As global health challenges become increasingly complex and disease spectrums continue to evolve, translational medicine and precision therapy have been ever critical for modern medical development, offering new solutions for 21st-century healthcare. To further strengthen collaboration in talent exchange between China and France, precision diagnosis and treatment, and research translation, the 3rd Sino-French International Symposium on Translational Medicine and Precision Therapy was held on April 11–12 at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The symposium was co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, French National Academy of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and jointly organized by SJTU-SM, Ruijin Hospital, the Sino-French Joint Medical School, and the Guangci Translational Medicine Research Foundation.
In his opening address, Chen Zhu emphasized that as a new wave of scientific and technological revolution unfolds, the increasing integration of knowledge, disciplines, and technologies is making medicine more comprehensive and complex. He called for China and France to join hands in building a global community of health, underpinned by scientific rigor, co-development of technology, data sharing, and mutual learning. He expressed hope that this symposium and future exchanges would solidify past collaborations and drive the launch of more international multicenter projects, thus unlocking the vast potential of Sino-French cooperation and contributing to global health.
Vice Mayor of Shanghai Chen Yujian, in his opening remarks, noted that with the accelerated integration of global technological innovation, cutting-edge fields such as AI and quantum technology are empowering medical advancement. He highlighted the fruitful outcomes of long-standing Sino-French collaborations in talent training and scientific innovation, especially with Shanghai as a hub of medical excellence in China. He encouraged both sides to embrace the symposium’s theme—"Advancing Medicine for the Greater Good, Illuminating Collaboration through Exchange"—and use this platform to deepen communication, jointly tackle global health challenges, and build a shared future for human health.
Fan Xianqun, speaking on behalf of SJTUSM, traced the history of Sino-French medical collaboration back to the early 20th century, beginning with the medical school of the former Aurora University. After more than a century of development, the school has become a model of Sino-French cooperation in medical education. Notably, the founding of the Sino-French Joint Medical School in 2018 marked a new chapter in this partnership. Fan emphasized the School’s current efforts to implement a “Medicine + X” interdisciplinary development strategy, focusing on innovation, nurturing integrated talent, and accelerating the translation of research outcomes. He expressed hopes that the symposium would foster deep exchange, mutual learning, and joint innovation between Chinese and French counterparts, contributing collective wisdom to a “Healthy China.”
Opening addresses were also delivered by Hu Weiguo, Joan Valadou, and Jean-No?l Fiessinger, who all called for deeper bilateral dialogue, stronger institutional partnerships, and enhanced high-level talent development. They stressed the importance of jointly exploring the frontiers of medical science, creating new visions for the future of healthcare, and leveraging complementary strengths and shared resources to foster continuous innovation and reinforce the long-standing friendship between France and China.
Wang Chen affirmed continued support for Sino-French collaboration, and the opening ceremony was hosted by Shen Baiyong, Executive Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School and Vice President of Ruijin Hospital.
Three major ceremonies were held during the opening session:
1. Appointment Ceremony for the new French Vice Dean of the Sino-French Joint Medical School: Prof.Frédéric Batteux was appointed Vice Dean; Prof.Marc Delpech was named Honorary Dean.
2. 2025 French National Academy of Medicine Scholarship Ceremony: Scholarships were awarded to two outstanding SJTUSM students pursuing master’s degrees in France, supporting high-quality talent exchange.
3. Inaugural "Mérieux–Guangci" Sino-French Medical Cooperation Award Ceremony: Symbolizing the blend of Lyon’s scientific spirit and Shanghai Guangci’s medical compassion, this award represents the deepening partnership and paves the way for more outstanding talent and innovative projects in Sino-French medical education and research.
The academic sessions began with keynote speeches by two esteemed academicians:
· Chen Zhu presented China’s experience in evidence-based prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases, receiving wide acclaim.
· Wang Chen followed with a talk on"Grand Health: Its Scope and Definition", offering a strategic perspective on national healthcare development.
Specialist sessions then focused on:
· Endocrinology: Achieving consensus on precision therapy for metabolic diseases.
· Hematologic Oncology: Sharing breakthroughs and applications of AI in cancer research.
· Surgery: Discussing new paradigms in surgical practice and translational research.
· Xenotransplantation: Exploring novel treatment opportunities and challenges.
· AI and Diagnostics: Highlighting the role of AI in pathology and population health.
The 3rd Sino-French International Symposium on Translational Medicine and Precision Therapy concluded successfully in a vibrant and productive academic atmosphere. The event deepened mutual learning in medical science and innovation and provided a roadmap for future collaboration. The broad consensus and cooperative intentions reached during the symposium will significantly enhance practical cooperation between China and France in medical education, research, and clinical practice. Let us look forward to even greater achievements in Sino-French medical collaboration, and to its continued contribution to the advancement of global healthcare.
