Exploring China’s RNA Science, Biotech, and Culture

As a highlight event for RNAmed, 22 PhD students went on an exciting trip to China, combining cutting-edge RNA research, industry insights, cultural exchange, and unique opportunities for international networking.

Participation in the RISE-BEACON Symposium in Shanghai

The itinerary opened with the RISE-BEACON Symposium on RNA Biology and Therapeutics, held in Shanghai from September 21^st to 23^rd, 2026. Organized by the State Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering (RISE) and the Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology (BEACON), the meeting brought together leading scientists from around the world to discuss the latest advances in RNA research.

At the invitation of Prof. Ling-Ling Chen, director of RISE, the RNAmed group actively participated in the symposium, which covered a broad range of topics, including RNA regulation, biogenesis, function, disease, and therapeutic applications. RNAmed PhD students presented several talks and posters, while Prof. Jörg Vogel gave a keynote lecture and Prof. Gunter Meister a research talk.

Beyond the symposium sessions, RNAmed participants enjoyed a guided laboratory tour through the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, which was hosted by members of Prof. Ling-Ling Chen’s group.

During a boat cruise dinner through Shanghai, all symposium participants enjoyed an evening of networking accompanied by spectacular views of the illuminated Shanghai skyline.

Insights into China's Innovation Hub in Suzhou

To gain insight into China's rapidly growing biotechnology sector, RNAmed visited the Crystal Campus as well as the broader BioBay in Suzhou, an innovation hub established by the Suzhou Industrial Park to foster the development of biopharmaceutical industry. During the day, students toured the facilities of Crystal NAX (Nucleic Acid Excellence) and learned about industrial applications of RNA technologies.

The program included presentations by:

• Dr. Michael Zhang, Head of R&D at Crystal NAX, who introduced the company’s expertise in nucleic acid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) synthesis and analytics.
• Dr. Peizhuo Zhang, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Scientist of GenePharma, who discussed the development and clinical potential of siRNA-based therapeutics.
• Prof. Lei Fu, Deputy Dean of the Academy of Life and Natural Sciences at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, who presented educational opportunities within the university’s pharmacy program.

An engaging panel discussion featuring Dr. Alex M. Chen (CEO of Crystal Pharmatech), Dr. Michael Zhang, and Dr. Peizhuo Zhang provided valuable perspectives on the interface between academia and industry, connections between China and Europe, biotech career opportunities, and personal experiences working internationally.

With the Highspeed Train from Shanghai to Beijing

To bridge the 1,300 km between Shanghai and Beijing, the group experienced China's remarkable high-speed rail technology firsthand, traveling at speeds of up to 350 km/h on the fastest track sections—covering the entire distance in less than 4.5 hours.

Visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology

On September 24^th, 2026, the RNAmed delegation was warmly welcomed in Beijing by the laboratory of Prof. Caixia Gao, one of the world's leading researchers in genome editing for crop improvement. Prof. Gao, her postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students gave very interesting presentations on their pioneering work in CRISPR-Cas systems, base editing technologies, engineering of disease resistance, and the development of the platform GRAPE (Geminivirus Replicon-Assisted in planta Directed Evolution). The visit provided valuable insights into both fundamental and translational research at the forefront of plant biotechnology.

Discussion and Exchange at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

In Beijing, RNAmed also visited the China office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a foundation dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation between Germany and other countries. The foundation supports academic exchange, research collaborations, student scholarship programs, and expert discussions on topics including security, economic development, sustainability, and historical perspectives. The visit included an engaging Q&A session about China with Johann C. Fuhrmann, Head of the KAS Office in Beijing.

Experiencing Traditional Chinese Medicine

A unique cultural and educational component of the trip was the visit to the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM). Guided by students of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and faculty members, RNAmed students explored principles and practices.

Interactive demonstrations introduced a variety of traditional treatments and diagnostic approaches, including herbal medicine, pulse diagnosis, moxibustion, acupuncture, ear seed therapy, therapeutic massage, and music-based therapies.

Prof. Liping Wang provided an overview of the core concepts of TCM and explained how it differs from, yet complements, modern Western Medicine in diagnosis, treatment strategies, and perspectives on health and disease.

The opportunity to experience several of these treatments firsthand offered a fascinating perspective on a medical tradition that continues to play an important role in Chinese healthcare.

The Forbidden City as Trip's Grand Finale

A guided tour through Beijing’s iconic Forbidden City concluded the trip, offering deep insight into China's cultural heritage. A farewell dinner featuring the famous Peking duck provided the perfect occasion to reflect on an unforgettable week of scientific exchange, international collaboration, and cultural discovery.

The trip provided an exceptional opportunity to connect with leading scientists, explore diverse career pathways, and strengthen international collaborations, making it a memorable and fitting conclusion to the first RNAmed funding period.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks go to the student organization team (Xiao, Giorgia, Sinem, Victoria, Lotte, Arpan) and the teams at RISE, the Chen Lab, the Crystal Pharmatech Campus, the Gao Lab, the BUCM, and the KAS for their hospitality, insightful presentations, and inspiring discussions.

We are especially grateful to Prof. Ling-Ling Chen for initiating the idea for the trip to China by inviting RNAmed to Shanghai, and for her generous support throughout the visit.

- From Elena Adlmanninger and Maria Schmoll (both PhD students in the Junior Group from Dr. Nina Ripin)