Synthetic cell research involves multi-level techniques from biological macromolecules to single cells, which are increasingly complex and lack cross-level theoretical guidance. The development of key technologies is unbalanced, and module collaboration is difficult. Although each country has its own strengths, the lack of uniform standards and platforms limits the achievement of the overall goal. As a major global scientific problem, international collaboration and joint efforts are urgently needed.

On October 25, the International Scientific Program of Synthetic Cells of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was announced at the first International Conference on Synthetic Cells held in Shenzhen. The conference was a strategic discussion on the development of science and technology and international cooperation in the field of synthetic cells in the world, and invited 48 scientists from 37 universities and scientific research institutions in 15 countries on five continents to share the development status, cutting-edge scientific issues and technological innovation in the field of synthetic cells, and explore potential opportunities for international cooperation, marking a new stage of expanding cooperation and rapid development of research in this field.

Relying on the advantages of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the field of synthetic biology, major scientific and technological infrastructure, and the establishment of an organized team, the international scientific program will carry out international cooperation, break through the core bottleneck of cutting-edge science and technology in synthetic biology, and form a cooperative paradigm to meet the common challenges of mankind.

In recent years, countries around the world have been competing to invest in key R&D projects and research plans in the field of synthetic single-celled life, and China has also followed the pace and carried out a systematic layout. In October 2023, the Shenzhen Advanced Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and six Asian countries initiated the establishment of the Synthetic Cell Asia Alliance, relying on the major scientific and technological infrastructure of synthetic biology to carry out cooperation among Asian countries in the field of synthetic biology. In April 2024, the institute signed a memorandum of cooperation with 25 scientific research institutions in six countries, providing a solid foundation for equal dialogue and wider international cooperation with discipline alliances from various continents.

With the successful conclusion of the Synthetic Cell International Summit, the Synthetic Cell Asia Alliance plans to join hands with regional alliances in Europe, the Americas, Africa and other regions to attract more international scientific research institutions and organizations to join the ranks of cutting-edge research on synthetic cells with an open and cooperative attitude. The implementation of the program will focus on cutting-edge basic research issues in the field of synthetic biology, bring together global interdisciplinary strengths, jointly promote cutting-edge research and biotechnology innovation cooperation in life sciences, and work together to meet global common scientific challenges and promote human well-being.