Organized by BGI College and Dalian University of Technology (DUT), the 2026 DUT-BGI International Winter School commenced on January 18 at the BGI Center, the global headquarters of BGI Group. This week-long academic exchange brings together 25 young scholars and students from 11 countries, including Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Brazil.

Group photo of the 2026 DUT-BGI International Winter School participants.

Participants toured the BGI Center to gain insights into the organization’s history and scientific research capabilities. BGI instructors guided the group through the facility, explaining the infrastructure’s design philosophy, advanced research platforms, and BGI’s "closed-loop" proactive health applications.

Participants visit BGI Center.

In the evening, attendees joined the inaugural session of Shenzhen’s first academic bar, the "BGI SciBar". In this relaxed and engaging setting, researchers presented in-depth interpretations of their latest findings, sparking lively discussions among participants.

Attendees joined the inaugural session of the "BGI SciBar".

This winter school program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application. Over the coming week, these young talents will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming life sciences and biotechnology by engaging in theoretical studies of frontier technologies, gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, and analyze global project case studies. The curriculum, enriched by insights from program alumni, is designed to provide clarity on the trajectory of modern life sciences while demonstrating the practical value of integrating industry resources with academic research.

Leveraging BGI Group’s extensive research infrastructure, the winter school operates under a framework that emphasizes big science research platforms, large-scale scientific projects, public welfare, and education for the future. This structure places participants directly within an active research environment.

The 2026 DUT-BGI International Winter School highlights BGI Group's unwavering commitment to fostering global scientific exchange and nurturing the next generation of life science leaders. It actively contributes to building a global innovation ecosystem, vital for advancing the understanding and application of cutting-edge biotechnology for the benefit of all.