Exploring Innovations: The GRAD 2026 Academic Forum

From January 22 to 23, 2026, the 22nd GRAD Academic Forum was successfully held in Shanghai.

The 22nd GRAD Academic Forum was successfully held in Shanghai. This year’s forum focused on “Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases and Promotion of Healthy Aging,” bringing together participants from... Graduate students, young scholars, and project leaders in the fields of life sciences and basic medicine from universities and research institutions in the Yangtze River Delta region. Shanghai Hanyao showcased a series of solutions tailored for metabolomics, drug discovery, and bioseparation, and engaged in in-depth discussions with numerous research colleagues on technical challenges and cutting-edge applications.

On-site Coverage: Expert Q&A, Insights into Needs

During the two-day exhibition, we engaged in conversations with hundreds of researchers. Below are excerpts from some representative technical discussions:

About 【Thin-Film Evaporator】 Research on the Bioactivity of Natural Products

Ask

When we concentrate crude plant extracts, the recovery rates of certain thermally unstable polyphenols and flavonoids fluctuate significantly. How does your thin-film evaporator ensure efficient concentration of active ingredients under mild conditions?

We focused on explaining the synergistic principle behind the “high vacuum” and “thin-film heat transfer” in thin-film evaporators. Operating under low temperatures below 40°C and in a high-vacuum environment, the equipment enables the sample to form an extremely thin liquid film on the evaporation surface, thereby achieving instantaneous solvent evaporation. The heating time for the material is drastically reduced to just tens of seconds, fundamentally preventing decomposition caused by prolonged thermal accumulation. Meanwhile, the entire concentration process takes place within a sealed vacuum system, effectively isolating the sample from air and significantly reducing the risk of oxidation. For sensitive samples, practical measures involve comprehensive protection throughout the process—before concentration (by bubbling nitrogen through the sample liquid to remove dissolved oxygen) and after concentration (immediately protecting the sample with nitrogen and storing it at low temperature)—thus minimizing the degradation of active ingredients.

About [Parallel Synthesizer] Lead Compound Screening

Ask

We would like to simultaneously synthesize a compound library containing 96 analogs under the same reaction conditions, in order to rapidly screen for inhibitors targeting a specific aging-related target. How can we ensure the uniformity and reproducibility of each reaction site?

This is precisely the core value of the parallel synthesizer. We have demonstrated the instrument’s independent temperature-control and stirring modules, each reaction site being precisely controllable within ±1°C, with uniformly consistent stirring speeds. We emphasized the importance of “reaction validation” during the method-development phase: first, select 1–2 representative reactions and run them simultaneously across multiple reaction sites to verify the uniformity of conversion rates and purity; only after confirming this uniformity should the process be scaled up to full-plate operation. In addition, the instrument’s accompanying software can record in real time all parameters and progress for each reaction, providing a robust foundation for data traceability and reproducibility.

About [YMC Chromatography Column Series] With metabolomic analysis

Ask

When analyzing serum samples from aged mice, we need to simultaneously detect both polar metabolites (such as amino acids) and weakly polar lipids. Currently, the existing methods suffer from poor separation efficiency and long analysis times. Could you recommend suitable chromatographic columns and suggest a method-development approach?

This addresses the core challenge of analyzing complex biological samples. We recommend the YMC Triart C18 chromatographic column. It boasts both broad pH tolerance (1–12) and outstanding reversed-phase retention capability, enabling a single column to cover an extremely wide range of compound polarities. We further suggest employing gradient optimization: start with a highly aqueous mobile phase to ensure efficient retention of polar compounds, then gradually increase the organic solvent ratio in the later stages to elute lipophilic compounds via gradient elution.

GRAD 2026 is not only an academic highlight but also a valuable platform for connecting industry, academia, and research. Through in-depth exchanges with leading researchers, we’ve gained a clearer understanding of the urgent need for high-throughput, high-yield, and highly reproducible experimental tools and solutions in the fields of chronic disease and aging research. Shanghai Hanyao will continue to provide scientists with precise, reliable, and innovative products, helping them unlock the mysteries of life and jointly contributing to the realization of the “Healthy China” strategy.

Looking forward to seeing you again at the next scientific event!

If you would like to obtain detailed technical specifications or product information regarding the discussion above, feel free to contact us at any time. 400-0988-930 。

Keywords:

Self-Check Guide | Device Restart Precise Calibration

Real-Time Mass Spectrometry: Discover the Right Tube for Sample Collection