From November 5 to 8, 2024, the Sino-German Symposium on “Peptidergic Modulation of Metabolism, Social Behavior and Mental Health” took place in Shenzhen. Jointly funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), the symposium was co-organized by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Heidelberg University, Germany. The symposium focused on cutting-edge research in the field of peptides from the basic research to medical translation of peptide-based therapeutics.

The symposium brought together 10 German scientists from institutions such as Heidelberg University, Goethe University Frankfurt, the Max Planck Society, the University of Würzburg, the University of Oldenburg, the University of Lübeck, and the University of Regensburg, along with 4 French scientists from University of Lyon, Sorbonne University, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology (INSERM). Additionally, 20 Chinese scientists participated, representing SIAT, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University, CAS, the University of Hong Kong, and the University of Macau, among others.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Jin Bao from SIAT and Prof. Valery Grinevich from Heidelberg University delivered welcome speeches on behalf of the Chinese and German sides, respectively. They extended a warm welcome to the scientists from China, Germany, and France and expressed optimism that the symposium would serve as a bridge for new academic collaborations.

During the symposium, researchers from various countries presented their latest findings on peptide research using animal models and human participants. Discussions covered how peptides function holistically in the human body, regulating everything from metabolism to mental health. The participants also explored clinical applications and drug development strategies based on peptide regulation. The experts reached a consensus on the need for an integrated framework for peptide-based basic and clinical research.

In addition to the invited speakers, over 80 researchers, primarily students and postdoctoral fellows, attended the symposium free of charge. The participants highly praised the event, noting that the small-scale Sino-German symposium provided a unique opportunity to deeply engage discussions on cross-species and interdisciplinary research, inspiring innovative thinking. Key topics discussed during the event included bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice, fostering effective collaboration, and ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental data. The symposium also served as an opportunity for European scholars to know about China's scientific advancements and urban transformation, leaving a positive impression and memory on the foreign attendees.

Participants expressed their eagerness for the continuation of such symposiums. Prof. Jin Bao and Prof. Grinevich recently secured funding for a joint international laboratory at SIAT, with plans to hold a second symposium focusing on peptide medicine in 2026. Meanwhile, SIAT and Heidelberg University are exploring a youth exchange program for young researchers, including students. Interested scholars, particularly those studying the role of neuropeptides such as oxytocin in social behavior, are encouraged to apply.

(Photos from：Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, CAS； Taken by Shuyi Zhou 

Left-up：The group photo of all speaker at the end of the workshop

Right up：The opening lecture from Prof. Valery Grinevich on the operating principles of oxytocin

Left bottom：Prof. Yutian Wang from Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology shared his decades of experience on peptides drug discovery 

Right bottom：Prof. David Slattery from Frankfurt University shared his experience in clinical research on oxytocin

photos：Intensive discussions after each talk

Photos: Friendly chat during breaks

Poster of the workshop