The 2024 ASBA Workshop on SynCell Asia successfully convened from April 2 to 3 in Shenzhen Guangming Science City, co-organized by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Asian Synthetic Biology Association (ASBA). As a key academic gathering in the field, the workshop served as a dynamic platform for exchanging the latest advances in synthetic cell research, exploring cutting-edge scientific challenges, and fostering collaborative innovation. It also laid important groundwork for the upcoming Global Summit on Synthetic Cells, scheduled to take place in Shenzhen from October 23 to 25, 2024.

The event brought together representatives and leading experts from approximately 25 research institutions across six Asian countries—Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. Through a variety of formats including keynote presentations and roundtable discussions, participants engaged in in-depth dialogue on recent breakthroughs and emerging ideas in synthetic cell research.

A landmark outcome of the workshop was the signing of a multinational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on "Synthetic Cell Research" by representatives from all six participating countries. This agreement establishes a sustained collaborative framework to enhance regional research cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support talent development in synthetic biology.

Building on the foundation laid at the 2023 Asian Synthetic Biology Workshop, the 2024 SynCell Asia Workshop marks a significant step forward in strengthening Asia's role in the global synthetic cell research landscape. Moving forward, the SynCell Asia Workshop series will continue to rotate among Asian nations, addressing evolving themes in synthetic cell science and sustaining the momentum of cross-border scientific partnership. 

The workshop was locally organized under the leadership of Dr. Chenli Liu, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology.

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