The Institute of Orthopedics at Soochow University (IOSU) was founded in 2008 and is currently the largest independent research institute of orthopedics in Jiangsu Province. The current IOSU director is Professor Huilin Yang. The IOSU was based on the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, which was recognized as the National Key Discipline of Orthopedics by the Ministry of Education and the National Key Clinical Specialty by the Ministry of Health. The Department and the IOSU have also become the Jiangsu Orthopedic Medical Center and Jiangsu Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics.
By promoting collaboration and innovation in basic and clinical studies as well as encouraging the research and development of orthopedics, the IOSU aims to develop a clinically oriented research institute that integrates the research efforts of the Medical College, Affiliated Hospitals, and other Schools/Institutes of Soochow University. The IOSU has engaged in researches in a large number of fields, including skeletal development, tissue engineering, stem cell research, biomechanics, and biomaterials, with a specialty focus on spine and joint surgery. The IOSU also carries out independent research on orthopedic medical devices and implantable biomaterials.
The IOSU has been developing long-term relationships and outreach programs with partners all over the world. The partners include renowned universities and medical research institutes from the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries/regions. The connection and relationships with these partners have provided reliable and effective ways to stimulate collaboration and exchange programs, and foster the translation of research outcomes to clinical applications.