The Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province recently issued the "Notice on the Recognition Results of 2024 Provincial Key Laboratories," featuring the Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Brain Health jointly established by Ningbo University and its affiliated Kangning Hospital. This marks the sole recognized provincial key laboratory in Ningbo's life and health sector within this batch.

China currently faces over 15 million patients suffering from drug addiction, with associated mental health comorbidities posing significant public health and safety challenges. The emergence of novel psychoactive substances further exacerbates these threats. In response, the World Health Organization launched its "Global Brain Health Initiative" in 2022 as a priority strategic program, while China has similarly integrated "brain health promotion" into its national healthcare development agenda.

The Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction and Brain Health focuses on elucidating the mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions for drug addiction and comorbid mental disorders. Beyond its core mission, the laboratory extends research to broader psychiatric conditions. Rooted in Zhejiang Province, it directly supports China's anti-drug efforts while aligning with global and national health strategies. This platform aims to become a regional scientific hub addressing critical public health challenges through interdisciplinary research and translational applications.