Hong Kong International Symposium on Synthetic Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Research Concludes Successfully: Focusing on Frontiers of Synthetic Chemistry to Support GBA Innovation and Technology Development

2026-03-19

Group Photo

From 14 March to 15 March, the Hong Kong International Symposium on Synthetic Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Research, organised by The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA) and co-organised by the State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong, was successfully held at the Wang Gungwu Lecture Hall, The University of Hong Kong. 

At this pivotal moment when the national 15th Five-Year Plan is set to commence and Hong Kong is positioning itself as an international innovation and technology centre, synthetic chemistry, as a key cornerstone of national development, is playing an increasingly prominent and irreplaceable role in numerous fields such as innovative drugs and advanced materials. This symposium brought together leading scholars in synthetic chemistry from around the world to engage in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. It explored the future development trajectory of synthetic chemistry in the new era, while providing a platform for students and early-career researchers to broaden their scientific horizons and foster academic exchanges. 

Officiating Guests and Speakers

The symposium was chaired by Professor Chi-Ming Che, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhou Guangzhao Professor of Natural Science in the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong. Distinguished scholars in synthetic chemistry from around the world were invited as keynote and invited speakers, including Professor Daniele Leonori, Chair of Organic Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University; Professor Hung-Wen Li, Chair and Distinguished Professor of the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan University; Professor Ding Ma, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University; Professor Wanbin Zhang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and K. C. Wong Chair Professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and Professor Jian Pei, Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. They presented a panoramic view of research progress in synthetic chemistry and its interdisciplinary fields, covering areas such as organic synthesis, chemical biology, materials chemistry, energy chemistry, fostering intellectual exchange and collaborative exploration between academia and industry.

Professor Xiang Zhang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

President of The University of Hong Kong

Professor Xiang Zhang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of The University of Hong Kong, stated in his welcome remarks that upstream, basic research is the source of scientific breakthroughs and innovation, underscoring its vital importance to the future of Hong Kong and the Nation.  He affirmed that The University of Hong Kong will continue to steadfastly support basic scientific research, encouraging the translation of research outcomes and driving industrial development and social progress. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong will serve as a bridge, connecting the Nation and the world for scientific and cultural exchanges.

 Professor Chi-Ming Che, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Chair of the Organising Committee for the Hong Kong International Symposium on Synthetic Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Research      

Professor Chi-Ming Che, Chair of the Organising Committee, remarked:

"Synthetic chemistry is a cornerstone of modern science and industry. It plays an indispensable role in drug discovery, new materials, and energy catalysis. As the nation pursues its vision of becoming a science and technology powerhouse, this field—fundamental to transforming and creating matter—has become more critical than ever. "

"The State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry is dedicated to positioning itself as an international hub for chemical research in the Greater Bay Area. As a national-level platform, we will deepen collaboration with institutions on the Chinese mainland and establish branches in key cities across the region. "

"Building on this foundation, we will harness Hong Kong's unique advantages as a global gateway to foster academic exchange and cooperation both at home and abroad. Ultimately, these efforts are about supporting the nation's strategic priorities in biomedicine, advanced functional materials, and new energy technologies. Our goal is to help position the Greater Bay Area as a world-leading centre for chemical innovation and translation."

Engaging Exchange Between Speakers and Attendees

Speakers Presenting Their Posters and Students in Attendance

During the symposium, numerous researchers and students gathered in Hong Kong, contributing their insights to address new opportunities and challenges facing academia and industry. They worked together to promote innovative development and interdisciplinary collaboration in synthetic chemistry, facilitating the exchange of scientific resources and the translation of achievements among the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and the international community. 

Moving forward, the GBAAA will continue to be rooted in Hong Kong while connecting to the world, building a high-level platform for academic exchange and collaborative innovation, driving advancements in synthetic chemistry and interdisciplinary research, and providing expertise and solutions to critical global issues in energy, the environment, and medicine. This symposium not only serves as a positive response to the call in The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address to "support local universities and professional organisations in their bids to host more international academic and professional conferences", thereby providing a high-level dialogue platform for global scholars, but it also fully demonstrates Hong Kong's pivotal role in promoting interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and cross-regional collaborative innovation. It injects new momentum into basic research and the translation of applications in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The Symposium Held at the Wang Gungwu Lecture Hall, HKU

The symposium received funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the government of HKSAR, the Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, and the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong. It also garnered strong support from the chemistry or related departments of local universities including The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Baptist University.

 

Speakers' Information:

https://www.synchem.hk/speakers 

    

More About the Symposium：

Hong Kong International Symposium on Synthetic Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Research.pdf

About The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA) 

The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA) was officially established on April 1, 2021, as a non-profit organisation registered in Hong Kong. Combining Hong Kong’s strengths in scientific research and its advantages as an international city, the GBAAA aims to bring together leading scientists in the region to foster cross-disciplinary exchange and collaboration and promote technology and popular science education. The organisation also provides a driving force for the synergistic innovation and technology development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) into an international Innovation and Technology centre, thus making contributions to the nation's advancement in technology.