On September 22, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL) Institute of Chemical Biology held a meeting to join discussions from Institute leaders, scientists and executive members on the theme of development and planning. The meeting was attended by Wu Yun-Dong and Feng Xiaoming, both of whom serve as member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Senior PI of the Institute; and Yang Zhen, Head and Senior PI of the Institute. Dr. Cheng Peng and Dr. Zhong Guocai, both PI of the Institute, chaired the meeting.


Chen Peng first made a introduction to review the development of the Institute, which was followed by segmented presentations from research labs of the Institute.

The meeting fostered communication among members in the Institute of Chemical Biology. Participants shared perspectives and discussed on research agenda and future development. It was highlighted by the meeting that the Institute and its researchers should shoulder greater responsibility to deliver more globally-competitive research, and gradually form distinctive strengths in translational and clinical research, as well as new drug R&D. Young scientists attended the meeting also extended hope for more scientific partnership both internally and externally in the future.

Feng Xiaoming, Yang Zhen and Wu Yun-Dong made their concluding remarks respectively.


Feng Xiaoming encouraged all institute members to work coordinately and collaboratively, and give full play to the trans-disciplinary advantage of chemistry and biology. He also stressed the importance of academic integrity, saying that it is at the very basis of all scientific undertaking and should be the norm for every scientist.    


Yang Zhen said that the trans-disciplinary combination of chemistry and biology poses challenges to scientists; however, opportunities align. He encouraged all institute members to be bold, responsible and mission-driven, and to demonstrate competency in the international arena. It was also hoped that in coming future, the institute could channel new path for cross-region exchange among the world’s famous Bay Areas.

 
Wu Yun-Dong spoke at the end of the meeting. He pointed out the importance of talent acquisition on a continuous basis and stressed on the inter-institute collaboration of basic and translational research. At last, he said that research at the institute should be goal-oriented and mission-driven, in terms of national strategy and grounded on major scientific programs.

The meeting helped the Institute of Chemical Biology to chart a roadmap for future development and built higher morale within its community. Scientists and researchers expressed that they would unite research expertise on a more frequent and interactive basis, and to address shared and challenging tasks through multi-tiered cooperation with more influential results.