exchanges and urban development. Up to now, 1,316 foreigners have won this honor.