Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of the Lancet medical journal, received an honorary doctorate from the Peking Union Medical College on Saturday morning.

Horton said that over the past two decades, he has witnessed deep friendship between the college and the Lancet, observed shared commitment to health and healthcare equity as well as international cooperation between the two organizations.

During a ceremony held in Beijing, Horton pledged to redouble efforts to intensify collaborations between Chinese scientists and the international community and enhance friendship with the Chinese people.

Wang Chen, president of the Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said that Horton established the Lancet's special issue on China in 2009, which has become an important platform to promote mutual communication and understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Horton also helped set up the Lancet — Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Health Conference in 2015, which has spread awareness of Chinese medical workers' research and practices on a global platform.

Wang said that Horton's contributions to the promotion of medical sciences, public health and global health equity have won heartfelt respect and his actions in spreading scientific voice amid the COVID-19 pandemic are unforgettable.