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.
