Sci-tech conference unfolds in Qingdao

The China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Conference opened on Monday in Qingdao, Shandong province, with the signing of 11 cooperation projects covering advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, agricultural sci-tech, new energy and biotechnology.

One of the projects, launched by Qingdao University and Murmansk Arctic University in Russia, focuses on building and promoting a medical support system for places above the Arctic Circle. The two universities will jointly develop medical imaging equipment, intelligent diagnostic systems, technologies for the harmless disposal of medical waste and low-latency secure communication solutions for use in extreme environments.

"The project aims to improve healthcare services and provide medical support for the future operation of Arctic shipping routes," said Niu Haitao, vice-president of Qingdao University.

A CT scanner will soon be deployed to enhance diagnostic imaging capabilities, Niu said, adding that ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging equipment will also be installed in the future to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, complex trauma and malignant tumors in the region, he said.

Another project, jointly undertaken by Shandong University of Science and Technology and Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University, will conduct joint research on intelligent monitoring, condition sensing, risk warning and long-term maintenance technologies for railway infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, roadbeds and culverts, to help ensure the safety of cross-border transport infrastructure.

Akylbek Chymyrov, vice-rector of Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University, said the university has carried out a wide range of cooperative projects with Chinese partners and highlighted the growing role of young scientists from SCO countries in advancing scientific and technological innovation.

The Qingdao conference was the first comprehensive sci-tech innovation conference since the China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center was inaugurated in Qingdao in September 2025. The event brought together nearly 400 officials, scholars, researchers and business representatives from SCO member states.

The two-day conference featured seminars, roundtable discussions, project roadshows, the establishment of innovation alliances and an award ceremony honoring young entrepreneurs, according to the organizers.