The First International Conference in Frontiers of Strawberry Research was successfully held in Shenzhen from December 7 to 8. Organized by the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT), the event brought together over 80 experts and scholars from China and Singapore, with 27 on-site presentations.
The conference was initiated by Yang Zhenbiao, Dean of SUAT’s Institute of Emerging Agriculture Technology, and LiuZhongchi, a Chair Professor at the School of Synthetic Biology.
Yang Zhenbiao is an internationally renowned plant biologist. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking work—he first identified and clarified the cell-surface auxin signal perception and transduction mechanism, explained the auxin-regulated rapid growth principle, and solved the 50-year-old "acid growth hypothesis" puzzle.
LiuZhongchi is a leading international expert in developmental biology, specializing in strawberry molecular genetics and fruit development.
Centered on the theme "Exploring New Frontiers in Strawberry Research, Charting a New Blueprint for Industry Development", the forum saw in-depth discussions on key topics: strawberry breeding, natural resources and related technologies, as well as fruit ripening and post-harvest processing.
Zhang Yuntao, Chairman of the Strawberry Branch of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science and a renowned strawberry breeder, delivered a report and analyzed the industry’s current situation and challenges.
Additionally, prominent researchers from across China—including Yu Hong from Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhao Mizhen from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiang Guihua from Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gao Qinghua from Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Lei Jiajun from Shenyang Agricultural University—shared valuable insights on strawberry breeding and resource utilization.
Professors from top universities and research institutions also joined the conference, such as Zhejiang University, Kunming Institute of Botany (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Yunnan Agricultural University,Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They delved into advanced topics: the molecular mechanisms of strawberry fruit development, single-cell spatiotemporal multi-omics technology, and molecular mechanisms of fruit ripening and post-harvest preservation.
A special panel discussion on "The Future of Strawberry" was held. Combining their research fields and practical experience, experts exchanged views on cutting-edge biological issues in strawberry research, the prospects of strawberry plant factories, and ways to develop world-leading Chinese strawberry varieties.
During the forum, invited speakers visited Shenzhen Synthetic Biology Infrastructure and SUAT’S main campus. Through on-site inspections and exchanges, they learned about SUAT’s achievements in relevant research fields, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.
This forum not only displayed the latest achievements and cutting-edge trends in China’s strawberry research but also built a valuable platform for domestic and international academic exchange. Moving forward, SUAT will adhere to the concept of open education, strengthen cooperation with universities, research institutions, and enterprises at home and abroad, and jointly promote the vigorous development of strawberry scientific research and the cultivation of healthy, high-quality strawberry products.
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