“Bio Revolution for a Sustainable Future”

The symposium features three sub-themes:

Astro-ecology: This field, blending astronomy and ecology, aims to study and understand life in the universe and its interactions with the environment. The scope of research includes how life forms on Earth adapt to extraterrestrial environments, potential life forms on other planets or celestial bodies, and their relationships with their respective environments. This includes exploring how life forms might adapt to different planetary conditions, survival mechanisms, and potential evolutionary paths. It also involves probing for potential evidence of extraterrestrial life, such as detecting biomarkers in planetary atmospheres and other possible signs of life.

Biocomputing: A multidisciplinary field that merges biology and computer science, biocomputing aims to design and build novel computing systems based on the characteristics and principles of biological systems. These systems may use biomolecules, cells, or tissues as computational elements or information processors. For example, DNA computers use the base sequences of DNA molecules to store and process information, while biosensors detect specific chemicals or biomolecules using the unique recognition abilities of biomolecules. Biocomputing also includes creating new computer systems that mimic the neural network structures of the brain, utilizing the connections and signal transmissions between neurons for information processing.

Biomanufacturing: Biomanufacturing offers many advantages, including environmentally friendly production processes, high resource efficiency, and strong product customization capabilities. Thus, in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals, biomanufacturing is becoming an essential manufacturing method and may have broader applications in the future. This method utilizes biochemical processes, cell culture, fermentation, and other techniques within biological organisms to produce various substances, including drugs, chemicals, food, and materials. By optimizing the production and quality of these native substances, sustainable production is achieved, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impacts during the production process. For instance, using genetically modified bacteria to produce drugs, employing plant cell cultures to produce proteins, or using yeast fermentation to produce alcohol.

Furthermore, the ICG Youth Symposium places special emphasis on the academic growth and career development of young scientists. This year's conference will feature dedicated career development masterclasses, inviting industry leaders and senior editors to guide and inspire young scholars.

Masterclass in Communication: Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group, will personally discuss the art and science of communication, practical tips for academic presentations, communication strategies in the digital age, and methods for interdisciplinary communication. This will help young scholars highlight their research and ideas in international academic exchanges, enhancing their global perspectives and multicultural communication skills.

Conference Information

Date: August 1-2, 2024 (1st official conference day, 2nd is Masterclasses)

Theme: "Bio Revolution for a Sustainable Future"

Venue: BGI Center International Convention Center, Function Hall No.1, Yantian, Shenzhen

Language: English mainly

Participants: Young teachers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students with a strong interest in life sciences.

Registration Location: BGI Center International Convention Center, First Floor Lobby

Accommodation: BGI Center Guest Room, Hampton By Hilton Shenzhen Dameisha, Kingkey Palace Hotel Shenzhen

Special Guest

(listed in order of appearance, continuously updated)

Conference Schedule

Academic Conference 

Call for Papers

1. Oral Presentation & Poster Selection

Special/Keynote presentations are invited by the Organizing Committee of this conference; oral presentations and poster displays are selected by the Organizing Committee from among applications submitted by young scholars from home and abroad. Experts and scholars who wish to apply for oral presentations and poster displays should fill out the registration form below, submit an English abstract of no more than 400 words, and also provide an English biography for the Organizing Committee's review. The filename for abstract submission should be: Author Name_Oral/Poster_Full Institution Name. Only electronic versions of abstracts in Word document format will be accepted, and authors are responsible for their content. Selected abstracts will have the opportunity to receive registration fee waivers, conference certificates, conference souvenirs, and gifts from the  BGI College. The final list of individuals for oral presentations and poster displays will be determined by the committee after evaluating excellent reports. Please scan the registration QR code and upload the abstract document to the specified link. This symposium will also present awards for excellent oral and poster presentation, excluding special guests, which will be selected by a combination of audience voting and judges' scores.

Poster requirements are vertical format, 60*90 cm. Participants selected through the selection process should bring their posters to the conference display area for hanging. The poster display ends on August 2nd at 18:00. Posters are to be brought by the participants, and after the display, participants should retrieve their posters themselves.

2. Deadline for Submission of Oral and Poster Abstracts

First round deadline: May 5, 2024; selection results will be notified on May 19

Final round deadline: June 2, 2024; selection results will be notified on June 16