SIRIO Hosts 2024 Annual Review for National Key R&D Program under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan

Held in Shanghai from January 3 to 4, the 2024 annual review of the National Key R&D Program “Health Regulation of Food Components on the Digestive System and Intestinal Homeostasis” brought together leading institutions under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. The event was hosted by China Agricultural University in collaboration with SIRIO.

The review panel was chaired by Professor Liu Xuebo of Northwest A&F University, and included Professor Ai Lianzhong (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Professor Tan Mingqian (Dalian Polytechnic University), Researcher Yang Yan (Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences), and Professor Yi Huaxi (Ocean University of China). Also present were project lead Professor Hao Yanling (China Agricultural University), together with principal investigators Professor Miao Ming (Jiangnan University), Professor Wu Zhenlong (China Agricultural University), Professor Zhang Chenhong (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Professor Xu Yajun (Peking University), and Professor Li Bing (South China University of Technology), along with other core members of the research team.

The project lead and principal investigators provided updates on the 2024 research objectives, performance metrics, progress and key outcomes, budget execution, major challenges and corresponding solutions, as well as plans for 2025. The experts acknowledged the project’s strong progress and engaged in discussions on future directions, key technical challenges, and potential solutions, aiming to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the application of research outcomes.

Launched on March 31, 2023, the national research initiative “Health Regulation of Food Components on the Digestive System and Intestinal Homeostasis” is led by China Agricultural University in partnership with ten prominent institutions, including Jiangnan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, and South China University of Technology.

SIRIO, the project’s sole corporate participant, is leading two sub-projects: “The Regulatory Role of Essential Micronutrients in Digestive Health” and “Precision Dietary Intervention for Optimizing Digestive Health in Young Children”. These efforts aim to advance understanding of nutrient-driven digestive development and function, offering scientific and practical insights to shape future nutritional guidelines.

Dr. Zhao Youyou, Assistant Vice President, Global R&D Lead, and Chief Scientist at SIRIO, outlined emerging trends in China’s nutrition and health sector and emphasized SIRIO’s capabilities in translating 14th Five-Year Plan research into innovative product solutions.

During the conference, the expert panel toured SIRIO’s Shanghai R&D Center and praised the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and scientific excellence. They also shared valuable insights on enhancing R&D efficiency and advancing the commercialization of research outcomes.

Looking ahead, SIRIO will continue to align with the strategic priorities of China’s 14th Five-Year National Key R&D Program. Guided by its commitment to evidence-based nutrition, the company will deepen collaboration with research institutes, academic institutions, and industry partners to drive ongoing innovation and sustainable growth in the health and nutrition sector, delivering high-value, personalized, and sustainable solutions to the public.