About 60 promising young scientists from China and Germany gathered in Suzhou, China from April 23-26 for a four-day symposium, engaging in interdisciplinary discussions on critical topics including energy storage technology, synthetic biology, natural disaster prevention and control, and scientific ethics.

The 15th Sino-German Frontier Science Symposium, themed "Advancing Resilience in Science, Health and Technology," was co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Local organization was provided by CAS’ Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology.

Participants engaged in intensive, interdisciplinary discussions (Image by CAS and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)

The symposium was structured around four core thematic sessions: "Natural Disasters: Prediction, Preparation, and Mitigation," "Responsible Innovation in Synthetic Biology," "Batteries & Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future," and "Ethics in Scientific Work: Resilience and Responsibility."

Young scientists from leading universities and research institutions in both nations explored potential collaborations through a variety of formats, including keynote presentations, poster flash talks, and intensive group discussions.

Its overarching goal was to foster robust collaborative networks and address some of the world's most pressing global challenges.

"We expect these young scientists, through their in-depth exchanges, to plant the seeds of new ideas and contribute innovative solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges," said Christian Achrainer, Deputy Head of Strategy and Outreach at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, during the symposium's opening ceremony.

Christian Achrainer emphasized the symposium's role as a platform for cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration. (Image by CAS and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)

Professor ZHOU Lianqun, Deputy Director of SIBET, emphasized the institute’s commitment to medical-engineering integration, and said that SIBET is dedicated to providing an open and pragmatic platform for Sino-German technological cooperation.

Representatives from the CAS International Cooperation Bureau and the Humboldt Foundation also presented overviews of their institutions and available cooperation funding programs.

Young scholars explored potential collaborations. (Image by CAS and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)

Jointly organized by CAS and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation since 2008, the Sino-German Frontier Science Symposium series has engaged nearly 900 young scientists. The successful conclusion of this 15th edition not only further strengthens Sino-German scientific cooperation but also invigorates young scholars from both nations. It fosters interdisciplinary dialogue, drives innovative solutions across critical scientific domains, and enhances collaborative efforts to tackle shared global challenges.

Participants at the Sino-German Frontier Science Symposium (Image by CAS and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)