The 17th K.H. Kuo Summer School of Electron Microscopy and the 2026 International Symposium on Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) took place from August 19 to 25 at Huairou Science City in Beijing. The event attracted over 500 experts and young researchers from prestigious institutions, including Stanford University, Oxford University, the University of California, the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, and Peking University. The symposium focused on the latest developments in Cryo-EM technologies, complex biological structures, in situ structural biology, and the integration of AI with Cryo-EM.

Professor Chen Xuemei, dean of the School of Life Sciences at Peking University, welcomed participants, underscoring Cryo-EM's rapid progress in advancing life sciences research. She highlighted the symposium as a crucial platform for showcasing innovative research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Professor Sui Senfang from Tsinghua University emphasized the importance of talent cultivation and academic exchange, inspired by K.H. Kuo's legacy in the field.

The conference featured over 50 presentations by international experts, highlighting recent advancements and breakthroughs in Cryo-EM applications across various fields such as neuroscience, plant biology, RNA biology, and drug design. To enhance practical skills, a two-day summer school was held before the symposium, offering participants hands-on training that combined expert lectures with practical sessions on Cryo-EM techniques.

Marking its 18th anniversary, the K.H. Kuo Cryo-EM Symposium continues to serve as a vital platform for academic exchange and talent development, fostering the growth of young researchers and advancing Cryo-EM and life sciences research. The event remains committed to promoting innovation and collaboration in the field, offering young scientists opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and expand their academic horizons.