From May 8 to 10, the Fusion Conference, the highest-level academic conference in the global field of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) research, was held in St. Julian’s, Malta. Originating from Fusion Conferences, a premier European academic conference brand, the event is on par with the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC) and brings together the world’s leading professors, founders of disciplines, principal investigators from top international research institutions, R&D executives from multinational pharmaceutical companies, and leading experts in clinical medicine. Li Xiaokun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Wenzhou Medical University (WMU), served as co-chair of the conference, participated extensively in academic discussions, and led efforts to advance multiple international cooperation initiatives.

Photo courtesy of the university

As co-chair of the conference, Academician Li Xiaokun actively promoted global academic exchange and industry collaboration in FGF research. During the conference, the WMU team conducted academic exchanges and in-depth discussions with experts worldwide on cutting-edge topics including FGF and metabolic regulation, research and development of long-acting fusion proteins, wound repair, and disease treatment. Professor Moosa Mohammadi, Professor Huang Zhifeng, and Professor Zhang Jinsan delivered thematic academic presentations on new theories and discoveries concerning growth factors in kidney disease, metabolic diseases, and pulmonary diseases, respectively. Team members including Xiao Jian, Wang Xiaojie, Cong Weitao, Chen Gaozhi, and Wang Zhouguang shared their latest research findings through conference posters and other formats. A number of international scholars held in-depth individual exchanges with the WMU team, leading to multiple cooperation intentions.

Academician Li Xiaokun delivers a keynote report at the development seminar of the International Cell Growth Factor Alliance (IGFA). Photo courtesy of the university

During the conference, the development seminar of the International Cell Growth Factor Alliance (IGFA), convened by Academician Li Xiaokun, was successfully held. More than 20 internationally renowned professors from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Czech Republic attended the seminar. Academician Li noted that FGF research has entered a critical stage in its transition from basic science to clinical translation, making it imperative to establish an open and sustainable international collaboration platform. Experts held in-depth discussions on issues such as equality and openness, scientific integrity, translational collaboration, and sustainable governance, and reached broad consensus. Looking ahead, the alliance will be open to FGF researchers worldwide, break down barriers related to geography, institutions, and seniority, and strongly support the deep participation of young scientists. At the same time, it will uphold academic ethics and research standards, accelerate the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications and industrial development, and establish new mechanisms for research collaboration across national borders.