An academic salon themed “Gut Microbiota and Health” was held at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in Beijing on May 19. Hosted by the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, the event was co-organized by the Intestinal Flora Academic Subgroup of the Biophysical Society of China (BSC) and the Microbiomics Professional Committees of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology and the Chinese Society for Microbiology.

Participants of the academic salon on gut microbiota and health pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

The salon focused on key topics including the composition and host interactions of healthy human gut microbiota, the link between microbial dysbiosis and chronic diseases, the role of gut microbiota in supporting the Healthy China initiative and risk management of probiotics, as well as interactions between traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota. 

Through interdisciplinary discussions and knowledge sharing, the event not only explored new avenues for integrating basic microbiome research with clinical applications, but also contributed to building a standardized research framework aligned with the Healthy China 2030 initiative.

Participants of the salon listen attentively to the presentations. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]

Renowned experts were invited to deliver presentations. Liu Shuangjiang, researcher at the CAS Institute of Microbiology, gave a keynote address titled “Gut Microbiota and Health”, while Zeng Ming, researcher at the Institute for Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, delivered an invited report on “Current Status, Quality Control and R&D of Live Microbial Products”.

Ma Yang, president of the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, delivers a concluding speech. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC] 

In his concluding remarks, Ma Yang, president of the CAS Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists, said that this interdisciplinary salon provided innovative perspectives for advancing gut microbiome research. He extended his gratitude to both internal and external experts for their cutting-edge contributions.

Highlighting the growing importance of studying the connection between gut microbiota and human health within life sciences, Ma expressed hope that the insights from the event will translate into practical applications. He also recommended enhancing public awareness through science communication efforts.