The 2021 Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL) Young Scientists’ Online Forum was held on September 11. The Forum aims at bringing together young researchers and innovators of biomedicine and related fields for scholarly dialogues and cross-disciplinary cooperation on a variety of leading-edge areas.

The Forum was held through a virtual format due to the restrictions caused by the epidemic. However, this did not hinder the worldwide involvement as the Forum received registration from more than 120 participants now based in 15 countries.

SZBL Executive Vice Director Wu Yun-Dong delivered an opening remark to the event. He greeted the participants and pointed out that despite the existing obstacles due to the COVID-19, this Young Scientists’ Online Forum along with the laboratory as well, are still committed to the path of establishing an open and cooperative environment that can best cultivate talents and stimulate great science and innovation. Wu Yun-Dong also made a special reference to the research forces at SZBL, saying that quite a part of these internationally-competitive talents who currently pursuing career at SZBL, were once participants of the same event. He spoke with pride that with over 80 research groups convened here, the laboratory has been gaining momentum and progress. He extended hope that all participants of the Forum enjoy such time for exchange, and develop new ideas and partnerships that are supportive to their goals.

Later on, Dr. Zhang Xinhao introduced SZBL to all the participants, through a presentation covering the history, milestone, organizational structure, research and collaboration of the laboratory.

A keynote report themedIn Vivo Studies of Synaptic Plasticity and Maintenance was delivered by Gan Wenbiao, Head of the SZBL Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. The following agenda, 14 oral presentations included, was structured in four parts, each chaired by Dr. Zhang Bo from the Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Dr. Zheng Min from the Institute of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Liang Zhuobin from the Institute of Molecular Physiology and Dr. Yin Yandong from the Institute of Chemical Biology. Speakers from Harvard University, Stanford University and other famous institutes and pharmaceuticals talked on a variety of topics.

The Forum was informed by active engagement that allows substantial interaction and input, which also leaves the possibility open for future cooperation.

Gao Yiqin, Vice Director of SZBL, concluded the event by giving gratitude to the organizing staff and the attending participants. He wished each participant a successful career ahead and called on all participants to join hands with SZBL in driving the greater development of science.