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Passing the Torch for a Century, Writing a New Chapter in Physiology—Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences

GUAN You-Fei^*

Abstract

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences, as its most important academic carrier, the Acta Physiologca Sinica is honored. With this article, we trace the glorious journey we have walked together and look forward to the bright future ahead. A hundred years, like a moment in the long river of history, is a tumultuous history of entrepreneurship, struggle, development, and glory in the field of Chinese physiology. In 1926, Mr. Lin Kesheng and other sages, with the great aspiration of "saving the country through science", founded the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences in the turbulent times. They are not only the founders of physiology, but also role models of national spirit. The Acta Physiologca Sinica, born in 1927, is the earliest research-oriented academic journal published in China. Under the outstanding leadership of older generation scientists such as Feng Depei and Zhang Xijun, this journal carries the original intention and mission of promoting the rapid development of Chinese life sciences. Since its inception, it has shone with international academic standards and become the first bridge for modern Chinese life sciences to go global, echoing the wisdom of early Chinese scholars in the international academic hall. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences and the Acta Physiologca Sinica jointly entered a new stage of systematic development. With the support of the state for the scientific cause, Chinese physiologists have closely focused on the needs of national construction and people's health, conducting in-depth and extensive research in basic and key application fields such as neurophysiology, circulatory physiology, respiratory physiology, and digestive physiology. As the main carrier for the publication of academic achievements during this period, the Acta Physiologca Sinica systematically published and witnessed a series of groundbreaking research works in these fields from foundation to development. It is not only a core platform for exchanging research results, but also objectively reflects the substantial progress made by the Chinese physiology community in academic exploration during a specific historical period, overcoming difficulties and overcoming obstacles, laying a solid literature foundation for the subsequent development of the discipline. The reform and opening up has injected new vitality into China's scientific cause and opened up vast space for the development of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences and the Acta Physiologca Sinica. During this period, the Acta Physiologca Sinica has always adhered to the core task of publishing high-quality original research results, closely tracking the forefront of disciplinary development, and timely incorporating important advances in emerging fields such as cell and molecular physiology and system integration physiology into its reporting focus, greatly promoting the popularization and deepening of these disciplinary directions in China. By establishing and strictly implementing a peer review system, the academic quality of the journal continues to improve, becoming an authoritative carrier for the publication of research results in physiology and related disciplines. The Acta Physiologca Sinica has recorded and witnessed the academic growth of several generations of researchers, who published important early discoveries and inspired ideas through academic exchanges. A large number of outstanding scholars have also stood out on this platform. The continuous progress of the Acta Physiologca Sinica cannot be separated from the strong leadership of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences, thanks to the professional dedication of excellent editorial and review experts, and more importantly, the long-term trust and support of the majority of authors and readers. The centenary milestone is not only a time point to review history, but also a good opportunity to embark on a new journey. As a journal of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences, the pulse of the Acta Physiologca Sinica always resonates with the society at the same frequency. The prosperity of the society is the fertile ground for the growth of the journal, and the reputation of the journal is also a manifestation of the academic spirit of the society. In the new era and based on a new starting point, we will uphold the original intention of founding and adhere to the following directions: uphold integrity and innovation, and create high-quality products: Adhere to the rigorous and pragmatic academic tradition, focus on original breakthroughs, and strive to publish works that can lead the direction of the discipline and withstand the test of time. Based on the forefront and service strategy: facing the world's technological forefront, major national needs, and people's health, adhering to the publishing concept of "academic excellence and scientific popularization", building interdisciplinary academic platforms, and providing a solid physiological theoretical foundation for addressing health challenges in China and globally. Assisting young researchers, Cultivating the Future: Special attention is paid to the growth of young scholars and students, making the Acta Physiologca Sinica the first solid stepping stone on their academic path, and inspiring young students to continuously innovate and contribute to the country through science. Openness and inclusiveness, enhancing influence: Integrating into the global academic network with a more open attitude, promoting deeper exchanges and cooperation, and spreading the outstanding development and innovative achievements of Chinese physiology to the world. Colleagues, the century old flame is now in my hands. The future ahead is full of infinite possibilities in physiology. Let us take a century as a new starting point, inherit the aspirations of our predecessors, hold the heart of seeking truth, work hand in hand, and jointly compose a more magnificent chapter of Chinese physiology in the century! January 2026

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 管又飞　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2026.0015

Citing This Article：

GUAN You-Fei. Passing the Torch for a Century, Writing a New Chapter in Physiology—Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences. Acta Physiol Sin 2026; 78 (1): 1-1 (in Chinese with English abstract).