The first national conference of the mitochondrial biology branch of the BSC is held online from Dec 3 to 5. [Photo provided to bsc.org.cn]

Hosted by the mitochondrial biology branch of the BSC and the Genetics Society of Zhejiang, and organized by the Institute of Genetics at Zhejiang University (ZJU), the conference focused on mitochondria and human health.

Professor Guan Minxin, deputy director of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Zhejiang University and president of the mitochondrial biology branch of the BSC, served as the chairman of the conference.

Shi Yunyu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and professor from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Wang Enduo, a CAS academician from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science at the CAS, Rao Zihe, a CAS academician from Tsinghua University, Liu Shusen, research fellow from the Institute of zoology at the CAS and Cheng Heping, a CAS academician from Peking University were appointed as directors of the academic committee.

Shi Yunyu, a CAS academician, delivers a speech on mitochondrial RNA methylation and mitochondrial gene epigenetic regulation on Dec 3. [Photo provided to bsc.org.cn]

Nearly 30 reports on basic studies and clinical transformation concerning mitochondrial biology were delivered at the conference. Shi gave a speech on mitochondrial RNA methylation and mitochondrial gene epigenetic regulation while Guan explained his innovative research achievements in mitochondrial RNA mutations and diseases. Experts from the University of Pennsylvania, the State University of New York Upstate Medical University and the University at Buffalo also gave lectures. 

Over 30 senior experts from more than 20 key universities and research institutes in China, including the CAS, Tsinghua University, Peking University, ZJU, Fudan University, USTC and Nankai University, also made presentations. Four scholars were selected as young scientist reporters and granted the excellent youth report award by the organizing committee of the conference. 

At the closing ceremony on Dec 5, Guan thanked the scientists for their insightful reports and staff members for their support and efforts. He reviewed the history of the Chinese Society of Mitochondrial Biology since 2006 and expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to the society’s inauguration and development. 

The conference strengthened academic exchanges and cooperation among researchers in mitochondrial biology, promoted the multidisciplinary development of genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and structural biology, and improved China's international influence in life sciences and medical research concerning mitochondrial biology.