From September 21 to 24, the 2023 International Symposium for Exploration in Biology-Chemistry-Medicine and the Second Anniversary of the First Issue were held at the Zhengzhou Campus of Henan University (HENU). With the theme of “Cross-border academic exchanges - talent-driven - high-quality innovative development”, the Conference was attended by Academician Xiyun Yan of the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician Shengcai Lin of HENU, Xuelu Wang, vice president of HENU, Xingjie Liang, Editor-in-Chief of Exploration, scholars of biology, chemistry, medicine, materials, energy and interdisciplinary fields, as well as relevant leaders from the Human Resources Department and School of Life Sciences of HENU. The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Meng Zheng from the School of Life Sciences.

At the conference, Xuelu Wang extended a warm welcome to the participating experts, scholars and industry representatives on behalf of HENU. He affirmed the effort involved in the journal Exploration. He hoped that HENU would form a special development mode through the development of the journal.

Later, Xingjie Liang introduced the development and achievements of the journal in the past two years. He hoped that Chinese scientific and technological researchers could spread their papers around China through the journal Exploration.

Guangchen Xu briefly introduced the current situation of Exploration and the support from Wiley. He expressed his expectations for the journal's development and prospects.

Academician Xiyun Yan gave a report titled “Nanozyme - a new biological catalyst”, demonstrating research in multiple fields related to nanozymes based on his own research experience.

Academician Shengcai Lin delivered a speech titled “Glucose as a messenger to regulate metabolic balance and lifespan”, revealing the key principles of cellular glucose sensing and metabolic homeostasis regulation. The speech triggered continuous reflections among attendees and led to lively and fierce discussions.

Then, Yage Zhang, deputy director of the Department of Talent and Human Resources, and Xin Wang, managing editor of Exploration, respectively reported on the achievements of HENU’s high-level talent construction and journal development.

Having four sub-venues themed on life sciences, medicine, chemistry and energy, and materials science, this Symposium invited nearly 50 experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University and other universities and research institutions to give academic reports. At the seminar, participating experts and scholars shared cutting-edge results and valuable experiences in their research fields, and conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on related hot issues.

At the seminar for the innovation and development of Exploration, representatives of Wiley and deputy editors in related fields reported and discussed the team building and contribution of the editorial board. They also paid tribute to experts, scholars and young scientists who have made outstanding contributions in related fields.