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Nobel Laureate Hartmut Michel Joins Jilin University in China as Professor
🇨🇳 China /Culture & Society

Nobel Laureate Hartmut Michel Joins Jilin University in China as Professor

From South China Morning Post · (8m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • German biochemist and Nobel laureate Hartmut Michel has accepted a full-time professorship at Jilin University in China.
  • The 77-year-old scientist, who won the 1988 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on photosynthesis, will join the university's First Hospital as part of its talent recruitment strategy.
  • Michel expressed optimism about advancing research in structural biology and drug development, while Jilin University pledged full support for his work and international collaboration.

Jilin University's recruitment of Nobel laureate Hartmut Michel marks a significant achievement in China's ongoing drive to bolster its academic and scientific prowess. As reported, the university views Michel, a distinguished biochemist recognized for his groundbreaking work on photosynthesis, as a "flagship hire" under its strategic talent acquisition program. This move underscores China's commitment to attracting world-class talent to enhance its research capabilities.

the university had a strong academic base and had made steady progress across many fields in recent years.

— Hartmut MichelMichel shared his positive assessment of Jilin University during a meeting with the university's Communist Party chief.

Michel's decision to join Jilin University, rather than continuing his career elsewhere, signals a growing confidence in China's research environment. His stated intention to collaborate with university teams on structural biology, drug development, and translational medicine, as well as to mentor young scientists, indicates a long-term vision. This aligns with China's broader goals of fostering innovation and developing leading research programs capable of competing on a global stage.

I look forward to working with university teams to advance research in structural biology, drug development and translational medicine, and to help train young scientists and develop world-class research programmes.

— Hartmut MichelThe Nobel laureate expressed his research interests and goals upon joining Jilin University.

From a Chinese perspective, Michel's appointment is not merely about individual expertise; it's about integrating international scientific leadership into the national research ecosystem. The university's commitment to providing full support and fostering international collaboration, particularly between China and Germany, highlights a strategic approach to knowledge exchange. This initiative is crucial for building a world-class university and advancing scientific frontiers, demonstrating China's increasing role as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.

the university would fully support Michel and hoped he would help drive research breakthroughs and strengthen international collaboration, particularly between China and Germany.

— Tian HuiJilin University's Communist Party chief pledged support for Michel's work and international cooperation.
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Originally published by South China Morning Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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