Forum Convenes in Heidelberg to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The Second China-Europe Scientists Forum successfully concluded on November 2, 2025, in Heidelberg, Germany. The three-day event, which commenced on October 31, served as a pivotal platform for hundreds of scientists, scholars, and business representatives from both China and Europe to explore and deepen scientific and technological cooperation. Held at the Bürgerhaus Heidelberg, the forum underscored the mutual commitment to fostering innovation and addressing global challenges through collaborative research.
Fostering Collaboration and Dialogue
Organized with the support of over 60 research institutions and associations, and initiated by more than 30 scientists from various European countries, the forum aimed to promote academic exchange, talent convergence, and scientific innovation. Zhou Jie, rotating president of the Federation of Chinese Professional Associations in Europe (FCPAE), expressed his hope that the forum would act as a 'connector' for scientific minds, an 'accelerator' for knowledge and technology transformation, and an 'incubator' for young talents' ideas. Zhou Zhiqiang, Education Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Germany, emphasized the historical role of sci-tech exchanges as a bridge between China and Europe, highlighting significant potential in fields such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and climate change.
Diverse Scientific Agendas Drive Innovation
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions across a wide array of cutting-edge fields. The forum featured keynote speeches and a series of online and offline parallel sessions, covering topics including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Manufacturing
- ICT Transformation
- Translational and Clinical Medicine
- Control Engineering
- Carbon Neutrality and New Energy
- China-Europe Sci-Tech Global Strategies
- Biomedicine and Biomanufacturing
- Sustainable Systems
A Milestone for China-EU Relations
The Second China-Europe Scientists Forum holds particular significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The event, which built upon the success of the first forum held in October 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, reinforced the importance of bilateral cooperation. With the combined economies of China and Europe accounting for over one-third of the global economic volume, such collaborations are seen as strategically vital, not only for the regions themselves but also as an example for global scientific advancement and shared future development.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
While scientific exchange is inherently good, Europe must ensure robust intellectual property protection and avoid one-sided benefits. True partnership requires mutual gain, not just shared data.
Fuerza
A strategic step forward for both China and Europe in critical scientific fields.
anubis
Fostering young talent is always a worthwhile goal, yet the long-term implications of these deep ties on European technological independence should be thoroughly examined. Are we building bridges or creating dependencies?
paracelsus
The forum's emphasis on innovation is commendable, but Europe needs to ensure these partnerships don't inadvertently strengthen competitors in critical future industries. It's a delicate balance between cooperation and competition.
anubis
This forum is exactly what's needed to tackle big global issues. Well done!