From May 11 to 13, the 9th Xiangya Mental Health International Forum, sponsored by National Center for Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University) and Mental Health Institute of Central South University, was successfully held in Changsha.
Lu Lin, a member of Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of Peking University Sixth Hospital, Chen Hongjun, Head of the Division of Medical and Hospital Administration of Hunan Provincial Health Commission, Li Zhihong, Vice President of Central South University and President of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Chai Xiangping, Party Secretary of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University attended the forum and delivered keynote speeches. Prof. Chen Jindong, former director of Mental Health Institute of Central South University, and Xu Yifeng, President of Brain Health Institute of Shanghai Mental Health Center, presided over the opening ceremony.
In his online address, Lu Lin recognized the pivotal role that Xiangya’s psychiatric medicine has played in shaping the landscape of psychiatric medicine within general hospitals across China. He commended their remarkable accomplishments in healthcare, scientific research, and education, acknowledging their significant contribution to the progress of psychiatric medicine in China. He highlighted that the Xiangya Mental Health International Forum is among the most influential academic conferences in China within this field. Lu Lin expressed his hope that participants would engage in open and constructive discussions, actively contributing ideas and strategies to further propel the advancement of mental health in China.
Vice President Li Zhihong said that psychiatry is traditionally a advantageous discipline of Central South University. He committed to fully support the future development of the Medical Center for Mental Disorders, aiming to create a premier hub for mental health studies. He recognized the Xiangya Mental Health International Forum as a platform where international and domestic experts could exchange ideas, share innovative perspectives, and build consensus. He expressed hope that this event would catalyze closer collaboration and mutual growth among all associated organizations, thereby jointly advancing the field of mental health in China.
Chen Hongjun proposed that as the National Center for Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, the Second Xiangya Hospital should maintain clear strategic direction, leverage current momentum to foster growth, instill a strong sense of responsibility, serve the public, and strive to achieve peak performance in psychiatric medicine, thus becoming a vital national asset. He further emphasized that Second Xiangya Hospital should utilize its central role to drive technological innovation and influence regional development, thereby enhancing Hunan province's overall capabilities in the provision of psychiatric care, education, and research.
Secretary Chai Xiangping extended a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to the experts, and expressed the hope that this forum would serve as a bridge for academic exchanges in mental health. Specifically, it would promote multi-dimensional collaborations amongst domestic and international experts in healthcare scientific research, education, and international cooperation, as a result to propel the development of psychiatry and contribute significantly to the safeguarding of mental and physical health worldwide.
This forum, centered around the theme of "Progress in Clinical and Basic Research on Mood Disorders," was composed of one main venue, nine sub-venues, and sixteen specialist sessions. Nearly 600 scholars and experts were in attendance, with an additional 100,000+ participants joining the live broadcast online. Renowned scholars from nations including Singapore and Canada, alongside top experts from China's psychiatric field, engaged in vibrant discussions on topics such as the etiology, biomarkers, diagnosis, and treatment of prevalent mental disorders. They delved into hot-button issues, the application and challenges of psychotherapy and physical therapy, the development of clinical nursing disciplines, and the management and growth of mental health institutions.
Xiangya's psychiatric medicine, with its rich historical heritage and robust expertise in healthcare, education, and scientific research, stands prominently in the field. The Xiangya Mental Health International Forum has emerged as a reputable platform for interdisciplinary and inter-field academic exchanges among domestic and international scholars, exerting extensive influence. The forum, inviting renowned experts to converge in Changsha, has attracted attention in the psychiatric community nationwide. In this new era, embarking on a new journey, Xiangya's psychiatric medicine remains committed to high-quality development, keeping a firm foothold in contemporary challenges while looking towards the future. It continually advances the development of mental health, thereby contributing for Healthy China initiative !
Source：The Second Xiangya Hospital, CSU
