BUCM forum spotlights evidence-based medicine and traditional Chinese medicine research

Beijing University of Chinese Medicine hosted the Seventh Beijing Forum on Evidence-Based Medicine and the 2026 eCMTA Journal Academic Symposium on Oct. 19-20, bringing together experts from 14 countries and regions to discuss TCM clinical research, artificial intelligence and international cooperation. The event also advanced plans for the eCMTA journal, which is waiving article processing charges through Dec. 31, 2027.

Why it matters: - The forum aimed to strengthen the scientific evidence base for traditional Chinese medicine and make TCM research more usable in clinical practice and public health. - BUCM used the event to deepen international academic cooperation and mark its 70th anniversary. - The eCMTA journal is positioning itself as a channel for higher-quality evidence and broader global reach in integrative medicine.

What happened: - Beijing University of Chinese Medicine hosted the Seventh Beijing Forum on Evidence-Based Medicine and the 2026 eCMTA Journal Academic Symposium from Oct. 19-20. - Twenty-eight experts from 14 countries and regions attended, including participants from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Canada, the UK, the US, Australia and Norway. - BUCM’s Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine and Journal Center co-hosted the forum, with support from the International Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine Research Institute and other institutions. - Professors Liu Jianping and Fei Yutong chaired the meeting. - BUCM Vice President Liu Cunzhi and Journal Center Director Pan Yanshu delivered opening remarks. - The forum featured keynotes, a young scholars’ session and international roundtables. - The eCMTA Journal Academic Symposium took place on the afternoon of Oct. 20, with Tsinghua University Press representatives and Chinese and international editorial board members participating online and offline.

The details: - Speakers included Gordon Guyatt of McMaster University, Nicola Robinson of London South Bank University, Lao Lixing of Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Dennis Chang and Alan Bensoussan of Western Sydney University, and Terje Alræk. - Guyatt said evidence varies in reliability and that strong clinical decisions require scientific appraisal, systematic evidence summaries and attention to patients’ values and preferences. - Robinson discussed what counts as evidence and argued that trust depends on rigorous research into real effects and risks, not individual success stories or personal impressions. - Lao Lixing addressed methodology and challenges in Chinese herbal medicine trials. - Dennis Chang reviewed global trends in evidence-based integrative medicine. - Terje Alræk shared research on acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients. - Roundtables covered priority conditions in TCM and international cooperation in traditional medicine. - Fei Yutong and Cao Huijuan chaired the roundtables. - Early-career researchers presented work on TCM clinical research, evidence evaluation, acupuncture efficacy and guideline development. - Liu Jianping and international experts commented on the young scholars’ presentations. - Pan Yanshu said evidence-based medicine should be used to test traditional medicine’s clinical value through modern science and to support international dissemination of TCM research. - The journal discussion covered special topics for Volumes 3(2) and 4, column adjustments, board responsibilities, young editorial members and international influence. - Letters of appointment were presented during the symposium. - Robinson reported on the journal’s development.

Between the lines: - The forum reflected a broader push to connect traditional medicine with modern evidence standards, especially around efficacy, safety and guideline development. - The focus on artificial intelligence suggests BUCM and eCMTA want to link traditional medicine research with newer tools for evidence synthesis and clinical translation. - The editorial-board discussion shows the journal is still shaping its identity, scope and international reach.

What's next: - BUCM and its partners will continue work on high-quality clinical research, evidence translation and international academic cooperation. - The organizers expect stronger scientific understanding of TCM’s clinical value if the research base continues to expand. - Authors can submit manuscripts at the journal submission portal. - Questions can be sent to ecmta@buem.edu.cn. - The journal will waive article processing charges through Dec. 31, 2027, and outstanding manuscripts will receive rewards. - The full journal homepage is available at SciOpen.