The 2025 Membership Meeting of the International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS) Australia and ASEAN Development Committee took place in Adelaide, Australia, on October 8, 2025. Prof. Jiake Xu, the committee chair, welcomed attendees, including ICMRS lifetime members: Prof. Ling Qin, Prof. Gang Li, Prof. Ye Ding, Prof. Yin Xiao, A/Prof. Jie Shen, A/Prof. Sien Lin, and Dr. Jiaojiao Li, alongside junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students. During the meeting, former ICMRS President Prof. Ling Qin delivered an engaging introduction about ICMRS and highlighted its collaboration with the Chinese Orthopaedic Research Society (CORS) and ICORS. A/Prof. Jie Shen also shared insights from his distinguished scientific career, discussing his achievements and experiences with ICMRS. Many members presented the latest progress in their research and career efforts within the field. We are grateful to Professor Rockey Tuan, former president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who served as our guest speaker and shared his remarkable journey as a leading scientist in the musculoskeletal field and as the president of a prestigious university. Additionally, we appreciate the contributions and hospitality of Prof. Yin Xiao and Prof. Minghao Zheng, who made this meeting a success.

Fascinatingly, at the 2025 World Congress of ICORS, ICMRS, a founding member of ICORS, organized two workshops: "Advancing the Frontiers: Cartilage Degeneration and Regeneration," led by A/Prof. Jie Shen from Washington University in St Louis, featuring invited speakers are Prof. Di Chen, Prof. Jiake Xu, and Prof. Yi-Xian Qin. The second workshop, titled "Insight into Cell Therapies for Revitalization of Skeletal Tissue: Evidence and Mechanism," was organized by Prof. Minghao Zheng from the University of Western Australia, with invited speakers Prof. Stuart Goodman, Prof. Rui Ruan, and Prof. Minghao Zheng. Attendees received all the talks well.

Highlighting our members' contributions, Prof. Ling Qin from the Chinese University of Hong Kong delivered a keynote speech on "Biomaterials for Orthopaedic Applications: Clinical Needs Lead the Way to Innovation and Clinical Translation." Furthermore, we proudly acknowledge that 12 ICMRS lifetime members have been inducted as Fellows of ICORS (FIOR) for their longstanding commitment to and excellence in orthopaedic research: Bin Li (苏州大学Suzhou University), Di Chen (深圳理工大学), Guanghua Lei (中南大学湘雅医院), Liu Yang (西京医院创新研究院), Weiguo Zou (中国科学院分子细胞卓越中心), Xiaoxhun Bai (南方医科大学), Jie Shen ( Washington University in St Louis), Zongming Li (Univerity of Arizona), Bingyun Li (West Virginia University), Wanju Li (University of Wisconsin – Madison) and Yang Xia (Oakland University). Congratulations to our colleagues on their significant accomplishments!

The Fellow of ICMRS program recognizes long-term ICMRS members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of musculoskeletal research and related areas and have demonstrated strong commitment to ICMRS through services and participation in major ICMRS events. The Fellow of ICMRS (FICMRS) program is committed to recognizing the breadth and diversity of the society’s membership. Fellows are nominated by their peers, followed by evaluation and selection by a review committee, and approved by the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of ICMRS. The Fellow of ICMRS program recognizes long-term ICMRS members who have made outstanding contributions to the field of musculoskeletal research and related areas and have demonstrated strong commitment to ICMRS through services and participation in major ICMRS events. 

The 2nd Oxford–ICMRS Forum, held at Keble College, University of Oxford, from 17 to 20 August 2025, convened around 80 distinguished participants from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Russia. Under the theme Translational Medicine in Musculoskeletal Disorders, the forum provided an exceptional platform to connect basic discoveries with clinical innovation in musculoskeletal health.

The meeting opened with a welcome by Prof. Guozhi Xiao (Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen), President of ICMRS, who emphasised the Society’s mission to foster international collaboration and nurture the next generation of researchers. A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of Honorary Fellowships to two of Oxford’s most eminent scholars: Prof. Graham Russell, celebrated as the “father of bisphosphonates” whose research revolutionised osteoporosis care, and Prof. Denis Noble, a pioneer in systems biology and cardiac modelling. Both were honoured for their groundbreaking achievements and contributions to society.

The scientific programme was rich and wide-ranging. Prof. Robert J. Pignolo (Mayo Clinic, USA) addressed aging, longevity, and bone health, while Prof. Graham Russell delivered a keynote on “Bisphosphonates: Bone and Beyond”. The meeting closed with an inspiring plenary lecture by Prof. Denis Noble, “Born of Water, Made in Silicon: Are We So Different in Intelligence?”, which wove together physiology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Chinese scholars contributed prominently, including Prof. Chentie Wu, who presented advances in musculoskeletal biology and regenerative approaches. In addition, many young professors from China were invited to speak, reflecting the dynamism of China’s academic community and the strong global reach of ICMRS.

The forum was enriched by the presence of leading journals Bone Research and Biomaterials Translational, which brought editorial perspectives to the discussions, as well as five industry delegations from the UK, Finland, and China, highlighting the growing importance of academia–industry partnerships in translational medicine.

Oxford’s historic environment provided an inspiring backdrop. Keble College, with its outstanding facilities, was an exceptional venue. The magical dining hall, often likened to scenes from Harry Potter, created an unforgettable atmosphere for the conference dinner. Participants also enjoyed punting on the Cherwell River and a guided tour of the legacy of Sir William Osler, widely recognised as the father of modern clinical medicine, whose home and medical collections remain cornerstones of Oxford’s medical heritage.

Another highlight was the after-dinner speech by Prof. Zhanfeng Cui, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, who reflected on innovation, translational medicine, and the crucial role of engineering in healthcare. Finally, Dr. Zhidao Xia, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, expressed gratitude to ICMRS, the distinguished speakers, the journals and industry representatives, and the many volunteers whose contributions ensured the event’s success.

The 2nd Oxford–ICMRS Forum was a resounding success. With 80 participants from across the globe, it honoured pioneers as well as the energy of young Chinese academics. With strong academic, clinical, and industry engagement, the forum advanced musculoskeletal research and reinforced Oxford’s standing as a global hub for translational medicine.

The group photo

The award of honorary fellow certificate to Prof. Graham Russell

The award of honorary fellow certificate to Prof. Denis Noble

The conference dinner.

Prof. Zhanfeng Cui gave an after dinner speech.

Punting at the Cherwell river.

The tour at 13 Norham Gardens where Sir William Olse, the father of modern clinical medicine lived.

The 30th Annual ANZORS meeting is scheduled for 8-11th October 2025, and will run in conjunction with the International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (ICORS 2025) in beautiful Adelaide, South Australia.

Abstracts are now open and will close on Tuesday 11th March 2025, 5pm AEST.
International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies Congress 2025
8-11 October 2025
Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia

https://icors2025.com.au

A significant number of ICMRS members recently participated in the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Conference 2025, held in Phoenix from February 6 to February 12, 2025. Our members were not only attendees but also played active roles in organizing the conference through workshops, sessions, and Research Interest Groups (RIGs). 

Several of our distinguished members presented their groundbreaking research on musculoskeletal biomechanics, regenerative medicine, and novel therapeutic approaches for joint and bone disorders. Their contributions were met with great enthusiasm and sparked meaningful discussions. 

ICMRS representatives engaged in valuable networking sessions with international researchers, fostering new collaborations to address the most pressing challenges in musculoskeletal science.

 ICMRS leaders also gathered and discussed various matters related to the society's development, including strategies for new member recruitment, collaborations with other societies, and strengthening connections among members.

We would like to thank all those who represented ICMRS at the ORS Conference and extend our gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the society’s mission.

The ICMRS 2024 membership meeting was successfully held virtually on October 19 (Beijing time), with around 400 members joining the event.

President-elect Dr. Wentian Yang hosted the meeting, welcoming all attendees and delivering opening remarks. He briefly introduced the society and highlighted the importance of membership meetings for society's development. He specifically encouraged non-member attendees to join the society to maximize their membership benefits.

Next, ICMRS President Dr. Guozhi Xiao summarized the key achievements of the society over the past year. Notably, the society successfully hosted the ICMRC 2024 conference in Jinjiang, the first ICMRC after 2019. Dr. Xiao addressed the current membership situation and highlighted the importance of establishing closer interactions with sister societies to promote ICMRS international development. He also encouraged ICMRS members to participate actively in society activities and maintain high standards and academic integrity in musculoskeletal research. At the end of his presentation, Dr. Xiao announced the 2024 awardees of ICMRS distinguished awards. 

ICMRS BOD Director Dr. Jean Jiang then briefly introduced the amendments to the ICMRS bylaws, which were passed unanimously by the attended members.

Afterward, Dr. Lidan You from Queen's University announced the Webster Jee Young Investigator Award winners and moderated the awardees' presentations. This year, the awards went to Jianguo Tao from the Zhejiang University – Westlake University Joint Training Program, Meagan Makarczyk from the University of Pittsburgh, and Hang Zhou from the Southern University of Science and Technology in China. They each delivered a 5-minute talk summarizing their outstanding work, followed by a brief discussion.

This year's keynote speeches were given by two world-renowned scientists, Dr. Matt Greenblatt from Cornell University and Dr. Fanxin Long from the University of Pennsylvania. They shared the latest skeletal stem cell biology findings and bone glucose metabolism research, respectively. 

The meeting concluded with a reflection on ICMRS's 30th anniversary. ICMRS lifetime members and former leaders, Drs. Hong Zhou, Yi-Xian Qin, and David Ke, shared their emotional memories about the society's development since it was founded in 1993. They highlighted some important milestones, such as collaborations, leadership changes, revisions to the constitution, and name evolution, and offered their perspective on ICMRS's future. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Changsheng Liu

Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Shanghai University

Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award 

Changqing Zhang

Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School

Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

Distinguished Translational Research Investigator Award 

Ling Qin

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Distinguished Basic Research Investigator Award

Jean Jiang

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Distinguished Service Medal 

Hang Lin

University of Pittsburgh

Webster Jee Young Investigator Award

Jianguo Tao, Zhejiang University-Westlake University

Meagan Makarczyk, University of Pittsburgh

Hang Zhou, Southern University of Science and Technology

On September 27, 2024, members of the International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS) gathered for a special dinner at Lee Chen Bistro in Toronto during the 2024 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Conference. The event brought together 63 esteemed professors and students from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and China, to celebrate scientific achievements and nurture long-standing friendships.

The two-hour event was filled with energy and excitement, as attendees exchanged stories about their research breakthroughs and reflected on the shared passion for advancing science. Lively conversations flowed, with participants eager to discuss the progress of their work and the collaborative spirit that has defined the ICMRS community.

Among the notable attendees were key leaders of ICMRS, including Jean Jiang, Wentian Yang, Yixian Qin, and Hang Lin. Joining them were some of the top elite scientists in the field, such as Weibo Xia, Yinzi Yang, Xu Cao, David Ke and Fanxing Long, whose presence added a special touch to the evening.

In addition to these distinguished figures, the event also welcomed a new generation of young students who showed great enthusiasm for ICMRS and its mission. These students, eager to engage with the society’s members, expressed their interest in contributing to the ongoing scientific exploration that defines ICMRS.

The dinner was not only an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of seasoned researchers but also a platform for fostering the future of musculoskeletal research. The blend of experience and new talent created an atmosphere of mutual respect and inspiration, ensuring that the ICMRS remains at the forefront of global scientific discovery.

As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, excited for the future of their research and the lasting connections that ICMRS continues to foster within the global scientific community.

The International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS), joined by the National Centre of Orthopaedics at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, HEMIN Foundation, and Fujian Jinjiang People's Hospital, successfully held the 5^th International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Conference (ICMRC-2024) in Jinjiang, China from May 31 to June 3, 2024. This conference was chaired by ICMRS president Prof. Guozhi Xiao and co-chaired by Profs. Changqing Zhang, Jean Jiang, Changsheng Liu, Xing Ma, and Ming Chen. The conference focused on the theme, "Embracing Cutting-edge Cell and Molecular Biotechnologies and Material Sciences to Advance Basic and Translational Orthopedic Research." Nearly 1000 delegates from all over the world participated in this event, providing an excellent platform for thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative efforts to advance orthopaedic research.

In their opening remarks, the conference chairs, Profs. Guozhi Xiao and Changqing Zhang, extended a heartfelt welcome to esteemed experts from across the globe, acknowledging their longstanding support for ICMRS, and a sincere appreciation to the distinguished guests, sponsors, and members of the scientific and organizing committees for their invaluable support. They also highlighted the potential impact of the conference on advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skeletal disorders and on future orthopaedic research locally and nationally. On behalf of ICMRS, Prof. Guozhi Xiao overviewed the society’s rich history and current standing, delving into the significance of previous ICMRCs.

The conference received about 600 abstracts. More than 110 invited speakers and distinguished scholars delivered speeches at the ICMRC-2024, including Profs. Changsheng Liu at Shanghai University, Tamara Alliston at the University of California San Francisco, Cao Xu at Johns Hopkins University, Eben Alsberg at the University of Illinois Chicago, Changqing Zhang at the Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Regis J. Okeefe at Washington University, Chuanju Liu at Yale University, Edward Guo at Columbia University, David Ke at Angitia Biopharmaceuticals, and Ling Qin at the University of Pennsylvania.

During the three-day conference, participants engaged in a wide range of concurrent sessions and symposiums. The conference comprised three basic science venues and one clinical venue, covering a variety of hot topics, including musculoskeletal development and aging, joint biology and osteoarthritis, mechanobiology and biomechanics, bone metabolism and osteoporosis, nerve regulation of bone, joint disorders and pain, bone tumor, intervertebral disc and spine degeneration, tendon and ligaments, muscle, biomaterials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and drug development and clinical applications.

At the closing ceremony, one President's Award (to Tailin He), 28 Young Investigator Awards, and 58 Travel Awards were given to the conference attendees to recognize the excellent scientific merit of their poster and podium presentations (see the appendix for the awardee list).

Lastly, the ICMRS celebrated its 30^th anniversary and shared an optimistic outlook.

ICMRC-2024 concludes another successful orthopaedic research event hosted by ICMRS, following the previous ICMRCs held in Suzhou (2013), Changsha (2015), Shihezi (2017), and Shenzhen (2019). The rapid growth of the conference participants reflects the continuous expansion of our community and its multidisciplinary orthopaedic research, as well as the growing academic impact of ICMRS.

Please see conference photos here!

ICMRC-2024 Awardee list:

Young Investigator Award: Ge Qinwen, Guo Jiangbo, Hao Xue, He Chen, Ji Luli, Ji Zhongyin, Kuang Biao, Li Hui, Li Jiaying, Li Xing, Li Zan, Liang Tongzhou, Liu Yu, Liu Yuhang, Lu Jiawei, Ma Yiyang, Peng Rui, Ren Youliang, Shi Jie, Sun Hao, Tang Chenqi, Tao Jianguo, Wang Shaoyi, Yang Baoqiang, Yang Huiliang, Yang Jiaming, Yu Chao, and Zhang Xiurui.

Travel Award：Cai Dawei, Chen Cui, Chen Ming, Chen Qizhu, Cheng Pengzhen, Deng Rui, Du Hao, Du Yuhan, Feng Naibo, Feng Shiyang, Fu Ruisen, Gu Chenhui, Hang Minghui, He Xu, Hu Xianli, Huang Jiahui, Huang Jie, Jiang Hewen, Kong Xiangxi, Li Qiwen, Lin Junyu, Liu Hongzhi, Liu Shibo, Liu Xiaowei, Liu Yihao, Mei Hongxiang, Nie Maodan, Qiu Cheng, Ru Kang, Song Shiju, Sun Siyuan, Tao Yining, Tian Weiyu, Wang Jianhao, Wang Lianlei, Wang Luyao, Wang Xiaogang, Wang Zheng , Wei Yuxuan, Wu Chenyu, Xie Jing, Xu Chunmei, Xu Yiyang, Yan Jianfei, Yan Wenjin, Yang Xinyu, Yao Meng, Yao Pengling, Yuan Xuhui, Zhang Min, Zhang Ruizhi, Zhang Weifeng, Zhang Yuantao, Zheng Guan, Zhu Ce, and Zhu Zhenglin.

ICMRS is proud to call for nominations of five award opportunities with honorarium. These awards are aimed to recognize the research excellency and outstanding service of our members:

1) Lifetime Achievement Award 

2) Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award

3) Distinguished Translational Research Investigator Award

4) Distinguished Basic Science Research Investigator Award

5) Service Medal

Please ICMRS Awards 2024.pdf for more information and nomination instructions on each award. All ICMRS members are eligible to receive an award, except as restricted by specific award criteria. he deadline to submit your nomination package to ICMRS@icmrs.net is Saturday, Aug 31, 2024. We will announce the final awardees and celebrated their achievements in 2024 ICMRS Fall Membership Meeting!