An academic salon themed “Gut Microbiota and Health” was held at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing on May 19. Hosted by the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, the event was co-organized by the Intestinal Flora Academic Subgroup of the Biophysical Society of China (BSC) and the Microbiomics Professional Committees of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology and the Chinese Society for Microbiology.

Participants of the  salon  pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

The salon addressed key topics, including the composition and host interactions of healthy human gut microbiota, the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and chronic diseases, the role of gut microbiota in advancing the Healthy China initiative, risk management of probiotics, and the  interplay between traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota. 

Through interdisciplinary discussions and knowledge exchange, the event not only explored new approaches to bridging basic microbiome research with clinical applications, but also contributed to establishing a standardized research framework aligned with the Healthy China 2030 initiative.

Participants of the salon listen attentively to the presentations. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]

Renowned experts were invited to share their insights. Liu Shuangjiang, a researcher at the CAS Institute of Microbiology, gave a keynote address titled “Gut Microbiota and Health”; while Zeng Ming, a researcher at the Institute for Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, delivered an invited report on “Current Status, Quality Control and R&D of Live Microbial Products”.

Ma Yang, president of the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, delivers a concluding speech. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

In his closing remarks, Ma Yang, president of the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, noted that this interdisciplinary salon provided innovative perspectives for advancing gut microbiome research. He expressed gratitude to both internal and external experts for their cutting-edge contributions.

Highlighting the increasing significance of studying the connection between gut microbiota and human health within the life sciences, Ma hoped the insights gained would translate into practical applications. He also recommended strengthening public awareness through science communication efforts.

Source: Official Website of BSC