On the afternoon of November 3rd, the opening ceremony of the 3rd "Huairou Forum" took place at the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel in Huairou, Beijing. The forum, themed "Biomedical Imaging: Future Technologies and Future Talents," focused on exploring future research directions, technological innovations, and strategies for nurturing young scientists. The event was jointly organized by Peking University and the Beijing Association for Science and Technology, with support from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Beijing International Science and Technology Exchange Center, and the National Biomedical Imaging Center and College of Future Technology of Peking University. This forum is part of Peking University's "Global Fellowship" lecture series.

Opening Ceremony

The forum brought together prominent figures, including: Zhang Jin, Peking University Party Committee Member and Vice President and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Xie Xiaoliang, Director of the Changping Laboratory, Lee Shau-kee Professor of Peking University, International Member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lan Xiongjing, Member of the Working Committee of Huairou Science City, Deputy Director of the Huairou Science City Management Committee, and Deputy Mayor of Huairou District, Beijing; Hou Yan, Chairwoman of the China Association of Medical Equipment and former Director of the Planning and Information Department, National Health and Family Planning Commission; Guo Lugang, Vice Chairman of the Beijing Association for Science and Technology; Sun Ruijuan, Executive Vice Director of the Medical Science Department, National Natural Science Foundation of China; Liu Hang, Senior Inspector of the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission; Zhu Bing, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Renowned international experts included Stefan W. Hell, 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate, International Member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), Director of the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, and Member of the German Academy of Sciences; Jan Ellenberg, Professor at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Coordinator of Euro-Bioimaging, and Member of the German Academy of Sciences; Yale E. Goldman, professor at University of Pennsylvania, Member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; Lihong V. Wang, Professor at Caltech and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering; Yuan Junying, Professor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA).

Also present were senior executives from leading companies, including He Mingke, Senior Vice President of Baidu, and Zhang Yuxin, Vice President of Zeiss Greater China, along with around 230 domestic and international scientists and young researchers.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Cheng Heping, Chief Scientist of the Imaging Facility and Director of the National Biomedical Imaging Center.

Cheng Heping chaired the forum's opening ceremony

Zhang Jin, on behalf of Peking University, congratulated the forum's convening. He highlighted that with the deepening of the new round of technological revolutions and industrial transformations, the precision, breadth, depth, and organizational level of technological innovations have been increasing. Major scientific and technological infrastructures are becoming critical for breaking through scientific frontiers and solving major technological issues in economic and social development. He mentioned that the Multimode Trans-scale Biomedical Imaging Facility built jointly by Peking University and other institutions provides vital imaging research tools for studying complex biological science issues and major diseases. By hosting the "Huairou Forum" around this core, they hope to foster in-depth exchanges among experts and scholars, further promoting the integration of imaging technology with basic life sciences, clinical medicine, and especially precision medicine. He stressed the importance of connecting education, innovation, talent, and industry chains to generate significant scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations in biomedical imaging.

Zhang Jin giving his address

Guo Lugang emphasized that the Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST) plays a key role in promoting the development of Beijing's science and technology and the construction of the Beijing International Center for Science and Technology Innovation. The "Huairou Forum," leveraging the leadership and radiating effect of major scientific facilities, has attracted a group of world-class scientific talent and contributed significantly to the paradigm shift in biomedical research. It has become one of BAST's flagship "Innovation Links" initiatives. Guo further expressed that BAST work with Peking University and other universities, along with the National Association of Biomedical Imaging, China (NABIC), to connect global innovation resources, enhance the cultivation, introduction, and incentive of scientific talent, and provide intellectual support and technological empowerment for the economic and social development of Huairou District, as well as for high-level technological independence and the high-quality development of the capital.

Guo Lugang giving his address

Lan Xiongjing noted that the establishment of the NABIC and the hosting of the "Huairou Forum" were practical actions in implementing the innovation-driven development strategy and in deepening university-government cooperation to address "bottleneck" technology challenges. Huairou District is home to over 40 scientific facilities, making it one of the densest regions for major global technological infrastructures and the most comprehensive national strategic technology system. He invited scientists, entrepreneurs, and research teams to come to Huairou to jointly work on key technology challenges and promote the development of the life sciences industry, making greater contributions to building national strategic scientific forces and achieving high-level technological independence.

Lan Xiongjing giving his address

Hou Yan pointed out that, standing at the historical starting point of building a modern socialist country, China’s medical equipment sector faces new opportunities and missions. There is a need to accelerate filling the gap in high-end medical equipment, focus on tackling key core technologies, and achieve autonomous control of high-end medical equipment. She looks forward to leveraging the radiating effect of major national scientific facilities, using original research on significant scientific problems and technological innovation to open new paths for the development of medical equipment technology and clinical applications, creating new momentum, and achieving new advantages to lead breakthroughs. She also stated that the China Association of Medical Equipment will collaborate with various parties, engage in extensive cooperation, promote the activation of innovation, and help continuously achieve original and leading breakthroughs, enabling China’s medical equipment industry to play a more proactive and influential role at the forefront of innovation and development.

Hou Yan giving her address

Sun Ruijuan emphasized that the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) is closely aligned with the "Four Orientations" and adheres to a dual approach of goal-oriented and curiosity-driven exploration. The NSFC is committed to advancing systematic reforms of the scientific funding system, driving shifts in research paradigms, and fostering original innovation. Through strategic allocation of resources in talent, exploratory, and platform projects, the foundation promotes significant breakthroughs in fundamental frontier research and continues to refine its support framework for applied basic research. She highlighted that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the NSFC's Medical Sciences Division will further improve the evaluation system for scientific talent, uphold excellence as a guiding principle, and increase funding for medical science research. These efforts aim to support the growth of medical research talent and accelerate the development of medical sciences. Sun also expressed her hope for the Imaging Facility to fully realize its role as a research support platform and for the "Huairou Forum" to further foster interdisciplinary integration and propel original innovation.

Sun Ruijuan giving her address

In his address, Zhu Bing highlighted the significant research achievements of the Institute of Biophysics in the life and health sciences, as well as its ongoing dedication to advancing biomedical imaging. He expressed the hope that the Imaging Facility would be fully leveraged to achieve further breakthroughs in biomedical research. Zhu emphasized that the forum serves as an academic platform for showcasing cutting-edge developments in biomedical imaging and exploring uncharted scientific territories. It brings together renowned scholars from both domestic and international circles, along with a vibrant group of outstanding young researchers in the field. He also pointed out the evolution of the forum's themes across its three editions, from "Life Health and Biomedical Imaging" to "Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology and Industrial Development," and now to "Biomedical Imaging: Future Technologies and Future Talents." These themes have progressively broadened in scope, ranging from fundamental research to industrial applications and future technologies. Zhu expressed his hope that, through collective effort, the forum would continue to grow in influence and become a signature event in the field.

Zhu Bing giving his address

In the subsequent forum sessions, 5 distinguished experts, including Stefan W. Hell, Xie Xiaoliang, Jan Ellenberg, Wang Lihong V., and Yale E. Goldman, as well as Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, delivered keynote addresses. Additionally, 9 renowned scholars, including Chen Xiaoyuan, tenured chair professor at the National University of Singapore; Jonathan Lederer, Director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering & Technology,School of Medicine, University of Maryland; Wang Jin, professor at State University of New York at Stony Brook; Xu Sheng, Associate Professor at the University of California, San Diego; Li Rong, Director of the Center for Cell Mechanics at the National University of Singapore; Fang Ning, professor at Xiamen University; Wang Yingxiao, professor at the University of Southern California; Peng Hanchuan, Director of the SEU-Allen Joint Center; and Qi Zhi, professor at Peking University, delivered thematic presentations. 16 other leading scientists and young researchers from around the world also gave academic reports. Participating experts engaged in in-depth discussions and academic exchanges on the development of biomedical imaging science and technology, presenting cutting-edge scientific research and the latest breakthroughs.

Professors Chen Liangyi and Chen Zhixing from Peking University chaired two roundtable discussions, where scientists from different disciplines engaged in high-level dialogues, shared insights, exchanged ideas, and fostered brainstorming sessions to promote meaningful collaboration and exchange.

Following the forum, attendees visited the Imaging Facility campus and observed the construction progress. They were briefed on the equipment and facilities in use, experiencing firsthand the promising future of biomedical imaging infrastructure.

Satellite Forum 1: RNA Multidimensional Imaging and Life Health Forum

From November 1 to 3, the RNA Multidimensional Imaging and Life Health Forum was held at the Beijing Kuangou Conference Center. The development of multidimensional RNA imaging technologies has provided unprecedented opportunities to explore the dynamic processes of RNA molecules in life and health. In recent years, Chinese scientists have made remarkable progress in both static and live-cell RNA imaging studies. To create a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange, and to accelerate innovative advancements in the RNA field and rapid progress in the life health sector, the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the College of Future Technology, Peking University, jointly hosted this forum. The event showcased the latest developments and applications of RNA imaging technologies, fostering collaboration among scientists in related fields. Cheng Heping attended and delivered a keynote speech at the forum. Presentations were given by 18 experts, including Shi Yunyu from the School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China. Professor Sun Yujie from the College of Future Technology, Peking University, introduced the construction and progress of the Multimode Trans-Scale Biomedical Imaging Facility to the attending experts. Over 100 researchers from across the country participated in discussions and exchanges, offering insights and forecasts on the future development and needs of multidimensional RNA imaging technologies.

RNA Multidimensional Imaging and Life Health Forum

Satellite Forum 2: International Scientific Advisory Committee for Multimode, Trans-Scale Biomedical Imaging Facility

On November 3, the International Scientific Advisory Committee for the Multimode, Trans-Scale Biomedical Imaging Facility convened. This meeting brought together 11 leading experts from world-renowned universities and research institutions, chaired by Lihong V. Wang. During the meeting, experts listened to presentations by Cheng Heping on the construction and development of the Imaging Facility and by Chen Liangyi on talent development initiatives. They engaged in discussions with the Facility's research team, providing valuable insights and suggestions for the future development of the Imaging Facility and the National Biomedical Imaging Center. With the Facility expected to begin trial operations by the end of the year, this meeting marks a significant milestone in the development of the imaging facility and the science center. It serves as a platform for charting future directions, broadening perspectives, and fostering international academic exchanges and collaborations, laying a solid foundation for strategic planning in their continued growth and innovation.

Meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Committee

Satellite Forum 3: Establishment and First General Assembly of the National Association of Biomedical Imaging, China(Preparatory)

On the morning of November 3, the Establishment and First General Assembly of the National Association of Biomedical Imaging, China (NABIC) was held. Centered around the Imaging Facility as a key driver, NABIC aims to advance scientific innovation, lead industrial development, and focus on the fields of biomedical imaging science and technology. It seeks to tackle core technological challenges, resolve bottlenecks in industry development, and serve the health needs of the population. Following consultations with relevant organizations, NABIC was established with the vision of creating a seamless innovation chain integrating upstream, midstream, and downstream efforts. The initiative prioritizes emerging fields, new pathways, fresh dynamics, and competitive advantages. NABIC has garnered widespread attention and support from various sectors. Approximately 70 institutions participated in the founding assembly, including universities, research institutes, clinical hospitals, and biomedical imaging enterprises. During the meeting, the Draft Constitution of the National Association of Biomedical Imaging, China was approved, and the first governing council was elected.

After the assembly, the first meeting of NABIC's inaugural governing council was convened. During the meeting, the chair and vice-chair units were elected, and participants engaged in enthusiastic discussions regarding the Association's mission and organizational structure. The meeting provided valuable suggestions and insights to guide NABIC’s future development.

General Assembly of NABIC