On September 30, 2025, the awarding ceremony for the 2025 China Government Friendship Award was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. State Councilor Shen Yiqin presented the awards to the foreign experts and delivered a speech. Prof. Helmut Kettenmann, Chair Professor at the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences and Dean of the BioX International Institute of Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT), was honored with this prestigious award.

The China Government Friendship Award is the highest honor conferred by the Chinese government to foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization, reform, and opening up. Established in 1991 under the authorization of the State Council, the award recognized 50 foreign experts in 2025. Prof. Kettenmann's receipt of the award not only represents national recognition of his academic excellence and contributions to China, but also marks a significant milestone in SUAT's efforts to build a highlevel international faculty. Furthermore, it vividly demonstrates the university's commitment to "connecting globally and advancing scientific collaboration" as it steadily pursues the vision of a fourthgeneration university.