School of Biological Sciences co-organises International Symposium for Young Scholars in Basic Medical Sciences in China

​The School of Biological Sciences co-organised the 2025 International Symposium for Young Scholars in Basic Medical Sciences, hosted by the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Shandong University.

The event, which took place from 5–9 November in Jinan, China, welcomed nearly 80 young scholars and postgraduate students from 12 countries - including China, the UK, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

The programme featured an international academic forum, laboratory shadowing, and collaboration meetings. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Cheeloo College of Medicine core facilities and its history museum and take part in a city tour accompanied by local graduate students to explore Jinan.

Opening remarks were delivered by senior representatives from Shandong University, Qilu Medical College, and the University of Southampton via a video address from Head of School for Biological Sciences, Professor Phil Williamson .

Seventeen young scholars presented work on frontier topics in cancer, immunology, development, and genetics.

PhD researchers Yomna Moqidem and Polina Heatley represented the School of Biological Sciences, chairing sessions and presenting their research.

Yomna, who is completing a PhD in developmental biology with a focus on respiratory fibrotic disease, said: “I was keen to take part in the International Young Scholars Symposium because it brings together early career researchers from different disciplines who are addressing fundamental questions in disease mechanisms and translation.

“As a PhD researcher, it was a valuable opportunity to present my own data to an international audience while also connecting with outstanding scholars from diverse scientific backgrounds. My first overseas presentation, the symposium provided an excellent platform to represent the University of Southampton and the School of Biological Sciences on an international stage.”

Yomna added: “Beyond the formal programme, I was particularly interested as an international student from the Middle East in experiencing research culture beyond my immediate academic environment.

“The symposium reinforced the idea that science is fundamentally borderless, and that researchers across different languages and cultures are ultimately united by a shared goal of advancing knowledge and improving human health.”

The symposium concluded with a closing ceremony featuring a video from Professor Amritpal Mudher , Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Life & Environmental Sciences, who congratulated participants and emphasised the importance of global scientific exchange.

Associate Professor Dr Yihua Wang , who helped coordinate the conference, said: “The event further strengthened Southampton–Shandong collaborations and reaffirmed Southampton’s commitment to supporting the next generation of biomedical researchers.”