In November 2006, Rémi Quirion, PhD, FRSC, CQ, Scientific Director of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, attended the 140th anniversary ceremony of the Sun Yat-sen University, one of the top universities in China. He was invited by the President of the University, Dr. Daren Huang, and the administrative Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Min Huang, as an Honourable Guest - the highest rank of honour for foreign researchers.

Upon his arrival in Guangzhou and on the eve of the ceremony, Dr. Quirion was welcomed at a banquet by Dr. Daren Huang, Dr. Guang-mei Yan, Vice-President, Jianping Wang, and other leaders of the university.

As Honourable Guest of Sun Yat-sen University and the first Canadian to receive this honour, Dr. Quirion was seated in the first row, on a raised platform along with leaders from the Chinese government, Guangdong Province, Minister of Health and the University, during the whole ceremony. The ceremony was followed by a banquet with leaders of the University and other elite guests.

During his visit, Dr. Quirion also had the opportunity to visit various campuses of the university, including the museum of Sun Yat-sen (the founder of new China and the university).

On the final day of his stay, Dr. Quirion gave a scientific presentation at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, chaired by Dr. Min Huang, Vice President. In honour of his visit at Sun Yat-sen University, he was presented with a Visiting Professorship by Dr. Guang-mei Yan.