UM Scholars Make Scientific Discoveries with Global Impact
MACAU SAR - Media Outreach Newswire - 13 February 2025 - The University of Macau (UM) has strengthened its position as a leading research institution through multiple strategies, including the recruitment of high-calibre scholars from around the world. The groundbreaking scientific discoveries made by these distinguished scholars and their teams have greatly advanced the university's global influence and Macao's development as an innovation hub.
Top-tier academics are vital to the academic and research advancement of a university. UM's faculty boasts leading scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in their respective disciplines. Notably, Chuxia Deng, Chair Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Chen Xin, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences; and Yuen Ka-Veng, Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology, have made remarkable achievements in cancer research, immunology, and civil engineering respectively.
Chuxia Deng: Advancing Cancer and Precision Medicine Research
Prof Chuxia Deng, a prominent figure in life sciences, has a successful track record in cancer research, focusing on precision oncology, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, gene targeting, and drug development. Notably, his breakthrough work involves using BRCA1 mutant mouse models to identify new targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive form of cancer. His research innovations span a 24-hour cancer drug screening biochip, drug susceptibility testing using patient-derived organoids, and 3D tumour slice culture technology.
Since joining UM in 2014, Prof Deng and his research teams have published 150 papers in top journals, with over 4,300 citation counts. His leadership has significantly boosted the Faculty of Health Sciences's research output, elevating the number of publications from 43 in 2014 to over 2,400 by 2024, with more than 60,000 citation counts, including over 400 publications with an impact factor ≥10. As the chief scientist of the Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology at UM, Prof Deng spearheads cutting-edge cancer research to enhance early cancer diagnosis and advance personalised treatment for cancer patients through precision medicine.
Chen Xin: Leading the Way in Innovative Immunotherapy
Prof Chen Xin, a renowned scholar in immunology and Chinese medicine, has led groundbreaking studies that advances a safer and more effective treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases. His team in the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) at UM, in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), discovered that targeting a specific protein called TNFR2 can enhance anti-tumour immune responses and kill cancer cells, bringing new hope to cancer patients.
Under Prof Chen's leadership, ICMS has made significant progress in the internationalisation of Chinese medicine. Upholding the motto of 'seeking innovation through tradition', the institute has produced many research results with global impact. A series of international symposia have also been held to promote global academic exchange and strengthening international partnerships in the field of Chinese medicine. In addition to advancing innovative research and development, ICMS is also dedicated to training Chinese medicine professionals to support the development of the 'big health' industry.
Yuen Ka-Veng: Setting the Foundation for Bayesian Methods in Civil Engineering
Prof Yuen Ka-Veng is the leading scientist of the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City at UM and an eminent engineering expert in Macao, specialising in Bayesian inference, structural health monitoring, and machine learning. According to Web of Science, Prof Yuen is ranked 2nd worldwide in terms of the number of journal publications of Bayesian in all engineering disciplines. In 2024, Prof Yuen was awarded the 15th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Prize by the Chinese Academy of Engineering in recognition of his contributions to engineering technology and engineering management.
His pioneering work in developing new Bayesian methods tailored to real-world engineering scenarios has had a significant impact on the advancement of engineering practices and technologies. The methods have been extensively applied not only to structural health monitoring of major structures in mainland China and Hong Kong, but also in many other fields such as air pollution modelling, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, computational physics, disaster mitigation, neuroscience, smart transportation, and communications engineering.
The achievements of these scholars highlight UM's commitment to academic excellence and innovation, and to establishing Macao as a leading hub for scientific research. The success of these scholars and their teams has not only enhanced UM's global reputation and amplified Macao's role in promoting technological development in the Greater Bay Area, but has also contributed to the city's economic diversification.Hashtag: #UniversityofMacau #UM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the University of Macau
Founded in 1981, the University of Macau (UM) is a comprehensive research-oriented public university of international standing in Macao, with a multicultural campus and a system of whole-person education underpinned by faculties and residential colleges in an international education setup. Eighty per cent of its faculty members are from outside Macao. With English as the primary medium of instruction, the university is committed to producing innovative and socially responsible graduates with a global mindset and international competitiveness.
Website: https://www.um.edu.mo/
University of Macau
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
China launches satellite for natural disaster monitoring
14 June 2025 17:19 JIUQUAN (AGENCIES) China launched an electromagnetic monitoring satellite on Saturday, which is expected to enhance the country's "space-air-ground" integrated monitoring capabilities for major natural disasters, China's state news agency (Xinhua) reported.A Long March-2D carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 3:56 p.m. (Beijing Time), successfully sending the Zhangheng 1-02 satellite into its planned orbit, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).The CNSA said that this marks a significant step forward for China in the field of space-based observation of the Earth's physical after the ancient Chinese inventor Zhang Heng, who created the world's first seismoscope over 1,800 years ago, the satellite was jointly developed by China and Italy. It is the first operational satellite dedicated to exploring the Earth's physical fields under China's medium and long-term civil space infrastructure development plan, according to the a designed lifespan of six years, the satellite is equipped with nine payloads, including an electric field detector co-developed by China and Italy, as well as a high-energy particle detector developed by will carry out quasi-real-time monitoring of global electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, the ionosphere and the neutral atmosphere, detecting electromagnetic anomalies caused by geological and human activities, as well as monitoring thunderstorm and lightning activity, according to CNSA."Scientists will use these data to study the correlation between changes in the Earth's physical fields and geological activities, and to support research on the prediction of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, extreme weather, and space weather disasters," said Peng Wei, Deputy Director of the System Engineering Department of the satellite will significantly enhance China's early perception, risk assessment, and monitoring and early warning capabilities for major natural disasters, Peng added. It will also provide data support for emergency management, resource mapping, and communications and navigation industries, while fostering scientific and technological cooperation in related fields among countries and regions along the Belt and Road.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Arabian Post
MediLink Therapeutics Taps Major Banks for Hong Kong Float
MediLink Therapeutics Ltd. is preparing to launch an initial public offering in Hong Kong, having secured China International Capital Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley as its lead advisers, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The move comes as the clinical-stage biotech firm seeks to capitalise on growing investor interest in advanced tumour-targeting therapies and consolidate its platform of antibody‑drug conjugates. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Suzhou with R&D operations in Shanghai and Boston, MediLink has developed a proprietary ADC technology known as TMALIN®. The platform facilitates precise delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumour cells, with the intention of widening therapeutic windows for solid tumour treatments. Its pipeline includes programs that have advanced to clinical stages in both China and the United States, supported by a Series B financing round of approximately USD 70 million in 2022. MediLink's strategic engagement of three underwriters reflects heightened confidence in anchor investors and broader syndication. China International Capital Corp. brings deep roots in Chinese capital markets and extensive IPO experience in the biotech sector. JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley add global banking heft and access to international investors. ADVERTISEMENT CICC itself is emerging as a top-tier sponsor for Hong Kong listings. It led or co-led 19 IPOs for Chinese corporates last year, raising USD 3.84 billion, positioning it as a dominant force amid market revival. The engagement of internationally renowned banks alongside CICC is likely aimed at boosting MediLink's valuation and widening investor interest both locally and abroad. While IPO details remain confidential, analysts suggest MediLink could seek a valuation in the mid‑to‑high hundreds of millions of dollars. That would reflect both the advanced stage of its pipeline and prevailing market multiples for ADC developers. Comparable biotech flotations in Hong Kong and the U.S. have reflected growing appetite for oncology-focused platforms. Alongside listing ambitions, MediLink continues to advance its clinical and licensing goals. In March it unveiled preclinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting; earlier in the year it received FDA clearance for its IND application for YL217, its lead candidate. YL201, another programme, received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in January for treatment of recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The company has also pursued strategic licensing agreements with global pharmaceutical firms to expand development and commercialisation capabilities. A licensing deal under discussion ahead of the IPO is believed aimed at enhancing distribution reach while reinforcing MediLink's balance sheet. The IPO effort is part of a broader resurgence in biotech listings in Hong Kong, where authorities have eased regulations to attract innovation-driven offerings. CICC and other banks have ramped up support for ADC and gene therapy companies, signalling a turning point after a lull in listings. ADVERTISEMENT MediLink's choice of banks aligns with a wider trend: CICC has co-sponsored blockbuster floats including the forthcoming mega‑IPO of CATL, while banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have also participated. In this context, MediLink is positioning itself to tap both deep domestic networks and international capital. Stakeholder sentiment appears optimistic. MediLink's management team, comprised of co‑founders Tony Xue and Jiaqiang Cai alongside C‑suite leaders experienced in drug development and financial strategy, has overseen steady progress in its ADC pipeline and established global partnerships. Jason Li's appointment as CFO in 2023 reportedly strengthened the company's capital market readiness. Market observers highlight challenges ahead. ADC development remains capital-intensive, clinical risks high, and competition fierce among domestic and international peers. Success will hinge on late‑stage data and licensing traction. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and volatility in Hong Kong equity markets may affect investor sentiment. MediLink must also navigate post‑IPO obligations, including regulatory reporting and corporate governance under Hong Kong's Main Board requirements. Mitigating execution risk will be critical, underscoring the role of its chosen bankers in underwriting diligence and market support. Analysts describe the listing as a pivotal moment: it offers the backing to fund Phase II/III efforts while elevating MediLink's corporate profile. For banks, it reinforces Hong Kong's appeal as a biotech capital market when compared with established centres like Nasdaq. With its IPO process underway, MediLink now awaits market timing and regulatory clearances before formally filing a prospectus. The company is expected to continue advancing clinical data, strengthening licensing ties, and preparing investor materials aligned with regulatory requirements.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
India's active COVID-19 cases cross 6,000; Kerala remains most affected
India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reported that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 6,133 on Sunday. In the past 24 hours, the country has recorded six new deaths related to COVID-19 — two in Karnataka, three in Kerala, and one in Tamil Nadu. Kerala remains the most significantly impacted state, with active cases surging to 1,950 after 144 new infections were reported over the last day. This rise highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public health authorities in the state that reported India's first case of COVID-19 on Jan.30, 2020. Upon arriving in Kochi, the medical student who returned from the Chinese epicentre of Wuhan tested positive for the virus. She survived the attack. Kerala stopped publishing the daily coronavirus infection data on April 10, 2022, saying the pandemic was under control and relaxed the mask rule. The new surge in cases in India is primarily attributed to new Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants have demonstrated increased transmissibility while typically causing mild symptoms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies these as "variants under monitoring,' indicating they are not yet a cause for serious concern, but warrant vigilance and care. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has not been eradicated. However, its behaviour has shifted, Its status has changed from unpredictable emergency to a more manageable public health challenge, resembling a recurring cycle of illnesses, like the seasonal flu. Authorities say this evolving landscape underscores the significance of continued public health efforts and community engagement in mitigating the spread of the virus. Following Kerala, other states with notable active cases include Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. The national capital has documented 21 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, bringing its cumulative total to 686. Meanwhile, West Bengal reported 71 new cases, increasing its active case count to 693. In terms of recovery, 53 individuals were cured, discharged, or transferred from hospitals across West Bengal during this period. As of Sunday morning, data from nationwide indicated that 753 patients have successfully recovered, been discharged, or migrated. Authorities said this statistic is crucial in assessing the overall effectiveness of ongoing treatment plans. Since the beginning of the year, the total fatalities have reached 65, with 15 occurring in Kerala alone. In response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, multiple technical review meetings were convened on June 2 and 3. These discussions involved various stakeholders, including representatives of the Disaster Management Cell and the Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell. These meetings aimed to evaluate the current COVID-19 situation and enhance preparedness measures critically. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), along with officials from federal government hospitals in Delhi and representatives from all states and Union Territories (UTs), are monitoring its behaviour.
