Westlake University is a new type of high-quality research-oriented university based in the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou - a stunning city well-known throughout Asia for its long history, rich culture, fine arts, and beautiful scenery. Our university was founded by prominent globally respected scientists and scholars. We are quickly becoming a leading university for science, engineering, and innovation. At Westlake, we emphasize academic freedom, research excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and international collaboration. We are committed to building a truly international, world-class, research-oriented university.

A 2-week program that brings together the brightest minds from across the world to learn from and share cutting-edge life science research and innovations. Summer school activities include lectures and courses from world-renowned scientists, hands-on laboratory experiments, and a range of fun and exciting cultural exchange activities, all organized by Westlake University School of Life Sciences.

Program Overview

The 'Frontiers of Life Sciences' International Undergraduate Summer School 2026, organized by Westlake University School of Life Sciences is an exciting 2-week program that brings together the brightest minds from across the world to learn from and share cutting-edge life science research and innovations.

The 2026 program will be taught by leading and internationally-renowned professors from top universities and institutions. Students will be selected to attend for their outstanding academic and leadership potential, and we hope that the program will inspire you to become a future pioneer in the field of life sciences.

NOTE: The summer school is tuition-free and open to current junior and senior undergraduate students who are majoring in biology or life sciences related fields.

Program Features

Conduct Laboratory Experiments

During the program, students will have the opportunity to conduct advanced laboratory experiments and interact with our Principal Investigators and researchers in state-of-the-art facilities at Westlake University.

Learn Cutting-edge Techniques

Students will learn cutting-edge research techniques from globally-renowned professors and conduct advanced laboratory experiments. These innovative laboratory experiences will enable participating students the opportunity to complete a mini research project in real time and enhance their overall understanding of important biological research techniques and the instrumentation involved. These activities will also help to foster a better understanding of the research process.

Gain Leadership & Networking Skills

Students will gain leadership and networking skills with peers in their field, as well as have the opportunity to interact directly with leading scientists in life sciences through lectures and discussion forums.

Experience Westlake and Hangzhou

Experience Chinese culture through tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and top regional scenic areas.

Westlake University is the perfect place for the world’s greatest minds to converge, become inspired, and conduct cutting-edge, collaborative research. Our Yungu Campus is located in the beautiful city of Hangzhou - a thriving technology hub and center of science and technology innovation, Chinese culture and history.

Join Inspiring People

At Westlake University, you will learn from and be mentored by their world-class faculty. Over 95% of our professors hail from top-notch universities including MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. In addition, all our senior leadership have studied and/or held positions at distinguished institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, UPenn, UIUC, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden). You will work and collaborate with these brilliant scientists and engineers changing their world. You will also be surrounded by enthusiastic fellow students who seek challenges in academics, personal growth, and cultural adventures. At Westlake, you will make lifelong friends and connect with future leaders.

A Community for Future Leaders

Westlake University is an intimate, supportive, and diverse community. Different interests and causes are represented by multiple types of student groups, allowing individuals to explore, create, and lead in their own ways. We hope to facilitate an engaging, exciting, and inspiring student life experience for all.

Westlake University Campus

Our beautiful campus was designed by renowned German firm HENN GmbH and is one of the most sustainable and multi-functional campuses in the world. Our campus boasts 300 state-of-the-art independent laboratories, 13 innovation platforms, and six shared research facilities. Our main campus is in the heart of an expanding university town, between a major technology hub and ancient historical ruins, tea plantations, and Westlake UNESCO world heritage site.

"Go International, Go Abroad"

GO INTERNATIONAL

Westlake university’s goal is to recruit 50% domestic and 50% international students to all undergraduate programs to create a truly international study environment.

Our PhD programs recruit students from top global masters’ programs.

GO ABROAD

In addition to your international experience in China, all undergraduate students are required to spend a semester or full academic year at one of their 19 partner universities abroad. We have established study abroad programs with leading universities in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia including UC Berkeley, Cornell University, University of Edinburgh, UC San Diego, Monash University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and many more.

PhD students are encouraged to study in short-term programs abroad or to present their research at international academic research conferences and forums. There are ample funding opportunities for graduate international experiences.