A message from Dean

To our future scientists,

Strong motivation is the foundation of meaningful science. Looking back on my own pasts, I find that the moments that shaped me most were those when I pursued questions I was genuinely curious about. We can do our best work only when we are working on something that truly interests us, something we continue to think about even outside the laboratory. I encourage young scientists to find such a question for themselves, as this intrinsic curiosity will sustain them through the inevitable difficulties and challenges of research.

At the same time, excellent science must be built on solid ground. Especially at the beginning of a research project, it is essential to slow down, think carefully, master the necessary skills, and invest sufficient time to test your ideas rigorously. The first step is often the most important, as it sets the direction and quality of everything that follows. Careful experimental design, patience, and persistence are therefore just as important as creativity. As history has shown, breakthroughs in science often come not from short bursts of effort, but from continuously thinking, testing, and refining ideas over time.

In our lab, we value both independence and discipline. My goal is not only to produce innovative research outcomes, but also to train scientists who can think critically, question assumptions, and approach complex biological problems with both curiosity and rigor. Science is not always straightforward, but through continuous effort and thoughtful work, it becomes an incredibly rewarding way to understand the world and benefit humankind.

Dean Thumkeo

April 2026