Abstract:
Under the “Healthy China” initiative, the development of a robust public health system is a national priority. Bioinformatics methods and technologies are integral to this system, and the integration of public health and bioinformatics plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and well-being, presenting new demands for university education. This study analyzed undergraduate interdisciplinary training models in public health and bioinformatics across 70 universities in China and the United States. These models include incorporating bioinformatics courses into public health and preventive medicine programs, establishing independent bioinformatics majors or minors within public health schools, and creating new interdisciplinary majors that combine the core knowledge of public health and bioinformatics. This analysis revealed several approaches to enhance interdisciplinary undergraduate training in public health and bioinformatics in China. The study proposes strategies and recommendations for strengthening undergraduate interdisciplinary talent cultivation in public health and bioinformatics in China, including exploring dual-degree programs, developing integrated curricula, offering cutting-edge technology courses, and leveraging the unique strengths and characteristics of different institutions to better integrate bioinformatics into public health education, thereby promoting undergraduate talent cultivation in this interdisciplinary field.