July 3–7, 2025 | London & Cambridge

Professor Shau-Ping Lin, Director of the Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CDBRM) at National Taiwan University (NTU), undertook a five-day visit to the United Kingdom from July 3 to 7. During this trip, she visited several world-renowned universities and research institutions, engaging in in-depth exchanges across fields such as stem cells, biophysics, epigenetics, neuroscience, smart healthcare, and sustainable development. The visit actively promoted bilateral research collaborations and academia–industry partnerships.

July 3 – Research Exchange on Stem Cells and Germ Cell Epigenetics

Professor Lin began her visit at University College London (UCL), where she toured the UCL Cancer Institute’s Stem Cell Laboratory and met with Professor Tariq Enver, an expert in stem cell biology, to explore the institute’s core research and potential future collaboration in the field of fibrosis.

She then had an in-depth discussion on germ cell epigenetics with Professor Petra Hajkova, Professor of Developmental Epigenetics, Institute of Clinical Sciences,  Imperial College London, and Dr. Tien-Chi Huang.

July 4 – Advanced Research on Aging and Organoids

At Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), Professor Lin delivered an academic lecture hosted by Professor Yung-Yao Lin and engaged in a roundtable discussion with epigenetics expert Professor Miguel Branco. Their dialogue covered advanced topics such as transposable elements, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and organoids. She also introduced the research focus and international vision of NTU’s Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine.

July 5 – Academia–Industry Linkages and Biophysics Collaboration at Cambridge

At noon, Professor Lin participated in NTU’s International Overseas Internship Program networking event in London, where she connected with NTU students interning in UK companies and their mentors. The event supported international academic–industry collaboration and career development.

In the afternoon, she traveled to the University of Cambridge, where she met Dr. Tim Sharpe (Head of the Biophysics Facility at the Biozentrum, University of Basel) and Professor Yao-Liang of Gonville and Caius College to explore potential collaborations in biophysics.

She also held an in-depth academic discussion with Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith—former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Cambridge and current Executive Chair of the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)—on epigenomics, as well as institutional leadership from research centers to national-level organizations.

July 6 – Interdisciplinary and International Policy Dialogues

Four major meetings took place in Cambridge:

• With Dr. Tim Sharpe and Dr. Jaakko Järvinen (Coordinator of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Finland), she discussed sustainable energy policies and comparative education systems.

• A meeting with Professor Miguel Constancia, an expert in placental development and epigenetics, focused on collaborative research on extracellular vesicles secreted by the placenta and their role in organ development.

• A meeting with Richard Gianfrancesco, Head of Science Education, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to initiate collaborations related to forestry science and environmental education with NTU.

• Together with Professor Mei-Ju May Chen, Professor Lin prepared for the next day’s meeting at the Milner Therapeutics Institute, while at the historic The Eagle pub. Their discussion centered on fibrosis, cardiac stem cells, and organoid research.

July 7 – Final Day in Cambridge: Deepening Scientific and Industrial Collaborations

On the final day, facilitated by National Taiwan University Alumni Association in the UK President Ming-Tsung Louis Wu, Professor Lin and Professor Mei-Ju May Chen (Assistant Professor, NTU Master’s Program in Smart Medicine and Health Informatics) visited the Milner Therapeutics Institute, where they met with Dr. Nicola McCarthy. Professor Lin provided a comprehensive overview of NTUCDBRM’s research programs and explored long-term opportunities for international academic–industry collaboration.

President Wu also led the team on a tour of the research park where the Milner Institute is located, offering insights into the local R&D ecosystem and collaboration potential.

This UK visit concluded successfully, fostering multiple future partnership opportunities and strengthening academic and industrial ties between Taiwan and the UK in developmental biology, biotechnology, medical research, education policy, and sustainable development. The visit highlighted the global engagement and research leadership of Taiwan’s scientific community.