On June 8, Academician Song Weihong, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and Director of Oujiang Lab, met with Alberto Blanco, Cuban Ambassador to China, and Mérida, Cuban Consul General in Shanghai. The two sides held in-depth discussions on scientific and technological innovation cooperation in biomedicine between China and Cuba.
During the talks, Song Weihong highly praised Cuba’s innovative achievements and technological capabilities in the biopharmaceutical field. He introduced the core research directions and strategic positioning of Oujiang Lab, particularly highlighting progress and cutting-edge research strengths in the study of mechanisms and drug development for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. He proposed exploring the possibility of establishing a China-Cuba joint laboratory under the Belt and Road Science, Technology, and Innovation Action Plan, focusing on frontier areas such as regenerative medicine, eye, and brain health. Such a platform would facilitate personnel exchanges, joint research initiatives, and project incubation, serving as a key mechanism for deepening bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
Ambassador Alberto Blanco expressed great appreciation and strong interest in the scientific achievements of Oujiang Lab in the field of life and health. He stated that Cuba is open to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation with China, particularly with high-level research institutions such as Oujiang Lab, and that the establishment of a joint laboratory is an attractive direction worthy of in-depth discussion.
This meeting opened productive pathways for deepening innovative cooperation between China and Cuba in the field of biomedicine. The teams of both sides will maintain close follow-up and explore specific collaboration details, such as promoting researcher exchanges and implementing joint research projects.
