From October 18th to 21st, the 2024 Forum on the Construction and Development of Basic Medical Disciplines and the International Conference on Immune Metabolism and Disease was held at Xuzhou Medical University. The conference was hosted by the Jiangsu Society of Immunology, the Jiangsu Society of Physiological Sciences, and Xuzhou Medical University, and was organized by the School of Basic Medical Science and the School of International Education at Xuzhou Medical University. Professor Guo Dong, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Xuzhou Medical University, attended the event. The conference attracted more than 300 faculty members and students from both within and outside the university, with over a thousand additional participants joining online.
At the opening ceremony, Vice President Guo Dong delivered a welcome address on behalf of Xuzhou Medical University. Professor Zhu Yibei, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Jiangsu Society of Immunology, and Professor Hu Zhigang, Secretary General of the Jiangsu Society of Physiological Sciences, delivered opening remarks on behalf of their respective societies. The ceremony was chaired by Professor Zheng Kuiyang, Director of the International Cooperation Joint Laboratory of Immunology and Metabolism in Jiangsu Province and Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Society of Immunology.
During the Basic Medical Discipline Construction Forum, distinguished scholars, including Professor Zhang Xueguang from Soochow University, Professor Guo Xiaokui from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Professor An Wei from Capital Medical University, delivered keynote speeches on the cultivation of basic medical talent and the advancement of medical disciplines. They provided a comprehensive overview of the critical role of basic medicine in modern healthcare and discussed the future trajectory of the field in the context of "New Medicine." The speakers emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering innovation and underscored the need for stronger partnerships between universities and research institutions to elevate the discipline to new heights.
The conference also featured 17 internationally renowned experts in the field of immune metabolism and diseases from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China, and other countries. Their presentations covered cutting-edge research topics, including inflammation and aging, the gut microbiota’s impact on cognition, immune metabolism and neurological diseases, and advancements in drug development. Engaging discussions took place among experts and attendees, fostering a dynamic and collaborative academic atmosphere.
A special Youth Forum session was organized as part of the conference, where outstanding young faculty members and selected graduate student representatives presented their research. Awards were presented to the top participants, with 2 first prizes, 4 second prizes, and 8 third prizes. Professor Zhu Xiaocheng, representing the panel of judges, provided insightful commentary on the forum, highlighting that research in immune metabolism and disease not only enhances our understanding of complex physiological mechanisms but also paves the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. He expressed optimism for continued collaboration and future breakthroughs in the field.
At the closing ceremony, Professor Tang Renxian, Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, emphasized that in an era of rapid advancements in medical technology, basic medical sciences serve as both the foundation of medical progress and a key determinant of competitiveness in the field. He expressed hope that this forum would inspire new ideas and collaborations in the study of immune metabolism and disease, ultimately driving significant advancements in basic medical research.
