Set to take place from July 29th to August 2nd at the Shenzhen BGI Center, the 2024 BGI International Summer Workshop & ICG-19 Youth Symposium, orchestrated by BGI College, is dedicated to the theme of "Bio Revolution for a Sustainable Future." This convergence offers a multi-faceted platform for young global minds in life sciences and intersecting disciplines to network with industry leaders, delve into avant-garde technologies, and gain direct exposure to advanced scientific research.

    Sustainable science emphasizes the crucial role of innovative biological technologies and interdisciplinary approaches in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. By leveraging BGI's extensive platform, significant scientific initiatives, and abundant research resources, the ICG-19 Youth Symposium & BGI International Summer Workshop aims to inspire and equip the next generation of scientists to contribute to a more sustainable, healthier, and environmentally responsible world.

Duration: 29 July 2024 - 2 August 2024

Venue: BGI Center, Shenzhen, China

I. Main Activities 

    With the rapid development of life sciences, BGI Group has been committed to promoting scientific research innovation and technological progress, especially in four key frontier areas: Genomics (DNA Omics, abbreviated as "D"), Cell Omics (abbreviated as "C"), Spatial Omics (abbreviated as "S"), and Mass Spectrometry (abbreviated as "M"), to empower research with emerging technologies and accelerate its pace. During the one-week workshop, participants will engage in cutting-edge lecturers led by leaders in the field of life sciences, and take part in the DCSM training courses, experiencing and learning about the latest scientific and technological advancements.

ICG-19 Youth Symposium “Bio Revolution for a Sustainable Future”

    Established in 2006, the International Conference on Genomics (ICG) has earned a reputation as a leading conference, showcasing cutting-edge 'omics' technologies and facilitating the exchange of ideas. As a subsidiary symposium of ICG, ICG Youth strives to bring together young students and scholars from across the globe, fostering academic discussions and sharing innovative technologies, as well as the latest advancements in the field of omics. Under this year's theme, we look forward to fostering global young scientists' interest in "a sustainable future", using biotechnology to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and advancing sustainable development.

    Participants will have the opportunity to do oral and poster presentations on exciting topics on biomanufacturing, biocomputing, and astroecology, sharing their latest research results with global scientists and learning from them. 

Meeting with Founders, Directors, Potential Collaborators and Supervisors

    BGI collaborates with laboratories in prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Copenhagen, Jagiellonian University, Chulalongkorn University, and University of Indonesia for postgraduate and postdoctoral training. Candidates may meet with potential supervisors and co-advisors, as well as explore possibilities for further studies at these universities and further careers at BGI Group.

Tour of BGI and China National GeneBank

    On June 26, 2023, the BGI Group's global headquarters—the BGI Center—was officially completed in Yantian District, Shenzhen. Participants will spend a week at this hub for life sciences attending the summer workshop. Additionally, participants will have the opportunities to visit the CNGB to discover the secret of the largest Gene Bank in the world, to visit BGI Bioverse agricultural base, to experience the practical applications of life sciences in the field of plants (free BBQ at agricultural base), and will also go to the production line of BGI Genomics for laboratory visits and learning.

II. Workshop Schedule

2024 BGI International Summer Workshop Schedule (Tentative)

III. Fees

Registration Fee

3,120 CNY per person for full-time students,

3,900 CNY per person for others, including

-registration for the 2024 BGI International Summer Workshop and ICG-19 Youth Symposium

-BGI Student Dorm pre-booked for 6 nights (twin room, 7.28check in - 8.3check out)

-local transportation in Shenzhen related to the workshop (shuttle between SZ Bao'an Airport / HK International Airport and BGI Center)

-primary activities (Practical training, masterclass, first night BBQ, tour of BGI & CNGB, floating salon.)

*The above fees do not cover daily meals and transportation between your place and Shenzhen.

*Candidates are not required to make payment until receiving an offer. Payment methods will be notified in the offer letter through email.

Extra Fee

Accommodation – Upgrade from Dorm to BGI Guest Room will be 298 CNY/Day for single room, and 104 CNY/Per person / Day for twin room.

*Dorm stay is defaulted to be twin room; room clean service and wash supplies will not be provided. For those who need an upgrade to a guest room, please indicate your preference during the application process. Extra charge is applied.

Financial Supports

1. BGI College International Diversity Fellowships of 5,000 CNY each are available for selected candidates who are considered underrepresented within the symposium community.

2. Travel Awards of up to 7,800 CNY (1,000 EUR) each available for selected oral or poster presenters of the ICG-19 Youth Symposium (amounts depend on the distance between your institution and China).

ICG-19 Youth Symposium Awards

ICG-19 Youth Symposium Presentation awards for selected oral talks and selected posters of ICG-19 Youth.

BGI Serbia-China Scholarship

On November 13, 2023, BGI College, in collaboration with the Mammoth Foundation, launched the BGI Serbia-China Scholarship to support students, scholars, and researchers from Serbia to engage in educational and academic activities at BGI in China. The Scholarship offers support and incentives for the exchange of knowledge and expertise and enables talent from Serbia to gain an international perspective in the life sciences field.

Details and Apply Method refer to https://en.genomics.cn/en-news-6838.html

IV. How to Apply

1. Application Portal

Please click the link/scan the QR code below to submit your application:

https://xbarvzqfp5ekb2li.mikecrm.com/8JSwHmM

The following materials should be submitted through the application portal:

✓ Curriculum Vitae

✓ Abstract

Required for poster or oral presentations and participants who want to apply for financial support. 

✓ Motivation Letter

Required for participants who want to apply for financial supports. Applicants should briefly introduce themselves, explain why they want to participate in the symposium and the summer workshop, their research areas of interest, and their future career plans.

2. Application Deadline

First Round: May 5th; Notification of Application Results: May 19th

Second Round: June 2nd; Notification of Application Results: June 16th

Third Round: June 23th; Notification of Application Results: June 30th

Please apply early if you wish to apply for BGI College International Diversity Fellowships and travel awards.

3. Application Requirements

✓ Graduate students, early career scientists, and highly motivated undergraduates.

✓ Interested in life sciences or sustainability sciences.

✓ Proficient in English

V. Contact Us

Contact Person: Mr. Anguang YU (Steven)

Email: yuanguang@genomics.cn , bgi-college@genomics.cn

Address: Building 11, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, 518083, China