ICG-18 Hangzhou Kicks Off in Grand Style: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Discovery of DNA's Double Helix Structure

April 25, 2023, The 18th Annual Conference of the International Conference on Genomics (ICG-18)and the "Qixi Talent Gathering · Smart Win for the Future" Global Scientists SummitGrand Opening in Hangzhou, China!

This conference aims to explore the latest advancements in life sciences and the bioeconomy over the 70 years since the discovery of DNA structure. Leading scientists, medical experts, and industry leaders from around the world have gathered to discuss recent breakthroughs and future trends in genomics, with the goal of fostering in-depth exchange and collaboration in global genomics research.

Li Ling, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government and Director of the Management Committee of the West Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor; Liu Siqi, Co-founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BGI Group; Wu Qing, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology; and Lu Jun, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of BGI Group.

Shi Huangkai, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Hangzhou West Science and Technology Innovation Corridor; Yang Shuang, Executive Vice President of BGI Group and Chief Representative for the Eastern Region; Yin Fan, Deputy Director of the Talent Office of the Hangzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China; Liu Longqi, Executive Dean of Hangzhou BGI Research Institute; Lou Liqun, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Hangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau; and Han Bin, Deputy District Mayor of the Xihu District People’s Government of Hangzhou, jointly took the stage to inaugurate the conference.

Genomics is currently one of the most prominent and rapidly evolving fields, with emerging technologies and new research findings continually arising, presenting significant opportunities and challenges for human society.

The distinguished guests extended their congratulations on the convening of this annual conference. In their addresses, they emphasized the significance and cutting-edge nature of genomics, pointing out that it serves as a vital source of innovation and will become the core of future scientific and technological advancement as well as industrial development. They also engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on the research and applications of genomics.

Academician Yang Huanming, Chairman of the ICG Organizing Committee, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the significance of the 70th anniversary of the discovery of DNA structure and outlining the future direction of the bioeconomy.

World-renowned biologist and geneticist James Dewey Watson delivered a video address to celebrate the 18th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-18) and the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA “double helix” structure. (In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix structure of DNA; in 1962, James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.)

The discovery of the DNA “double helix” structure is one of the significant milestones in the fields of life sciences and genomics, as well as one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century. Elucidating the double helix structure of DNA has provided the foundation for in-depth research into the fundamental mechanisms of life and the modes of genetic information transmission.

The advancement of genomics is also expected to provide us with more precise medical predictions, more personalized treatment plans, and more efficient drug development.The discovery of the DNA double helix structure can be said to have laid a solid foundation for the development of modern life sciences and brought profound impacts to human health and life.

The DNA Issues in Life Sciences and Omics at ICG-18 successfully demonstrated the critical role that DNA plays in current biology and medicine. By conducting more in-depth research on DNA and its interactions, we can better understand the essence of life and discover and develop new therapeutic approaches and preventive measures, thereby improving our healthcare and quality of life.

This conference not only brought together top scientists and experts from around the world but also showcased the latest and most exciting research findings and discoveries in the field of life sciences. We believe that ICG-18 has laid a solid foundation for future research and innovation, which will continue to drive the advancement and development of life sciences.

The conference is hosted by the People’s Government of Xihu District, Hangzhou; BGI Group; BGI Research Shenzhen; Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Westlake University; China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation; Chinese Society for Biotechnology; Chinese Society for Urban Studies; China Science Writers Association; and the Genetics Society of China. It is organized by the Organization Department (Talent Office) of the CPC Xihu District Committee, Hangzhou; the Administrative Committee of Hangzhou Zijingang Science and Technology City; and BGI Research Hangzhou. The event will last for four days.

During the conference, multiple parallel sessions will be held, covering various aspects of genomics, including “Life Sciences and Omics DNA,” “Omics and Artificial Intelligence in the Next Decade,” and “Bioeconomy and Growth.” Attendees will engage in extensive exchanges and discussions during this period, contributing to the advancement of research and applications in genomics.

Since its inception in 2006, the International Conference on Genomics (ICG) has hosted over 1,200 world-class scientists, Nobel laureates, and academicians from various countries as featured speakers. More than 23,000 attendees have joined ICG in witnessing the rapid advancements in life sciences and omics technologies over the past seventeen years. Today, ICG has become the most influential omics conference globally. Invited by the governments of Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, and other cities, ICG has successfully held seventeen editions, receiving substantial support from multiple local governments.