The journal Nature recently published online a white paper on the Proteomic Navigator of the Human Body Project (π-HuB project), initiated by Chinese scientists and co-signed by a team of scientists from 18 countries.
This is the first time that Nature has published a white paper on a large international science project led by Chinese scientists, underscoring China's growing academic influence, organizational role and position in the global life sciences field.
The Chinese scientific community has undergone decades of relentless effort and accumulation, resulting in a growing research team and a significant improvement in both the quality and quantity of research outcomes. In many fields, China has transformed from a follower into a strong competitor, and even at the forefront in certain areas.
The white paper published in Nature, which highlights China's significant contributions to proteomics research, has garnered widespread attention and peer recognition, underscoring the importance of rigorous scientific discipline and the necessity of substantial achievements for a leading position. The paper also demonstrates China's pivotal role in fostering global scientific collaboration towards a community of common health and a shared future.
Taking a central role in large international science projects is crucial, as it not only represents a position of leadership in scientific capability but also signifies substantial decision-making power in related matters. In the "HGP" project, officially launched in 1990 and hailed as the "moon landing project" of life sciences, China actively participated, becoming the only developing country involved in this research initiative, showcasing exceptional research capabilities and completing the tasks ahead of schedule.
However, since the project was not initiated by China and Chinese scientists had limited influence, they were only responsible for 1 percent of the gene sequencing tasks.
During the same period, China made multiple applications to join the International Space Station, which was officially presented as an international collaborative project developed by institutions from 16 countries and regions. However, it was primarily dominated by a few countries, including the US. Unfortunately, the US rejected China's application on the grounds that the technology involved military secrets.
At that time, Chinese scientists faced certain limitations and challenges in international cooperation, often having to rely on the willingness and conditions of other countries to determine the possibilities and depth of collaboration, lacking sufficient initiative. However, the poem goes "Heavy snow presses down on the green pine, yet the green pine stands tall and straight." Facing the constraints imposed by the external environment during this unique historical period, Chinese scientists remained undeterred.
Chinese scientists not only possess scientific capability but also harbor great ambitions. They view the gap between themselves and cutting-edge technology as a driving force to continue their efforts with relentless determination. In just a few decades, China's comprehensive strength has secured the second position in the world, and its research capabilities have significantly improved.
According to the latest data from the Blue Book on China’s Scientific Journal Development 2024, Chinese authors published 728,700 SCI papers in 2023, accounting for about 33 percent of the global total. According to the Nature Index 2024 Science Cities, a supplement to Nature journal, among the top 10 research cities globally, five are in China, with Beijing on top of the ranking; Half of the top 20 science cities are now in China.
The relentless efforts of scientists, combined with the comprehensive strength of the Chinese nation, are unleashing unprecedented academic innovation and influence in the new era.
He Fuchu, chief scientist of the π-HuB project and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), stated, "More than 20 years after the completion of the Human Genome Project, we have witnessed the prosperity and rapid development of the global bio-economy, but its impact on human life, aging, disease and death has not yet met initial expectations. The human body contains 37 trillion cells, and the dynamic changes in proteins are key to determining the life cycle." This reflects both academic insight and scientists’ responsibility.
The π-HuB project, in contrast to the earlier HGP project, deciphers the “heavenly book” of human body from a higher dimension. It explores the dynamic changes in the human body under various physiological and pathological states in a more in-depth, comprehensive, and systematic manner. It aims to thoroughly analyze the intrinsic mechanisms of human development, aging, and the onset of diseases, ultimately presenting a real-time panoramic map of the proteome that reveals the activities of life.
Chinese scientists have consistently adhered to an open and cooperative approach to scientific exploration, actively promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, advancing technology for the common good, and contributing to the well-being of humanity.
Living in the same global village, our destinies are intertwined. By joining hands with international partners, we can tackle global challenges together and promote knowledge sharing and technological progress. We are committed to building a more just, reasonable, inclusive, and public-benefit global governance system for science and technology, working together to create a better future for humanity.
The π-HuB project is a vivid example of this ideal, advocating for a grand alliance and collaboration among top scientific teams worldwide with an open, inclusive, and win-win approach. The project has received support from 114 top scientific teams across more than 20 countries and regions, forming a global collaborative network with multiple countries and institutions contributing and complementing each other.
The path ahead in our scientific endeavors is long and challenging, yet perseverance will yield promising outcomes. China has made a significant stride in international scientific collaboration, marking the first release from a major international project led by Chinese scientists, signaling more advancements to follow.
Source: WeChat official account of the CAST
