Advancing Interdisciplinary Frontiers: Element Science Global Summit 2026 Concludes Successfully
The 6th Biological Trace Elements Conference, held in conjunction with the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Biological Trace Elements Branch of the Biophysical Society of China and the Element Science Forum (Changbai Mountain Forum), was successfully convened on April 12–13, 2026, at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China. The journal Element served as a co-organizer of the meeting and played an active role in facilitating international scientific exchange.
The summit was co-chaired by Prof. Bin Liu, President of the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Prof. Fudi Wang, Editor-in-Chief of Element. Their leadership played a key role in shaping the scientific program and fostering international academic exchange.
Global Participation and Interdisciplinary Exchange
Chair: Prof. Fudi Wang
The summit brought together nearly 200 leading researchers and scholars from around the world, representing a broad range of disciplines, including trace element biology, translational medicine, oncology, and metabolic science. It provided a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on cutting-edge advances and future research directions in the field of biological trace elements.
Distinguished Speakers (Selected)
Prof. David Rubinsztein, MB ChB, PhD, Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK), Fellow of the Royal Society (UK), Member of Academia Europaea; Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute.
Prof. Ashley Bush, MD, PhD, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science; Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering; Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Melbourne, Australia.
Prof. José Manuel Fernández-Real, MD, PhD, Member of Academia Europaea; University of Girona, Spain.
Prof. Marcus Conrad, MD, PhD, Director of the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death, Helmholtz Munich; Chair of Translational Redox Biology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany.
Charareh Pourzand, FHEA, FRSB – Reader/Associate Professor of Life Sciences & Theme Leader in Medicines Design and Development, University of Bath, UK.
Adrian Press, Junior Professor, Head of the Research Group "Nanophysiology of Life-threatening Infections", University Hospital Jena, Germany.
Frontiers in Element Science Session
In the Frontiers in Element Science session, experts and researchers discussed the latest advances in trace element biology, with particular emphasis on iron, copper, selenium, and other biologically essential elements. The presentations highlighted the multifaceted roles of trace elements in skin photodamage, hepatocyte fate determination, immune cell function, cell proliferation, and drug resistance.
Further discussions focused on key mechanistic advances, including the role of selenoproteins in iron homeostasis and the anti-ferroptotic effects of natural compounds. The application of humanized animal models and genome-editing technologies in element science research was also systematically addressed, underscoring the growing integration of mechanistic studies with translational approaches.
Overall, the conference provided a high-level international platform for scientific exchange and collaboration among leading international experts in biological trace elements. It showcased recent progress and emerging trends in ferroptosis regulation, element homeostasis in disease contexts, and the clinical translation of element-based research. The meeting facilitated in-depth academic dialogue and further promoted international collaboration and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Managing Editor: Victoria Lee
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Element
