Core Insights - China is rapidly transforming from a follower to a leader in global population health research, with approximately 350 research cohorts established by 2024, as highlighted in a special issue of The BMJ [1][2] - The special issue showcases the achievements and challenges of Chinese cohort studies, emphasizing their recognition by international medical journals [1][2] Group 1: Development and Impact of Chinese Cohort Studies - The trajectory of cohort research in China has evolved from a few occupational studies in the 1970s and 1990s to over 300 diverse cohorts by 2024, impacting public health practices significantly [2] - Notable cohorts like the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and the China Million Persons Cohort have produced critical evidence, such as the link between alcohol consumption and increased stroke risk, challenging previous beliefs about moderate drinking [2][3] Group 2: Unique Advantages and Global Contributions - Community-based cohort studies in China, such as the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), have systematically collected data on socioeconomic factors and health behaviors, providing insights into the health impacts of societal changes [3] - Research findings from Chinese cohorts have begun to influence global health guidelines, such as the identification of hypertension as a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in East Asian populations [3] Group 3: Challenges in Quality and Sustainability - The rapid expansion of cohort studies has raised concerns about balancing scale and quality, with issues like data fragmentation and lack of standardization hindering effective integration and application [5][6] - A significant portion of cohort studies (16.6%) have not achieved long-term follow-up beyond 10 years, and only 10.6% utilize standardized data-sharing platforms, indicating a need for improved research infrastructure [5][6] Group 4: Recommendations for Future Development - Experts suggest that China should develop a unique path for cohort research that aligns with national conditions, emphasizing government guidance, multi-party collaboration, and the integration of AI and multi-omics technologies [9] - Key recommendations include establishing a data governance system, creating industry standards, and ensuring diverse funding mechanisms to enhance the sustainability of cohort studies [9] Group 5: Future Directions and Global Collaboration - Future cohort studies in China aim to incorporate generational research and integrate traditional Chinese medicine with AI technology, exploring new models of cohort research [10] - International collaboration is essential for enhancing the robustness of large-scale cohort studies, with China positioned to contribute significantly to global health research through its unique population and disease patterns [11][12]