April 13, Zhangjiajie, China - The 18th Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-18) commenced on April 12, 2023, in Zhangjiajie. This event marks the 25th anniversary of the preparatory meeting of the China Chapter of the Human Genome Project (HGP) and the 20th anniversary of the completion of the HGP. The conference aims to bring together prominent scientists, medical experts, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest advances and future prospects in genomics. Through in-depth communication and collaboration, the conference endeavors to foster global genomics research that promotes scientific innovation and benefits society.
The opening ceremony of the 18th Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-18).
The opening ceremony featured speeches from distinguished guests, including Yang Huanming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chairman of ICG, and Co-founder of BGI Group, Xia Kun, representative of the joint organizers of the event, Yu Jun, representative of the Zhangjiajie delegation, and Zhu Xiongliang, Director of Cili Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital. The guests welcomed the opening of the conference and held in-depth discussions on the current state and future applications of genomics research.
Yang Huanming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chairman of ICG, Co-founder, Director and Chairman of BGI Group, speaking at the opening ceremony.
China was committed to sequencing, assembly, and analysis of a region of approximately 30 cM (centimorgan, a unit of “genetic unit” measuring the size of a genome) on the tip of the short arm of chromosome 3, which was then estimated to account for about 1% of the entire human genome, thus called the “1% Project”, or the “Chinese [China] Chapter of the Human Genome Sequence”.
Genomics is a rapidly growing and dynamic field that has captured the attention of researchers and society alike. With the emergence of new technologies and research findings, this field is constantly evolving, providing unprecedented opportunities and challenges to improve the quality of human life. The guests addressed the significance and forward-thinking nature of genomics, highlighting its crucial role as a catalyst for innovation. They predicted that genomics would soon become the cornerstone of scientific and technological advancement, as well as industrial development, underscoring its potential to shape the future of various industries.
The four co-founders of BGI Group, Wang Jian, Liu Siqi, Yu Jun, and Yang Huanming (from left to right), united in Zhangjiajie.
The four co-founders of BGI Group, Wang Jian, Yang Huanming, Liu Siqi, and Yu Jun, united in Zhangjiajie, reminiscent of 25 years ago, when they worked together to complete the China Chapter of the Human Genome Project. At the ceremony, they reflected on the preparatory process and successful completion of the project and discussed the history and evolution of genomics. Additionally, they deliberated on how to capitalize on new opportunities and promote the further advancement of genomics.
On the same day, a roundtable discussion was organized with the theme of "Review and Reflection on the 25th Anniversary of the Preparatory Meeting of the China Chapter, HGP". During the discussion, Yang Huanming expressed his gratitude to the attendees and reflected on the preparatory meetings held in Zhangjiajie, highlighting how the Human Genome Project and information technology were like artificial intelligence today, involving a myriad of complex issues that led to intense discussions. He expressed his hope that the meeting would leave a profound impression on everyone in attendance, just like the ones held many years ago.
Other representatives of the participants in the preparatory meeting of the HGP China Chapter also shared their views during the roundtable discussion. Yu Jun commended the remarkable transformations that have taken place in genomics since his initial meeting with Yang Huanming, Wang Jian, and other experts. He also shared his vision for the future of personal genomics.
Wang Jian, Co-founder and Chairman of BGI Group, at the opening ceremony.
Wang Jian expressed his optimism about the future and hoped that further reductions in costs would aid in the treatment of rare and hereditary diseases in China and other parts of the world.
Liu Siqi emphasized the significance of the journey in the past 25 years, from contributing 1% of the Human Genome Project to achieving significant advancements in genomics today. He acknowledged the challenges faced along the way and expressed the need to persevere in furthering research and innovation in the field of genomics.
Lars Bolund, Co-chair of the ICG International Advisory Board, Professor at the Biomedical Research Institute at Aarhus University Denmark, speaking at the opening ceremony.
Lars Bolund, Co-chair of the ICG International Advisory Board, Professor at the Biomedical Research Institute at Aarhus University Denmark, praised BGI's courage in participating in the HGP and becoming a leader in the field of genomic research today through continuous efforts.
At the roundtable meeting, Xia Kun, along with representatives of BGI Group, including Yin Ye, Xu Xun, Zhao Lijian, and Li Bin, also shared their viewpoints on the technological advancements, challenges, and opportunities of genomics.
ICG-18 is taking place from April 12 to 27 both in-person and virtually in multiple cities, including Beijing, many other cities in China, and Singapore, bringing together leading experts from around the world to share the latest developments and discoveries in the field of genomics.
More information about the conference, including registration details and the full program schedule, can be found at https://icg.bio/en/ICG18index/index.aspx. You can also watch the conference live at https://icg.bio/en/webcast/list.aspx.