Annual Symposium for National Key R&D Program "Synthetic Biology" Key Special Project Successfully Convened
On December 21, 2023, the annual summary meeting for the National Key R&D Program "Synthetic Biology" Key Special Project, titled "Rational Design and System Transformation of Microalgal Chassis Cells," was successfully held at the State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University. Attendees included Director Wang Deping of the China National Center for Biotechnology Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology; Director Deng Haiwen of the Social Development Division of the Department of Science and Technology of Hainan Province; members of the Project Advisory Expert Group: Professor Zhang Lixin, Vice President of Henan University; Professor Zhang Yuzhong, Dean of the College of Marine Life Sciences at Ocean University of China; Professor Xiong Tao, Deputy Director of the State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology at Nanchang University; Professor Yang Fang, Vice Minister of Yazhou Bay National Laboratory; and Professor Ma Weimin, Vice Dean of the College of Life Sciences at Shanghai Normal University. Also present were Chief Scientist Professor Wang Qiang of Henan University; topic leaders Jiao Yuannian of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Lu Yandu of Hainan University; Hou Xin of Wuhan University; and over 30 research backbones. Professor Long Wenxing, Vice Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology Development at Hainan University, hosted the opening ceremony.
Director Deng Haiwen stated that Hainan has unique advantages in developing algal biotechnology. He expressed hope that Hainan University could rely on this project to effectively integrate superior forces from both inside and outside the island, further enhancing Hainan Province's scientific and technological strength in the R&D and application of sustainable utilization of marine biological resources. He also wished for the smooth implementation of the project, the realization of the transformation and application of results, and the promotion of the development of the province's marine biological industry.
Address by Director Deng Haiwen
Vice President Zou Yonghua of Hainan University delivered a welcome speech. He introduced the history and current status of Hainan University, especially the progress made in teaching, scientific research, and talent cultivation since 2018. He pointed out that "Marine Science and Technology" is one of the seven key research areas of Hainan University. Through organized scientific research, following the principles of national needs, local usefulness, and school capabilities, the university aims to promote the development of the marine biological industry. Synthetic biology provides opportunities and new growth points for the future development of the marine biological industry. He hoped that taking this symposium as an opportunity, experts would generously give advice and offer suggestions for promoting innovation and green growth in the marine biological industry.
Address by Vice President Zou Yonghua of Hainan University
Vice President Zhang Lixin of Henan University first thanked Hainan University and the Department of Science and Technology of Hainan Province for their support of the project team and for organizing and coordinating this meeting. He introduced the long history and current status of Henan University. Afterwards, President Zhang introduced the background of this project and the composition of the advisory expert group. He hoped that the project team would work together efficiently to achieve satisfactory results.
Address by Vice President Zhang Lixin of Henan University
Under the chairmanship of Director Wang Deping, Chief Scientist Professor Wang Qiang introduced the overall progress and highlight achievements of the project. Topic leaders Jiao Yuannian, Lu Yandu, and Hou Xin reported on the significant progress made in their respective topics. Finally, the expert group commented on the project execution and management model, giving high recognition to the project's progress.
Report by Chief Scientist Wang Qiang on behalf of the project team
Report by Professor Lu Yandu on behalf of Topic 2
Professor Lu Yandu hosted the second part of the meeting. Sub-topic leaders Zou Meijuan and Wang Meimei from the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Wan Yinglang, Tang Chaorong, and Wang Shouchuang from Hainan University; Yang Yantao and Shen Xihui from Northwest A&F University; Liu Luning from Ocean University of China; and Shi Chaoyang from Henan University presented reports. Other participants included Director Zhao Meihui of the Institute of Science and Technology Development at Hainan University, Associate Professor Xin Yi, Professor Liu Pinghuai, Associate Professor Huang Ruiping, Professor Guo Jinggong (Vice Dean of Sanya Institute of Henan University), Professor Chen Hui, and Professor Gan Fei from Wuhan University, among others.