The Karolinska Institutet (KI) and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) hosted their annual joint symposium in Stockholm on October 21-22, 2025. This prestigious event brought together leading experts to bolster high-level research collaboration, focusing on critical global health challenges.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks from KI Vice President Prof. Martin Bergö and CAMS President Prof. Xunming Ji. Their speeches set the stage for an intense exchange of ideas, followed by keynote lectures on the antioxidant effects in tumor progression and advancements in population medicine.
Day One: Population Medicine and Cardio-Cerebrovascular Research
The first day of the symposium delved into Population Medicine, with sessions addressing pivotal topics such as vaccine development, cancer differentiation, and the complexities of multimorbidity. These discussions underscored the importance of innovative approaches in managing and preventing diseases that affect large populations.
In parallel, the Cardio-Cerebrovascular Research sessions highlighted registry-based studies and the critical need for quality control in cardiovascular care. Experts shared insights into cerebral small vessel disease, illustrating the intricate connections between cardiovascular health and neurological conditions.
Day Two: Respiratory Medicine and Future Collaborations
The second day focused on Respiratory Medicine, a field of growing concern due to rising global pollution and lifestyle changes. Sessions covered chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care policies, multi-omics approaches to lung disease, and the latest asthma treatment innovations. Discussions also explored the environmental health impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies to mitigate these effects.
Following the scientific sessions, participants engaged in half-day individual lab visits. These visits facilitated in-depth discussions among counter-speakers, paving the way for potential new research collaborations. This hands-on approach allowed for a deeper understanding and exchange of cutting-edge methodologies.
Commitment to Future Collaboration
The symposium concluded with a strong mutual commitment to reinforce future collaboration. Both institutions emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing global health challenges, recognizing that such partnerships are crucial for advancing medical research and improving public health outcomes worldwide.
This development follows a long history of cooperation between KI and CAMS, reflecting their shared dedication to scientific excellence and innovation. The symposium’s outcomes are expected to influence future research directions, with both institutions poised to tackle pressing health issues collaboratively.
“The collaboration between KI and CAMS is a testament to the power of international partnerships in advancing medical research,” said Prof. Martin Bergö. “Together, we can achieve breakthroughs that would be impossible in isolation.”
As the world faces an array of health challenges, from pandemics to chronic diseases, the insights and commitments from the KI-CAMS Joint Symposium 2025 offer a beacon of hope for the future of global health research.
