Fostering International Collaboration: Dr. Sheng-Hong Chen’s Visit to Mahidol University and the Future of Ferroptosis Research
Dr. Sheng-Hong Chen’s recent visit to Mahidol University gave a memorable academic exchange for both institutions, marking the beginning of what promises to be a long and fruitful collaboration. Dr. Chen, a distinguished researcher from Academia Sinica, Taiwan, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in cellular dynamics and ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death. His visit, from October 25 to November 2, 2024, was packed with scientific exchanges, workshops, and opportunities for collaborative discussions, all of which left a lasting impression on students, faculty, and researchers alike.
One of the highlights of Dr. Chen’s visit was the Workshop on Cellular Dynamics and Quantitative Imaging, which took place on October 28, 2024. The workshop attracted participants from across Thailand, with attendees ranging from high school students to PhD candidates. Dr. Chen’s ability to distill complex topics into engaging, accessible discussions made the workshop a resounding success. He emphasized the importance of understanding cellular dynamics and introduced the tools used to model and investigate oscillators and bistable switches in biological systems. The interactive nature of the workshop, along with Dr. Chen’s practical insights into the tools and methods, provided participants with a hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of quantitative biology.
The following day, Dr. Chen continued to engage with the academic community through one-on-one meetings with principal investigators (PIs), master’s, and PhD students, offering scientific advice on their research projects. This mentoring session allowed young researchers to receive invaluable feedback from a world-leading expert, further contributing to the academic enrichment fostered by his visit.
Perhaps the most anticipated event of Dr. Chen’s stay was his Special Seminar on October 31, 2024, titled Surfing the Waves of Cell Death during Embryonic Development and Human Pathologies. The seminar highlighted his recent publication in Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07623-6) , where his team made significant strides in understanding ferroptosis and its potential implications in disease treatments. The research, which focuses on cell death mechanisms during embryonic development and how these mechanisms can be harnessed in human pathologies like cancer, has opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Chen’s talk not only illuminated the scientific intricacies of ferroptosis but also shared an inspiring behind-the-scenes narrative of the paper’s journey to publication. He was particularly proud of his PhD student, Hannah Katrina Co, a dedicated researcher from the Philippines. Dr. Chen highlighted Hannah’s persistence, especially regarding a critical set of chicken embryo experiments that the team had to learn and perform in-house, a task requiring both technical expertise and perseverance. He also highlighted the effort of his postdoc, Dr. Chia-Chou Wu, for his modeling effort in this paper. This anecdote resonated with the audience, offering a glimpse into the collaborative spirit and determination that drives high-impact research.
Beyond the scientific discourse, Dr. Chen’s visit laid the foundation for deeper collaborations between Academia Sinica and Mahidol University. Over the course of the week, discussions were held to explore joint research opportunities and scholar exchanges. These collaborative efforts aim to push the boundaries of biomedical research, particularly in areas such as cancer therapy and cellular dynamics. SiSP is thrilled to be part of this initiative. We will work closely with Dr. Chen on at least two new research projects: the potential development of clinical panels for ferroptosis and an in-depth study of FOXM1 dynamics in DNA damage and cell regulation. These collaborations hold great promise not only for advancing the science of ferroptosis but also for translating these findings into clinical solutions that could benefit cancer patients worldwide.
Dr. Chen’s visit to Mahidol University was not just a series of events but the start of a long-term partnership that will foster innovation and knowledge exchange between two leading research institutions in Asia. His willingness to mentor young researchers and share candid advice on navigating high-impact journals like Nature has already made a profound impact on our academic community.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the potential outcomes of these collaborative projects and the broader impact they may have on both basic and translational research. For more information about Dr.Chen’s group, please visit https://celldynamicslab.mystrikingly.com/#home
