Meeting Brain Science in Winter! The 2026 Winter School of CIBR Concludes Successfully

From January 19 to 23, 2026, the five‑day immersive Winter Training Program of the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Brain Science (CIBR) was successfully held. A hundred outstanding students from 53 universities nationwide gathered here to get up‑close exposure to cutting‑edge brain science technologies and listen to lectures from distinguished scholars, gaining abundant insights and building momentum for further exploration into the mysteries of the human brain.

Prior to the opening ceremony, all teachers and students took a group photo to mark a wonderful start to this research‑exploration journey. The ceremony was hosted by Researcher Xiong Wei, with Director Luo Minmin in attendance to deliver an opening address.

Researcher Xiong Wei Hosting the Opening Ceremony

Director Luo Minmin Delivering the Opening Speech

Director Luo extended a warm welcome to all participants. He noted that as one of the most challenging frontier disciplines of the 21st century, brain science is presented with unprecedented development opportunities, with continuous breakthroughs emerging in key areas such as the industrialization of brain‑computer interfaces (BCIs) and the functional analysis of neurons. He encouraged participants to cherish this learning opportunity, broaden academic horizons, stimulate innovative thinking, plant seeds for long‑term dedication to brain science research, and grow into emerging forces driving progress in this field in the future.

Lab Exploration: Zero‑distance Access to Cutting‑edge Technologies

Following the opening ceremony, students embarked on an informative lab tour. Led by group leaders, they visited laboratories and technical support platforms in an orderly manner, experiencing firsthand the cutting‑edge charm of brain science research. Frontline researchers elaborated on the latest research advances in their labs. By demonstrating experimental procedures and operating research equipment on site, they transformed abstract brain science knowledge into intuitive practical experiences, helping students deeply understand the rigor and perseverance behind every research achievement.

At the BCI achievement exhibition area, demonstrators analyzed the complete translational path of implantable BCI devices from basic laboratory research to clinical applications based on newly developed equipment. They shared challenges and breakthroughs during the research process, sparking heated discussions among participants and creating a vibrant academic atmosphere. Many students stated that the lab visit cleared up numerous confusions about brain science research and provided new inspirations for their future research directions.

Frontier Lectures: Wisdom Sharing by Principal Investigators (PIs)

The training program featured a series of carefully prepared academic lectures, with 11 PIs from diverse research fields invited to give talks, offering a feast of ideas for participants. Covering both depth and breadth, the lectures spanned multiple frontier areas including neurobiology, brain tumors, brain metabolism, social behavior, brain organoids, materials science for BCIs, pathological mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease, and adolescent brain network development.

During the sessions, the PIs unpacked complex scientific questions in accessible language, combining their latest lab findings and research experience. They comprehensively illustrated the breadth and depth of brain science, ranging from experimental design and methodological innovation in basic research, ethics of clinical applications, to strategies for overcoming technical bottlenecks and prospects for industrial translation. After each lecture, students actively raised questions and engaged in in‑depth discussions with instructors on research difficulties, academic confusions and future development directions. The exchange of ideas deepened their understanding of knowledge, fully demonstrating young scholars’ enthusiasm for knowledge and spirit of exploration.

Presentations & Exchanges: Exchanging Ideas, Showcasing Youthful Vitality

On January 23, the training program reached its final phase. Drawing on knowledge gained during the program and integrating their professional strengths, students delivered presentations analyzing frontier literature from various perspectives. The evaluation committee, consisting of Dr. Jing Miao, Dr. Li Yatang and Dr. Zhao Fei, commented on each group’s presentation. They praised participants for their clear logical thinking and effective teamwork, and offered guidance on research presentation skills.

To build an effective communication bridge and enhance learning outcomes, CIBR held an exchange forum. Outstanding alumni from the institute were invited to answer students’ questions, covering topics such as interdisciplinary research paths in brain science and career development for young researchers. Drawing on their own research experiences, the alumni encouraged students to stay curious and inquisitive, and boldly explore unknown fields. The relaxed and harmonious communication not only narrowed the distance between participants and the institute, but also helped them clarify research ideas and gain a clearer vision for future academic exploration and research careers.

Students Continuing Enthusiastic Exchanges After the Forum

Institute Leader Zhai Yonggong Delivering the Closing Speech

At the closing ceremony, Institute Leader Zhai Yonggong delivered a closing address, expressing sincere expectations for participants. He encouraged them to pursue knowledge relentlessly and scale new heights in their academic journeys with passion for research. Finally, faculty from the Academic Affairs Office awarded completion certificates and Outstanding Student Certificates to participants, wishing them mutual learning, continuous improvement and steady progress in their future studies.

Voices of Participants: Harvesting Abundant Insights for New Research Journeys

As the program came to an end, students eagerly shared their gains and reflections. They talked about the enlightenment gained from academic lectures in tackling research challenges, as well as the joy of brainstorming during group presentation preparations. All agreed that the training was highly rewarding, having broadened their academic horizons and strengthened their determination to devote themselves to brain science research.

The 2026 Winter Training Program has built a high‑quality platform for learning and exchange for students passionate about brain science, bridging the gap between young scholars and cutting‑edge brain science research. This enriching learning experience will become a valuable asset on their research paths, inspiring them to keep exploring the mysteries of the human brain and contribute youthful strength to the advancement of brain science.