Symposium on Innovation and Disciplinary Development in Medical Technology Successfully Held at Peking University

Date: March 6, 2025

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From February 27 to 28, 2025, the Symposium on Scientific Innovation and Disciplinary Development in Medical Technology was successfully held at Peking University, organized by the Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center. The symposium focused on the cutting-edge interdisciplinary topic of "Eye-Brain Coordination", and brought together over 100 experts, scholars, faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduates from universities across Beijing, Zhejiang, Anhui, Harbin, Jiangsu, and Shandong to engage in comprehensive discussions on discipline development, research innovation, and talent cultivation strategies. The symposium was chaired by Dr. Liu Xinyu.

On the afternoon of February 27, the forum on "Eye-Brain Coordination and the Development of Medical Technology" officially opened. Dean Han Hongbin delivered the opening remarks, outlining three key objectives, which are to discuss mechanisms for joint development of the optometry sub-discipline within medical technology, to align with Peking University’s 15th Five-Year Plan, promoting organized interdisciplinary collaboration in research related to eye-brain integration and to explore integrated talent training models for undergraduate–master–PhD pathways in medical technology.

Prof. Han encouraged all participants to contribute ideas for the advancement of the medical technology discipline at Peking University and emphasized the importance of collaborative synergy in research, teaching, and clinical practice aligned with the “Healthy China” strategy.Prof. Qu Jia, President of the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, gave a keynote speech titled “The Past and Future of Optometry and China's Rise in the Field”, reviewing the global history and evolution of optometry education and profession.Prof. Xue Tian (University of Science and Technology of China) presented “Light and Life”, focusing on the latest developments in imaging and non-imaging visual systems and the role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).Prof. Yu Cong (Peking University) discussed “Perceptual Learning and Visual Training”, exploring the application of eye movement control and AI in vision rehabilitation.Prof. Qi Hong (Peking University Third Hospital) introduced “Retinal Imaging for Cerebrovascular Disease Prediction”, highlighting the strong correlation between retinal vasculature and brain health.Prof. Feng Yun (Peking University First Hospital) explored the use of regenerative medicine, stem cells, and 3D printing in ocular tissue repair.Prof. Wang Kai (Peking University People’s Hospital) presented strategies for myopia prevention in adolescents, emphasizing device and lens design based on “distant vision” principles.Dr. Liu Xinyu gave an overview of the Institute’s achievements in discipline development, its doctoral program in professional degrees, and the strategic layout of the optometry sub-discipline.

Experts engaged in vibrant discussions on curriculum integration, interdisciplinary research with neuroscience, and the goal of achieving breakthroughs in eye-brain sciences through multi-institutional collaboration.

On the morning of February 28, the forum on “Frontier Innovation and Translational Application in Brain Science” began.

Prof. Han Hongbin welcomed neuroscience experts and emphasized the need to build a full innovation chain from basic discovery to technological development and clinical translation, particularly in areas like deep cervical lymphatic–venous anastomosis (LVA).

Dr. Xie Zhaoheng (Peking University) introduced the Institute’s National Natural Science Foundation major project on neurobiological modeling of extracellular space (ECS), showcasing diagnostic and evaluation technologies supporting LVA surgeries.Prof. Zhang Hongwei (Sanbo Brain Hospital) explored the clinical implications of ECS in edema, hydrocephalus, and stroke, proposing ECS as a novel mechanism with potential paradigm-shifting value in neurosurgery.Prof. Guo Mian (Harbin Medical University) systematically reviewed LVA surgery in Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting its >80% short-term improvement rate and calling for RCTs, quantitative evaluation standards, and mechanistic studies.Dr. Tong Huaiyu (PLA General Hospital) shared clinical outcomes of EDAS surgery in Moyamoya disease and cerebral artery occlusion, proposing ECS and lymphatic dynamics as possible mechanisms for post-surgical neurological recovery.

In the afternoon session, Prof. Chen Xinjian (Soochow University) presented on AI-powered OCT for ophthalmology.Prof. Cai Zhigang (Peking University School of Stomatology) shared brain–machine interface applications in facial paralysis.Prof. Tong Zhiqian (Beijing Geriatric Hospital) discussed pharmaceutical and phototherapy developments for Alzheimer's disease.Prof. Zhao Yitian (UCAS) explored ocular imaging for brain disease prediction.Prof. Yu Zhaofei (Peking University) introduced neuromorphic visual computing research.Dr. Cao Qiuchen (Jiangsu People's Hospital) reported on “Brain-Eye Dialogue”, decoding pathways between the eye and brain.

A panel discussion followed, where participants engaged in multidimensional dialogue on the technological trends and challenges of eye-brain integration. The forum offered valuable insights into interdisciplinary collaboration, talent development, and strategic innovation planning for the Institute’s 15th Five-Year development.