The University of Macau (UM) today (27 September) held the Second Macau Stem Cell Symposium. The event attracted more than 100 experts and scholars from around the world, including the United States, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. During the event, participants had in-depth discussions on the latest developments in stem cell research. According to Prof Wei Ge, vice rector (research) of UM, stem cell research holds tremendous promise for medical treatment and is one of the key research areas at UM. This symposium is expected to boost the development of stem cell research in Macao.

According to Prof Ge, as a leading comprehensive university in the west of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), UM plays a vital role in the GBA’s development and serves as a centre for technological innovation and talent development. With the participation of Chinese and overseas experts, the symposium is expected to provide a boost to stem cell research in Macao. According to Prof Chuxia Deng, dean of UM’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), in recent years, the FHS has stepped up efforts in research innovation and commercialisation of research results, with a significant increase in the quantity and quality of research publications.  

At the symposium, well-known scholars from around the world shared the latest developments in stem cell research and cutting-edge technologies in the field. Ji Weizhi, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and dean of the Institute of Primate Translational Medicine at Kunming University of Science and Technology, gave a talk titled ‘Dissecting the Global Dynamics of Monkey and Human Embryogenesis and Germ Cell Formation’. Jing Naihe, a researcher from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology of the CAS, gave a talk titled ‘Molecular Architecture of Lineage Specification and Tissue Organisation in Post-implantation Mouse Embryo’. Wang Yong, a professor from Pennsylvania State University, gave a talk titled ‘Biomimetic Niche for Stem Cell Delivery Using Aptamer Functionalized Hydrogel’. FHS Associate Dean (Research) Renhe Xu, Assistant Dean Chen Guokai, and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) Associate Professor Wang Chunming each gave a speech on their research results.

The symposium was organised by the FHS, with assistance from the ICMS and the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines and the Macau University of Science and Technology. The event included 11 themed talks on various topics, including embryonic development and tissue production, translational medicine, mechanistic study of stem cell development and translational application of the discoveries, and biomaterials and applications. FHS Dean Renhe Xu said that the symposium provided a platform for stem cell experts from the GBA and other regions to exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities, adding that the event also provided a valuable learning opportunity for students.