China

The close cooperation with China aims to strengthen the exchange between the scientific communities of both countries, for example through joint symposia, and to contribute the academies' expertise to international policy advice and science diplomacy, for example in the context of the G20 summits.

Joint events focus on topics of social relevance, particularly in the natural and medical sciences. Aspects of the humanities and social sciences are taken into account via the Leopoldina Centre for Science Studies.

The Leopoldina has long maintained good contacts with China. In addition to the CAS, it has also been cooperating with the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) since 2016. This began with the "First Sino-German Symposium on Individualised Medicine" in Xi'an in autumn 2016. Chinese scientists are also represented in the membership of the Leopoldina.

In 2018, the Leopoldina and CAS launched the "Science for Future" conference series to emphasise the central role of basic research in shaping society and the future. Global challenges such as climate change and energy supply require international responses and long-term strategies.

The events in Germany and China, which are attended by top researchers, present the latest research findings and their social relevance. At the same time, they offer a platform for young scientists and raise awareness of responsible cooperation at an early stage.

The kick-off conference "All Starts with Basic Research" took place in Beijing in September 2019 and was accompanied by the Beijing Declaration "Face the Future - Explore the Unknown", which emphasises the importance of basic research and international cooperation.

The second conference "On the Path to Carbon Neutrality" was held in Berlin in October 2024. It presented innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions and provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue between leading scientists.

As part of the opening ceremony, the presidents of the Leopoldina and CAS signed the "Berlin Declaration", which emphasises international cooperation, basic research and concrete measures to reduce CO₂ as the key to achieving the climate goal. The third conference is planned for autumn 2026 in China.