From November 16 to 17, the International Forum on Brain Health and Alzheimer's Disease, as part of the 2024 World Young Scientist Summit, was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. Over a hundred experts, scholars, and young scientists in the field of brain health gathered to discuss new advances, trends, and achievements in brain health applications and Alzheimer's disease research. The forum aimed to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge ideas, share the latest technologies, analyze future industry trends, accelerate the output of innovative results, and collectively address the global challenge of population aging, in alignment with the "Healthy China" development strategy.
The forum in session. Photo provided by Oujiang Lab
Co-organized by Oujiang Lab and the Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease Research, this forum marked the fifth consecutive edition of the International Forum on Brain Health and Alzheimer's Disease hosted by Oujiang Lab.
"Hosting this forum aims to expand communication channels for experts and scholars in brain health both domestically and internationally, pooling strengths to tackle neurological and psychiatric disorders," said the forum’s initiator, Academician Song Weihong, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Director of Oujiang Lab, and Academic Vice President of Wenzhou Medical University.
The forum featured nearly 40 academic reports across specialized fields, including a dedicated session for young scholars, fostering a vibrant academic atmosphere. It also facilitated multiple industry-academia-research-medicine collaborations and promoted the translation of scientific achievements.
During the forum, Oujiang Lab and Wenzhou Medical University signed an agreement to deepen collaborative efforts. Since its establishment, Oujiang Lab has maintained close cooperation with Wenzhou Medical University. The new agreement will further strengthen collaboration in joint project, accelerating the development of a first-class scientific innovation platform in regenerative medicine, eye, and brain health. Academician Li Xiaokun, President of Wenzhou Medical University and Chief Scientist of Oujiang Lab, stated that both sides will deepen integration in education, research, and talent development, accelerate the industrialization of research outcomes, and contribute to high-quality regional development and new quality productive forces.
Signing ceremony for deepened collaboration between Oujiang Lab and Wenzhou Medical University. Photo provided by Oujiang Lab
Additionally, Oujiang Lab signed agreements with the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University to establish the International Alzheimer's Disease Research and Prevention Center, and with the Second Affiliated Hospital to co-establish the Pediatric Brain Development Medical Research Center. Signing and unveiling ceremonies were held on site.
Oujiang Lab is also actively exploring avenues for translating scientific achievements into practical applications. To promote innovation, the lab is pioneering a "grant-investment combination" reform pilot in Zhejiang Province, using innovative mechanisms to support the industrial transformation of its scientific. On-site, the lab signed "grant-investment combination" agreements for two projects: the "40Hz Glasses for Improving Sleep Disorders" project led by Researcher Chen Jiangfan, which explores treating brain disorders through visual stimulation, and the novel adjustable intraocular lens project led by Researcher Wang Pengyuan.
As a Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory, Oujiang Lab, established in 2021, focuses on regenerative medicine, eye, and brain health. Guided by clinical and industrial needs, it is dedicated to building a scientific innovation hub in the life and health sectors. To support national strategies addressing population aging and empower local development, the lab is establishing an integrated geriatric medical center, the International Alzheimer's Disease Research and Prevention Center, and implementing the "China Healthy Aging Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Research Plan." These initiatives contribute to Wenzhou's efforts in becoming the nation’s first key pilot city for elderly health. (By Xu Jingxuan)
