(Shantou, 28 January 2015) Brilliant researchers across the globe dedicate their lives to the study of living organisms, radically improving the quality of future health. These breakthroughs pave the way for innovations in Precision Medicine and Precision Treatment, maximizing the efficiency of healthcare in creating a more productive economy. Today, seven world-renowned scientists in the research fields of Medicine, Biology and Biomedical Engineering, visit Shantou University (STU) for an immersive three-day programme—“Life Sciences and Beyond”—to nurture and develop near one hundred aspiring scientists from high schools across the country.
“Life science research is progressing at an unprecedented speed and is revolutionising medicine,” said Prof Lin Haifan, Project Lead and Professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and Council Member at Shantou University. Today, life sciences research is no longer confined to traditional methodologies. It is increasingly integrated with the fields of maths, physics, chemistry, and information technology. Prof Lin emphasized that “Life Sciences and Beyond” is a particularly apt theme for this year’s programme, and that it will be an exciting time to demonstrate to students the invaluable social impact and energy in scientific studies and research.
Joining Prof Lin are six other mentors from Stanford University, Yale University, King’s College London, Max Planck Institute of Germany, and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, all of who are notable leaders in the research fields of Medicine, Biology and Biomedical Engineering.
“Educational reform and innovation will drive China’s economic success, meanwhile setting higher standards for human resources and talent, and improving quality among educational professions,” said Dr Shen Jiliang, General Deputy Director of Department of Basic Education II at the Ministry of Education. Project Prometheus is also a platform that fosters talent and curiosity by encouraging international exchanges, to which he is particularly supportive of.
Project Prometheus provides a platform for China’s high school students to interact with and learn from leading researchers and scientists from around the world. With a mission to drive passion and instil a sense of social responsibility in the youth, the project also strives to encourage their creativity and ignite their drive to create a brighter future for the world. Founded in 2012, Project Prometheus is sponsored by the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF), supported by the Ministry of Education and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, co-organized by the Chinese Society of Education, and managed by Shantou University.
Dr Anthony Fung Shiu-lun, Executive Director (Operations) of the Li Ka Shing Shantou University Foundation, is proud that the project has been a tremendous success since its inauguration two years ago, with past participants progressing to pursue studies in sciences. Dr Fung emphasized that to encourage education and to provide an equal opportunity for everyone is at the core of the Foundation’s values, as Mr Li Ka-shing believes that educational reform is the key to sustainable growth, to closing the gap in inequality and to driving positive changes for our country’s future. Dr Fung added that the Foundation is honoured to be serving Prof Lin’s passion to inspire and nurture these young scientists to pursue the rewarding and exciting journey of discovery and science.
For more information about Project Prometheus, please visit:
www.prometheus.stu.edu.cn
Lin Haifan, Professor of Yale University and Council Member of Shantou University, introduces the objectives and features of Project Prometheus to students at the opening ceremony.
Near one hundred high school students join the three-day camp at STU.
Students grasp the opportunity to speak to their mentors after the opening ceremony.
Seven Mentors in Project Prometheus 2015
