UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES

Global Autism Research Center

Research · Translation · Impact

We integrate scientific discovery, clinical translation, workforce development and international collaboration. Through artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary partnership and community engagement, we develop scalable, evidence-based solutions for autism — implemented nationally and globally, with particular attention to access in low- and middle-income regions.

Our organization Information
ABOUT THE CENTER

About the Center

A global hub for autism research and innovation, built at the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Autism spectrum disorder presents complex challenges spanning health, education, family and society. Despite significant research advances, many scientific discoveries have not been effectively translated into accessible, evidence-based services — particularly in low- and middle-income regions.

The University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, a new research-oriented university, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. The Global Autism Research Center is built on the University's multidisciplinary ecosystem, integrating academic strengths, research platforms, clinical resources and strategic partnerships.

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Academic foundation

Five colleges and faculties — including Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Life Sciences and Health, Social Development, and Clinical Medicine — plus an upcoming undergraduate major in Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation.

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Research platforms

11 provincial and ministerial-level research platforms, including the Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Functional Reconstruction and the Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Multi-modal Brain Analysis of Emotional Problems.

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Clinical and translational resources

Four affiliated hospitals — including Qingdao Central Hospital and Qingdao Hospital — and 17 off-campus practice teaching bases.

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Strategic partnerships

Collaborations with leading institutions including Peking University and Shandong University, and with industry partners including Haier, Hisense and BGI.

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Schools and faculties
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Affiliated hospitals
11
Provincial and ministerial platforms
17
Practice and teaching sites
H
Center Director · Professor Hao Jianping
Professor at the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, leading strategy, the three platforms and external partnerships
MISSION & VISION

Mission and vision

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Our mission

To build a globally recognised center for autism research and innovation — integrating scientific discovery, clinical translation, workforce development and international collaboration to develop scalable, evidence-based solutions implemented nationally and globally, with particular attention to access in low- and middle-income regions.

  • Generate the evidence and technologies that drive the Center's research agenda
  • Translate findings into sustainable clinical, family and community practice
  • Disseminate knowledge through standards, education and international collaboration
  • Train an interdisciplinary workforce with an international outlook
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Our vision

An internationally recognised, interdisciplinary ecosystem for autism research — a hub for international collaboration, standard setting and professional education, with sustainable and replicable family and community service networks.

  • Build research directions that are internationally competitive
  • Publish evidence-based standards and practice guidelines
  • Extend evidence-based services to underserved and rural communities
  • Establish a distinctive, internationally recognised academic identity
VALUES

What we stand for

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Evidence first

High-quality evidence underpins clinical practice, education, rehabilitation and public policy, and supports the systematic uptake of research findings.

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Family-centred

Services are rooted in families and communities, spanning the life course from early intervention and school transition to vocational preparation and independent living.

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Neurodiversity-affirming and participatory

Autistic people and families participate throughout the research process, advancing culturally responsive and inclusive models of research and practice.

ROADMAP

Roadmap

Three phases towards an internationally leading autism research ecosystem

Near term
1–3 years

Platform building

  • Complete the three platforms
  • Build AI-ready multimodal research databases and infrastructure
  • Launch core programmes (national lived-experience survey; brain-computer interface rehabilitation)
  • Establish domestic collaboration networks and talent development mechanisms
Mid term
3–5 years

Research breakthroughs

  • Establish internationally competitive research directions
  • Build international networks and multicentre studies
  • Publish evidence-based standards, practice guidelines and AI applications
  • Strengthen research capacity and international profile
Long term
5–10 years

International leadership

  • An internationally recognised interdisciplinary autism research ecosystem
  • A key hub for collaboration, standard setting and professional education
  • Sustainable, replicable family and community service networks
  • A distinctive academic brand with international influence

Work with us

Research collaboration, clinical translation, training and international exchange — partners are welcome.

Contact us