The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL) hosted, on 18 and 19 October, the China-Portugal Traditional Medicines Forum 2025, an international event that brought together experts from universities and institutions in Portugal, China, and other countries to discuss the latest advances in traditional medicines, biomedicine, and the regulation of plant-based health products.
Organized by the FFUL and the Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (JxUCM), the forum was held within the framework of the China-Portugal International Joint Laboratory on Herbal Medicines, a pioneering project that has been strengthening scientific collaboration between the two countries, with the support of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the Rectorate of the University of Lisbon, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
The opening session featured speeches from several institutional and academic representatives, including the Ambassador of China to Portugal, Zhao Bentang; the Vice-Rector of the University of Lisbon, João Peixoto; the Rector of JxUCM, Zhu Weifeng; and the Dean of FFUL, Graça Soveral. The ceremony also included video messages from Zhong Nanshan, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences.
Throughout the two days, the scientific programme addressed topics such as the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal plants, the role of traditional medicines in disease prevention and emerging health challenges, and regulatory and educational issues related to the integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems. Renowned speakers from institutions including INFARMED, the University of Macau, the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and the Guangzhou Medical University, among others, contributed to the discussions.
On Sunday afternoon, following the closing of the forum, the Joint Conference of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies – Specialty Committee of Constitution Research and Specialty Committee of Allergic Diseases also took place, bringing together international researchers to discuss recent advances in constitution and allergy research, further promoting academic and scientific exchange between Eastern and Western medicine communities.
The China-Portugal Traditional Medicines Forum 2025 thus established itself as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration between Portugal and China in the field of traditional medicines and natural products, fostering joint progress in research, innovation, and advanced education.
