Experts Charting the Future of Talent and Innovation
On October 13-16, 2025, the Donghu Forum · Frontier Sci-Tech Forum successfully concluded at the China Optics Valley Convention & Exhibition Center in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Guided by the principle of Driving Innovation, Empowering Talents, the forum invited 18 top-tier experts from nine countries and 46 youth talents from 15 countries, injecting fresh vitality into sci-tech innovation and talent cultivation in Hubei Province.
Hosted by the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP), organized by the Hubei International Science and Technology Exchange Center, and the Shenzhen Center for International Exchange of Personnel (SCIEP), and supported by the Department of Science and Technology of Hubei Province, and the China-Europe Green Technology Industry Alliance, the forum brought together leading domestic and international research forces and industrial stakeholders, including national laboratories, key universities and research institutions, and high-tech enterprises.
At the two main venues, China Optics Valley Convention & Exhibition Center and LuoJia Hills Hotel, intellectual exchange and thoughtful dialogue fostered a rich atmosphere throughout the event, with every seat occupied. The forum featured diverse formats including panel discussion, thematic session, talent matchmaking, science popularization lecture, and on-site visit. Presentations delivered by experts across various fields sparked profound resonance among attendees.
Two thematic panel discussions emerged as the "intellectual highland" of the forum. Focusing on building an international environment and advancing sci-tech progress, and navigating the research pathway for young scientific talents, experts provided insights on policy support, shared research facilities, and the establishment of international exchange platforms. They also addressed challenges and obstacles faced by young talents, creating a communication platform for career development to "resolve dilemmas, connect resources, and empower growth" for the next generation of scientists.
Thematic sessions on Energy Technology and Materials Engineering, AI and Information Computing, and Biomedicine and Intelligent Health, closely aligned with objectives of "technological breakthroughs, industrial application, and talent synergy". These sessions showcased cutting-edge developments across disciplines, uncovered potential for interdisciplinary integration, and provided participants with opportunities for "information exchange, resource networking, and direction inspiration".
The talent matchmaking session also yielded fruitful outcomes. At the Overseas Students & Employer Matchmaking on October 15, several key employers introduced their research environments, innovation and entrepreneurship policies, and career development prospects to young scientific talents. With an open attitude, they extended sincere invitations to outstanding young talents worldwide, encouraging them to apply their expertise to advance scientific innovation, achieve research breakthroughs and personal value, and contribute youthful energy to the nation’s self-reliance and strength in science and technology.
In the science popularization session, Spanish expert Alejandro Cifuentes and Hungarian expert Franciska Vidáné Erdő delivered engaging public science lectures to students at the Middle School Attached to Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), titled Serious Science and Interesting Scientists, and Traditional Drug Administration Routes- Challenges and Alternative Opportunities.
Hubei Province boasts robust scientific and educational resources, a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and an innovation culture of "daring to be the first". In recent years, Hubei Province has adhered to a strategy of leveraging high-level openness to drive high-quality innovation, continuously optimized its environment for talent development, and promoted the deep integration of technology, industry, and talent.
During this event, Hubei Province actively engaged with the latest international innovation resources, further enhancing exchanges and interactions among talents. Nearly 60 organizations and institutions participated in the event, generating enthusiastic responses and achieving precise alignment between innovation resources and industrial needs. Hubei Province will continue to refine its environment for sci-tech innovation, attract more domestic and international innovation resources, and contribute greater efforts toward building a sci-tech innovation hub with national influence, and accelerating the rise of the central region as a key strategic pillar.