Recently, Professor Mei Lin hosted the first summer training session at the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR)—the 2023 Summer School for Medical Research.

Many students are unfamiliar with this new institution and are dubious of its advantages. Professor Rao Yi, who has been involved in various innovative scientific research and educational institutes in China for over two decades, provided insights. “The National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS) was China’s first new R&D institution, and the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR) is the newest,” he said, “The establishment of new research and development institutions is a crucial systemic reform in China, operating scientific research and graduate education according to scientific principles. This system hopes to be promoted nationwide sooner, but it has yet to be achieved. Fortunately, several such institutions are already operational in Beijing. I believe that those who join the Capital Medical Science Innovation Center early will receive the most support, education, and assistance. We also hope to produce graduates of higher quality than all the previously established new research and development institutions, making significant contributions to medical research in China and worldwide.”

Why such confidence? Taking a look at the first session of the Summer School for Medical Research, despite the fact that it is organized by Capital Medical University (CMU) and the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR), all parties have shown sufficient sincerity and support. The CIMR, the School of Basic Medical Sciences, CMU, and affiliated hospitals have all prepared courses for the students in the training program. Students can visit and learn at leading hospitals such as Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing Tongren Hospital CMU, and Beijing Youan Hospital Capital Medical University.

Professor Mei Lin stated that after launching registration for the 2023 Summer School for Medical Research, the program got good submissions from 33 leading universities globally. Finally, 80 students were chosen from Imperial College London, the University of Nottingham, Zhejiang University, Wuhan University, Nanchang University, Capital Medical University, and other institutions.

At the opening ceremony of the Summer School for Medical Research——the New Medical Research Talent Development Forum, young participants from all over the world engaged with legendary academic figures, listening to their "purely practical" research experiences and insights.

Professor Qiao Jie from Peking University delivered a speech on “Medical Research and Talent Development”, discussing local and foreign methods of medical innovation talent growth as well as her personal research experience. She advised students in the summer school to develop the ability: “First, have an eye for identifying problems—how can you find problems? In practice, whether in fundamental medical research or clinical care, a solid basis is required to have such insight to detect issues.” She says, “You must have the ability for clear, logical analysis, and in finding solutions, you should be willing to experiment with different methods.” In addition, cooperation is crucial from a development perspective now. Qiao Jie pointed out that the current urgent need for medical science and technology talents in China is cross-fertilization, and the background cannot be single. Finally, she talked about the medical research talents. She expected, “They are qualified clinicians, exploratory and cross-disciplinary medical scientists, and good teachers willing to serve as ladders for others and have rich clinical experience. These can be achieved by a small number of people.” It is reflected in one person. However, she told the students, “It is more about you doing a part of it. If everyone works together, we can do a better job.”

President Wang Yongjun of Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, provided students with an overview of the extensive history of medicine spanning over 3,000 years, covering the evolution from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine, precision medicine, and the future horizon of high-definition medicine. “The training model and knowledge level of medical talents required in each period are different,” he explained, “but regardless of which level, these two core aspects are what we here need.” One is leadership, and the other is scientific spirit, which must be developed individually. These two attributes will always be the most essential characteristics of a top talent, regardless of time. Regarding scientific spirit, Wang Yongjun further explained, “Going back to Harvey’s original words, there are only four words in the sentence: exploration, doubt, evidence, and rationality. When exploring, you must always be curious; second, never trust authority, be suspicious, and don’t believe in textbooks—not that you don’t believe it, but read it with your thoughts; third, every sentence you say must be supported by empirical evidence; and last, speculate rationally.” Regarding leadership, he said, “Leadership is not a position but something that people can have anywhere. It has eight classic characteristics: guidance, solutions, goals, motivation, communication, planning, vision and direction. Among them, the four most important characteristics for doctors are broad vision, problem-solving ability, correct direction, and persistence in goals.”

Liao Xinsheng, Distinguished Assistant to the President of Capital Medical University, introduced the advantages and training programs of the Jieping Class of CMU, highlighting how to promote students' inventive talents and encouraging students to grow based on their interests.

Wang Xiaodong, the director of the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS), recounted his first visit to NIBS 20 years ago. He discussed the challenges that NIBS—China’s first new R&D institution—has faced, as well as its accomplishments to date. He added that they were experimenting with several models at the time, one of which was picking individuals rather than themes. Why choose individuals over topics? “The most fundamental logic is that true innovation is unpredictable,” Wang Xiaodong remarked, “Hotspots vary and change often, but the genuinely unique invention is unquestionably created by individuals. As a result, we must pick individuals, and good personal qualities are adequate.” Moreover, Wang told the students that everyone’s knowledge, abilities, and techniques are limited. He encountered many “Yellow Berets” clinical medical scientists and discovered a secret. “Doctors who do excellent research have a secret: they must learn to collaborate with those who can conduct experiments,” he explained, “For example, doctors Michael S. Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein (nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1985) made significant contributions to basic medical research, discovering receptor endocytosis in collaboration with another basic research scientist who used electron microscopy. As a result, you must learn to work with others.”

Professor Mei Lin encouraged the students in the end. “Do you feel pressured after listening to the presentations from the guests? Do you now grasp our country’s medical standing in the world and realize your obligations are significant? Even though all guests have accomplished fantastic things, your greatest advantage is your youth. You should use your talent, broaden your horizons, and experiment in new areas.”

Subsequently, students raised questions to the guests on various topics. The experts candidly and sincerely provided many insightful insights.

The forum was hosted by Professor Mei Lin, Chair Researcher of CIMR. Other attendees included Chair Researchers Li Guomin, Li Chuanyuan, and Senior Researchers Zhang Yu, Zhu Honghu, and Liu Lan.