In October 2025, while advancing international collaborative research, Professor Xiaolong Qi, founder of CHESS, observed that young scholars from around the world were highly engaged, energetic, and proactive in international academic activities. In contrast, the participation of young Chinese scholars remained relatively limited. This prompted the idea that a dedicated platform to promote international exchange among young Chinese scholars might help bridge this gap.
In November 2025, during the AASLD meeting in Washington, D.C., Professor Qi along with two other Chinese scholars, Dr Wenhao Li (based in London) and Dr Zhujun Cao (based in Barcelona at the time), shared a common vision: creation of a platform that can serve as an important window through which young Chinese scholars can engage in dialogue with the global academic community. This vision led to the establishment of CYSL, the International Chinese Young Scholars Alliance for the Study of the Liver.
Subsequently, young Chinese scholars from major liver disease research hubs, including the United States, German, and other countries, gradually joined the initiative. With their active participation, CYSL has continued to grow into a dynamic and expanding academic community.