I. Project Overview:

In 2020, the novel coronavirus swept across the globe, infecting over 11,000,000 people worldwide and claiming 1,100,000 lives. Domestically, 91,000 cases were reported with 4,700 deaths. The virus dealt a severe blow to people around the world. Under the correct leadership of the Party and government, and through the united efforts of the Chinese people, the spread of the epidemic was effectively controlled.

The outbreak exposed shortcomings in China's epidemic prevention, testing, and biological research capabilities. The number of available biological laboratories for testing and research fell far short of demand. It was also discovered that biotechnology shows significant potential in treating COVID-19. As renowned biologist E.B. Wilson once said: "All the answers in biology must ultimately be sought in cells, because all living organisms are, or once were, cells." Stem cell biotechnology for COVID-19 treatment has now been incorporated into national treatment protocols.

According to China's Sixth National Population Census and Second National Sample Survey on Disabilities, the total number of people with disabilities in China reached 85.02 million, two-thirds of whom were born with disabilities - with genetics being a major contributing factor. Rare diseases account for half of these cases. Due to deficiencies in biotechnology and genetic technology, the mortality rate for rare diseases among people with disabilities stands at 90%. Any rare disease represents a vulnerability in the nation's genetic makeup that could potentially threaten the entire population. Breakthroughs in any rare disease would provide tremendous benefits to both the country and its people.

To contribute to national epidemic prevention efforts, biotechnology development, and rare disease research for people with disabilities, the China Disabled Persons' Federation has helped recruit disabled university students majoring in medicine, pharmacy, and chemistry from institutions across the country to engage in biotechnology research and development. To meet the needs of epidemic prevention and biological research, we now plan to establish a P3 biosafety laboratory for people with disabilities to advance China's biotechnology capabilities.

II. Project Beneficiaries:

People with disabilities, the general population, and the government

III. Project Objectives:

1. Create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the high-tech biotechnology field of "test tubes + petri dishes"

2. Establish a high-level biological laboratory

3. Support epidemic prevention and control efforts

4. Conduct rare disease research

IV. Project Plan:

Project implementation period: 2020.1.1—2021.12.30

1. Initial phase (2020.1.1—2021.1.1): Recruit disabled students majoring in medicine, pharmacy, and chemistry from universities nationwide

2. Middle phase (2020.9.1-2021.12.30): Construct biological laboratory and introduce world's most advanced research equipment

3. Final phase (2020.9.1-2021.12.30): Develop digital twin laboratory platform

V. Project Workflow:

Timeline