From October 31 to November 1, academic seminars on the Innovative R&D and Quality Control of Bacterial Vaccines, jointly sponsored by the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and CanSino Biologics Inc., were held in Tianjin. Held both online and offline, more than 30 experts and scholars from Tsinghua University, Nankai University and CanSino Biologics Inc were invited to participate. The seminars consisted of three parts: an opening ceremony, theme reports, and a presentation and discussion.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Zhu Tao, chief science officer of CanSino Biologics Inc. He introduced the background of the seminars, explained the social responsibility of CanSino Biologics Inc. in engaging in innovative vaccine R&D and serving for the betterment of people's life and health, and extended a warm welcome to all guests, experts and scholars. Professor Chen Quan, director of the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and dean of the College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, and Dr. Yu Xuefeng, chairman and CEO of CanSino Biologics Inc., both delivered speeches. Chen Quan said that CanSino Biologics Inc. was one of the joint units of the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and an active participant in the reorganization of the State Key Laboratory in the biomedical field. The seminars aimed to strengthen scientific research exchanges between the reorganization units and deepen research collaboration between industry and academia. He encouraged the lab PIs to not only focus on basic research, but also on the transformation and application of scientific research results to strengthen communication with enterprises. He expected in-depth discussions with experts to further promote the innovative development and cooperation in relevant research areas. Yu Xuefeng said that it was the first seminar to be held since the establishment of the CanSino Academic Exchange Center. CanSino was committed to the R&D of innovative vaccines. This time, relevant authorities and representatives from various colleges, universities and industry were invited to the seminar. He hoped that everyone would engage in a full exchange and discussion, contributing their wisdom and strength to R&D efforts in the national vaccine and national health cause.

The theme report session was hosted by Professor Shi Linqi, deputy director of State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Liu Yijin, a PI in the State Key Laboratory. On the morning of December 31, Xu Qingfu, a senior scientist of CanSino Biological R&D Center and a senior project director, Zhang Jingren, professor of School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, and Bai Fang, researcher of College of Life Sciences, Nankai University delivered reports on their research achievements. In the afternoon, reports were delivered by Chen Yao, researcher of State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology; Huang Haitao, director of CanSino Clinical Operation Center; Gong Hognri, researcher of College of Life Sciences, Nankai University; Shi Jianming, person in charge of Vaccine Product Development Dept., CanSino R&D Center; and Lou Hantao, associate professor of College of Life Sciences, Nankai University. After the report, experts interacted with guests online and offline and discussed the professional scientific issues. Meanwhile, they also exchanged ideas on the current state of R&D in bacterial vaccines, as well as future research directions, relevant policies, and cooperation opportunities. The atmosphere was very enthusiastic.

Following the theme reports, a presentation and discussion session was held in which experts had in-depth exchanges on the topic of “innovative R&D and quality control of bacterial vaccines”, discussed the cooperative channels and implementation plans for specific projects, and determined future joint seminars and activities.

This seminar provided a good platform for research collaboration between industry and academia across disciplines, for transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and for serving innovative biomedical research and its integration with industry. The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and CanSino Biologics Inc. will continue to organize exchange activities and intensively promote the substantive cooperative progress of the project.