The 5th China Proteomics Conference and the 1st Guangdong-Hong Kong Proteomics Academic Exchange Conference was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

The 5th Chinese Proteomics Conference and the 1st Guangdong‑Hong Kong Proteomics Academic Exchange Conference, hosted by the Proteomics Division of the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CSBMB) and co‑organized by Southern Medical University, Jinan University, The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Beijing Proteome Research Center (BPRC), were held successively in Guangzhou at Southern Medical University and in Hong Kong from August 20 to 24, 2007. This was the first proteomics academic conference ever held in South China and marked an important milestone in the development of proteomics in the region.

Over the five‑day conference period, nearly 400 delegates participated in this grand event, including 5 internationally invited plenary speakers, 20 domestic invited plenary speakers, 20 representatives from Hong Kong, and over 340 delegates from mainland China. A total of 25 renowned domestic and international experts delivered plenary lectures, including: Academician He Fuchu, researcher at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Director of the Proteomics Division, and Vice President of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences; Academician Rao Zihe, President of Nankai University; Academician Kong Xiangfu of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Academician Mathias Uhlen of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; Professor Ruedi Aebersold of ETH Zurich; Professor Young‑Ki Paik of the Yonsei University Proteome Research Center; and Professor Maxey Ching Ming Chung of the National University of Singapore. In addition, 30 experts each presented in three parallel sessions covering disease proteomics, functional proteomics, and proteomics supporting technologies. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in multi‑level and multi‑perspective in‑depth discussions centered on the theme “Proteomics and Human Diseases,” addressing the current status and advances in proteomics research and presenting many innovative academic viewpoints. A pre‑conference training workshop on proteomics research techniques was also held, attracting approximately 150 participants, who gave positive feedback, indicating that the training program achieved its intended objectives.

For the first time, this conference adopted a main‑and‑satellite meeting model, held successively in Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Nearly 200 delegates from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as Singapore, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, participated in the Hong Kong satellite meeting. The conference effectively promoted cooperation and exchange between academic institutions in mainland China and Hong Kong in the field of proteomics research, particularly enhancing communication and collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong. It strengthened the capability and reputation of Chinese researchers in proteomics, provided a favorable opportunity for advancing proteomics research in the Pan‑Pearl River Delta region, and is expected to drive the in‑depth development of proteomics research in this area.

During the conference, under the auspices of Senior Engineer Wang Tongxi, full‑time Deputy Secretary‑General and Director of the Office of the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, a new term of the Proteomics Division was elected, and the first meeting of the second term of the Proteomics Division was convened. The meeting elected the Standing Committee members, Director, Deputy Directors, Secretary‑General, and Deputy Secretary‑General of the second term. Discussions were held on the division’s development plan, draft constitution, organizational management, as well as academic exchange and education and training activities. The timing and venue for the next conference were also deliberated. Participants unanimously agreed that the division should actively engage in international and regional (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) academic exchanges and cooperation in proteomics, organize various academic events and educational training, and promote the development of the proteomics discipline.

This conference received high praise from all participants, deepened mutual understanding among research institutions in the domestic proteomics field, strengthened friendships between domestic and international scholars, and enhanced the visibility and influence of Chinese proteomics in the international biotechnology arena. It has laid a solid foundation for future research and development in this field.

Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology