The 31st International Union of Biological Sciences General Assembly and Conference on Biological Sciences and Bioindustry started on July 5 in the Wuzhong District of Suzhou, in Jiangsu province.

It's the first time that an IUBS general assembly is held in China. The five-day conference has attracted more than 400 scientists from more than 40 countries and regions to discuss the latest research results.

"Bio-technology is the synergy that exists between technology, engineering and the environment. What we must be doing is ensure that the environment is not destroyed by engineering," said John Buckeridge, former president of the IUBS.

"The rapid development of China's bio-industry has attracted great attention from international peers. The Wuzhong district of Suzhou has a well-developed bio-tech industry, we have the IUBS general assembly held here with hopes to boost communication between scientists," said Zhang Zhibin, director general of the Bureau of Life Sciences and Biotechnology in China.

"Wuzhong is a special and attractive part of China, because we are interested in biology and eco-systems. This is a wonderful place to bring people around the world to experience and see the environment here," said Buckeridge.

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn