In December 2025, the one-year scientific research visit of Dr. Ahmad, Dr. Alex, and Dr. Kavindu at the ICGEB China Regional Research Centre was successfully completed. As outstanding young scientists supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China’s “Talented Young Scientist Program,” they engaged deeply with the centre’s research teams over the past year, conducting a series of fruitful collaborative studies in cutting-edge fields of life sciences. Their arrival and work represent not only a significant practice in advancing international scientific collaboration at the centre but also a vivid reflection of China’s continued efforts to expand scientific openness and actively integrate into the global innovation network. On this occasion of their departure, the centre extends its sincere gratitude to the three doctors for their diligence and important contributions and wishes them even greater achievements in their future scientific endeavors.

The “Talented Young Scientist Program” is a high-level international scientific and technological cooperation scheme established and funded by the Chinses government, aimed at providing outstanding young scientists from around the world with valuable opportunities to conduct short-term research in China. As one of the host institutions of the program, the RRC welcomed three exceptional young scholars in 2024: Dr. Ahmad from Pakistan, Dr. Alex from Nigeria, and Dr. Kavindu from Sri Lanka. Their participation brought diverse academic perspectives and research methodologies to the centre, enriched its research ecosystem, promoted broader academic exchanges, and significantly enhanced the centre’s influence and connectivity in the international scientific community. To help foreign scientists better integrate into China’s research and living environment, the centre launched a “Chinese Language Study Course.” After a year of study, the three doctors made remarkable progress in their Chinese communication skills and are now able to engage in simple daily conversations, adding more color to their work and life in China.

Over the past year, the three scientists actively engaged in the centre’s research activities and achieved solid progress in their respective fields of focus:

Dr. Ahmad conducted research on the ubiquitination regulatory mechanism of the autoimmune disease risk factor UBASH3A. Using a combination of computational and experimental methods, he systematically explored the potential E2/E3 enzymes mediating this process and analyzed the effects of key site mutations on protein stability. The study revealed that the monoubiquitination of UBASH3A might be regulated by a non-canonical E2/E3 enzyme system, and mutations in its specific domains and residues significantly affect the protein’s degradation rate. This work provides important insights for a deeper understanding of UBASH3A’s post-translational regulation and the development of targeted strategies.

Dr. Alex focused on screening natural compounds to modulate the key MDM2–p53 signaling pathway in osteosarcoma. He successfully completed two comprehensive mechanistic research projects and one bioinformatics collaboration, resulting in one published paper, one submitted manuscript, and one paper under review. His research not only deepened the understanding of pharmacological intervention mechanisms for this target but also provided important clues for developing novel therapeutic candidates for osteosarcoma through a combination of computational and experimental strategies. This visit effectively enhanced his research capabilities and successfully established a sustainable scientific collaboration bridge between China and Nigeria.

Dr. Kavindu’s research focused on discovering novel anti-HPV therapies from plant natural products. Using a combination of computational screening and experimental validation, he successfully identified candidate compounds that efficiently target the key HPV protein interface (E1-E2) and discovered combination therapy regimens with significant synergistic effects. This work not only confirmed the “druggability” of this target but also provided important lead compounds and experimental tools for developing natural product-based anti-HPV treatments.

The three doctors participated in talent development activities
 

Dr. Ahmad, Dr. Alex, and Dr. Kavindu have achieved solid and encouraging progress at this stage. Their projects have deeply integrated with other research directions at the RRC, creating a favorable dynamic of complementary strengths and close collaboration. This journey of joint exploration has become a bright and distinctive international highlight in the center’s annual scientific landscape. While they are dedicated to their studies and academic advancement here, they look forward to returning to their home country and serving as a robust bridge for bilateral research cooperation. Together, we can promote the expansion of Chinese biotechnology and products onto the broader global stage, contributing wisdom and strength to the cause of global health.

With the successful conclusion of this batch of scholars’ projects, a new round of collaboration is already on the horizon. The list of selected candidates for the second batch of the 2025 “Talented Young Scientist Program ” has been finalized. Dr. Ehsan Hashemi from Iran and Dr. Majid Anwar from Pakistan are set to begin their one-year research work at the centre. Currently, Dr. Ehsan Hashemi has already reported for duty, and Dr. Majid Anwar will arrive shortly. The RRC remains committed to maintaining an open attitude and building high-level collaboration platforms. It warmly welcomes more outstanding international scientists to visit and collaborate through various exchange programs, working together to advance global scientific progress and contribute to the cause of human health.

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