The first Academic Committee meeting of Shandong Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology (SKLSB) was held in Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on August 30. 

The Academic Committee of SKLSB is headed by Prof. ZHAO Guoping (CAS academician, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS). Twelve out of fifteen committee members attended the meeting. At first, Prof. LIU Huizhou, Director General of QIBEBT, delivered an opening remarks. He affirmed the significant contribution of this laboratory made to the overall development of QIBEBT. He also promised that the institute would continuously provide the strongest supports to this laboratory. Under the supervision of the Academic Committee, he expected that this laboratory can make greater achievements and grow to be the state-level key laboratory in near future. Secondly, Prof. LI Shengying, Director of SKLSB, introduced the history, philosophy, personnel, achievements, and developmental strategies and objectives of this laboratory. He emphasized that the direction of laboratory is in accordance with the country’s and province’s strategic needs. Thirdly, six research group leaders within SKLSB introduced their research work, projects and funding situations. 

Finally, the committee members discussed the laboratory’s current situation and future developmental plan. All committee members, including Prof. ZHAO Guoping and Prof. DENG Zixin (CAS academician, Shanghai Jiaotong University), reached a consensus: This Academic Committee meeting achieved more than expected. SKLSB has made a number of significant achievements in both academic research and technology transfer. We definitely believe that with the endeavor of all laboratory members, SKLSB will grow successful, break through scientific challenges in the field of synthetic biology, and enter a new level of development.