On the afternoon of November 23, 2024, the presentation ceremony of Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award was held at The Grand Halls in Shanghai. Professor Marc DELPECH, National Coordinator of the China-France Cooperation Project at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, French Vice Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School, Honorary Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Academician of the French National Academy of Medicine, was awarded the prestigious Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award. Kong Fu'an, Director of Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office, presented the medal and certificate to Professor DELPECH.

At the award ceremony, Professor Marc DELPECH, the sole representative of award winner speaker, gave a heartfelt speech. He said, "I am honored to receive one of the highest honors bestowed by Shanghai Municipal Government on a foreigner. This recognition also acknowledges the work I have done with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Since my first visit to Shanghai in 1994, I have come here almost every year, four times annually, for teaching. I have witnessed the tremendous changes in this city. The efforts of Shanghai Municipal Government and its citizens in city development have not only improved the quality of life but also attracted people from around the world for exchange, creating an enriching and interesting cultural fusion that benefits the globe and makes Shanghai a globally renowned city. Over the past 30 years, I have dedicated myself to promoting Sino-French medical exchange and cooperation, and particularly contributed to the continuity and solid foundation of the China-France medical education programs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. This award is not only a recognition of my personal efforts but also an affirmation of Sino-French friendship and cooperation. I will continue to work hard to live up to this honor and contribute even more to advancing Sino-French medical exchanges and cooperation."

Professor Marc DELPECH is a globally recognized expert in biochemistry and molecular genetics. He previously served as Director of the Graduate School at the University of Paris V (now Paris Descartes University), the Director of the "Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics" Laboratory at Cochin Hospital in Paris, and Chair of the Department of "Genetic Progress and Molecular Pathology." He was elected as a member of the French National Academy of Medicine in 2009 and held positions at the European Commission's Gene Working Group, the French Academy of Medicine, and other institutions.

Since 1994, Professor DELPECH has been involved in teaching at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (formerly Shanghai Second Medical University). He has visited Shanghai at least four times a year to give lectures, seminars, and participate in project reviews. Since 2007, he has been appointed by French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as National Coordinator for the Sino-French Cooperation Project at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. He was also appointed as an Advisory Professor at SJTUSM and became an Honorary Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2015. Since 2018, he has served as the French Vice Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Over the past 30 years, Professor DELPECH has actively engaged with the French Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, major medical universities, public hospital groups, and research institutions to assist the development and promotion of Sino-French cooperative educational projects, the Sino-French Master's degree joint training program, medical internship training in France, exchanges of students, faculty, and medical staff, and the establishment of joint laboratories. His efforts have made an indelible contribution to Sino-French medical education cooperation, benefiting both Shanghai and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Thanks to Professor DELPECH's work, over 500 French medical experts have taught in Shanghai, more than 800 medical students have studied in France, and over 300 French medical students have come to Shanghai for internships and further training. The French-speaking medical talent cultivated by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has become a leading force in Shanghai and the global medical field. These talents play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of Shanghai's citizens while also enhancing the city's international presence.

Magnolia Silver Award is the highest honor presented by the Shanghai Municipal Government to foreign nationals. It was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding foreign friends who have made significant contributions to the economic and social development of Shanghai. Since its inception, the award has been granted to 1,877 foreign nationals. Within the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine system, 13 individuals have received Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award, and one has received Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award.