China

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the Leopoldina’s principal partner in China. Through joint symposia and conferences, the two academies address key issues of the future, including climate change, energy and the importance of basic research. Their findings and assessments also feed into international advisory processes, for example in the context of advising the G20 summit of heads of state and government.

In 2018, the Leopoldina and the CAS launched the Science for Future conference series in order to highlight the central role of basic research for society. Featuring leading researchers from Germany and China, these events present current research findings and their societal relevance. At the same time, they provide a platform for early-career researchers.

As part of the Science for Future conferences, the Leopoldina and the CAS sign joint declarations in order to consolidate scientific positions on these topics and to provide impetus for political decision-making processes in both countries. The inaugural conference, All Starts with Basic Research, took place in Beijing in 2019, on which occasion the Beijing Declaration was signed. Since then, the Science for Future conferences have been held alternately in Germany and China and have addressed globally relevant topics such as climate change and energy security.

In addition, there are partnerships with other institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS). Within this framework, specialist events are held on topics such as personalised medicine.