A symposium -- on how science and technology can help revitalize the novel coronavirus virus-hit province of Hubei in central China -- was held in the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, in the province's capital city of Wuhan on Aug 25, according to local officials.

The event was presided over by Huai Jinpeng, executive vice-president of the China Association for Science and Technology, or CAST.

It was attended by provincial and municipal government officials, winners of the second national innovation leading award, entrepreneurs, as well as a group of experts that have been appointed to provide technology services to Xianning city in Hubei.

Officials said the experts group -- called the Xianning sci-tech service expert group of Innovation China -- will play a key role in revitalizing Hubei with science and technology.

Its members come from the Biophysical Society of China (BSC), the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association (CPA) and other two leading bodies.

Guo Jianjun, president of Sports Medicine Academic Subgroup of BSC, gave a briefing on the group's ongoing work and achievements in the battle against COVID-19, the history of China's sports research and the integrated development of sports and medicine.

Guo noted that the group will work with the Xianning municipal government to establish a research institute for the health industry.

It will drive forward its integration with the overall economy and technology and guide the training of sports and medicine staff members, build a big data base, help grassroots communities improve the public health service and drive forwards the growth of the local economy and employment.

After the symposium, the experts visited various companies in Xianning, studied their problems and provided solutions, to support Hubei's overall economic revival.

At the symposium, plans were outlined for Wuhan, a pilot city for Innovation China – an organization built by CAST to serve as a technology service and trading platform – to boost overall confidence in innovation, among other things.

Plans were also outlined for Innovation China to become a springboard for innovation and for it to bolster the deep integration of technology, talent, enterprise and finance.

Officials said Innovation China would also rally the spirit of scientists in the battle against COVID-19 and contribute to the development of modern industrial system and the innovative development of society and the economy.