Editor’s Note: As autumn brings its golden harvest, scientific progress likewise flourishes. The 2025 Chinese Research Hospital Association Conference on Cell Therapy and Biomedical Frontiers, jointly organized by the Cell Research and Therapy Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Xiong’an Institute for Translational Research in Medicine and Engineering of Peking University People’s Hospital, and hosted by the National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases – Peking University Institute of Hematology, was held grandly in Xiong’an from October 31 to November 1, 2025.
Top experts from China and abroad gathered to discuss breakthroughs in immune cell therapy, stem cell applications, and gene editing, as well as emerging opportunities arising from the integration of artificial intelligence and biomedicine.
The conference emphasized both academic depth and translational impact, creating a high-level platform to foster collaboration between research, industry, and clinical practice—promoting innovation and accelerating the clinical application of cutting-edge cellular therapies.
Speech by Professor Huang Xiaojun
In his address, Professor Huang Xiaojun emphasized that cell and gene therapy, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and gene editing represent the core engines of the next medical revolution and the strategic high ground in global scientific and technological competition.
He noted that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council attach great importance to independent innovation in life and health sciences, incorporating it into the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035 blueprint.
Professor Huang stated that this conference upholds the mission of “serving national strategic needs and guiding industrial technological advancement,” with the goal of building a collaborative, open, and shared innovation ecosystem for cell therapy. The event, he said, represents a practical initiative by the Xiong’an Institute for Translational Research in Medicine and Engineering of Peking University People’s Hospital, in partnership with Xiong’an New Area and colleagues across China and around the world, to jointly establish a global innovation hub for cell therapy technology.
He further highlighted that Xiong’an New Area is a project of millennial significance and national importance, and serves as a strategic pivot for the future of China’s biomedical industry. Professor Huang extended a sincere invitation to scientists and innovators worldwide to gather in Xiong’an—to share opportunities, pursue development together, publish their research on Chinese soil, and translate their discoveries into advances that benefit public health.
“Science is the foundation of national strength, and medicine is the pillar of a strong nation,” he concluded. “Let this conference mark a new beginning as we work together to advance cell therapy—from proof of concept to standard of care, and from cutting-edge innovation to accessible healthcare—contributing greater wisdom and strength to the building of a Healthy China and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Speech by Deputy Director Yu Guoyi
Deputy Director Yu Guoyi, speaking on behalf of the Party Working Committee and Administrative Committee of Xiong’an New Area, extended a warm welcome to all experts, scholars, and industry leaders from China and abroad.
He noted that Xiong’an New Area is a national-level development zone personally planned, deployed, and promoted by President Xi Jinping. After more than eight years of construction, the area has achieved remarkable progress in fulfilling its mission to relocate and absorb Beijing’s non-capital functions.
In the life and health sector, Xiong’an is committed to building a global hub for original innovation in modern life sciences and biotechnology. The Institute for Translational Medicine and Engineering, co-established with Peking University People’s Hospital, stands as a model of this commitment. Yu emphasized that cell therapy and biomedical technologies represent the commanding heights of global medical innovation, and that this conference—by focusing on these core areas—brings together the finest scientific minds to drive technological breakthroughs, accelerate clinical translation, and deepen international collaboration.
Yu further highlighted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has assigned Xiong’an New Area a new strategic mission: to advance high-standard, high-quality modernization.
He remarked that hosting this high-level academic conference in Xiong’an is both timely and significant, and expressed hope that participants would seize this opportunity to learn more about and engage with Xiong’an—offering insights and proposals in areas such as scientific innovation, translational research, platform development, and the life sciences industry.
Yu concluded with a strong commitment: “Xiong’an will provide comprehensive support with the best policies, the best services, and the best environment—ensuring that more scientific achievements take root here and benefit the people. Come to Xiong’an, and come to the future!”
Professor Zhao Xiangyu Chairs the Session
Following the opening ceremony, Professor Zhao Xiangyu skillfully chaired the proceedings, guiding the transition into the conference’s core academic agenda.
After the opening ceremony, the conference entered the keynote presentation session. Under the moderation of Professor Ma Jun from the Harbin Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Professor Wu Yuzhang delivered a keynote speech titled “Immunological Big Data: Progress and Challenges.” He conducted an in-depth analysis of the potential for mining and applying large-scale data in immunology research and discussed the main challenges faced in clinical translation, providing new perspectives and methods for immunological studies.
Under the moderation of Professor Huang Xiaojun, Professor Gao Shaorong delivered an excellent presentation titled “Epigenetic Regulation of Cell Fate.” He systematically explained how epigenetic mechanisms determine cell differentiation and fate decisions, shared several recent experimental findings, and revealed new strategies for regulating the functions of stem cells and immune cells.
Under the moderation of Professor Zhang Xiaohui from Peking University People’s Hospital, Professor Lin Xin from the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Tsinghua University presented a report titled “Engineering Conventional T Cells for Clinical Applications.” He provided a detailed overview of modification strategies and safety evaluations for conventional T cells in clinical therapy and analyzed their potential applications in tumor immunotherapy and immune regulation.
Under the moderation of Professor Li Juan from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Professor Zhang Xi from the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University (Xinqiao Hospital) delivered a presentation titled “Clinical Exploration of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Hematologic Diseases.” He presented multiple clinical trial results, analyzed the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) function in immune regulation and tissue repair, and discussed potential strategies for future optimization.
Under the moderation of Professor Peng Jun from Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Professor Shi Jun from the Institute of Hematology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Hospital of Hematology, CAMS) presented the latest progress on “CAR-T Therapy for Hemolytic Anemia.” He focused on interpreting the efficacy and safety of CAR-T therapy in patients with refractory and relapsed hemolytic anemia, while also discussing optimization strategies and future application prospects.
Under the moderation of Professor Mei Heng from Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Professor Norbert Schmitz from the University of Münster delivered a keynote lecture titled “Recent Advances in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of T-Cell Lymphoma.” He provided a systematic overview of the clinical outcomes and complication management of HSCT in patients with T-cell lymphoma, shared the latest research findings, and outlined future development directions, offering valuable insights for clinical practice.
In addition to the main plenary sessions, the conference also featured specialized sub-forums on immune cell therapy, stem cell therapy, and gene editing and cellular therapeutics, covering multiple dimensions including basic research, technological innovation, clinical application, and industrial translation. The sessions showcased the latest scientific achievements and clinical experiences and included interactive discussions, providing participants with a comprehensive and in-depth platform for academic exchange and practical exploration. These discussions fostered collaboration and knowledge integration across disciplines, institutions, and borders.
Conclusion and Outlook
Advancing Cell Therapy to New Heights
Cell therapy and regenerative medicine are developing at an unprecedented pace and have become a driving force in global biomedical innovation.
This two-day high-level academic exchange brought together leading experts and scholars from around the world. Through intellectual exchange, experience sharing, and presentation of cutting-edge research, the conference provided clearer direction for collaborative progress in the field of cell therapy. It also promoted the rapid clinical translation of emerging technologies, ultimately benefiting patients and public health.
By choosing to convene in Xiong’an New Area—a “city of the future, of vitality, and of innovation”—the conference not only demonstrated the academic height and global vision of China’s scientific community but also reflected the deep integration of scientific innovation with industrial implementation.
The event created a broad platform and limitless opportunities for research translation, technological breakthroughs, and the growth of the regional life and health industry, helping propel cell therapy toward a new era of transformative progress.
