Special Interview with Prof. Junjiang Fu
On 28 August, we were honored to interview Prof. Jujiang Fu, a leading expert in genetics and oncology shed light on her pivotal shift toward tumor epigenetics, revealing the profound challenges and triumphs in establishing key laboratories, and sharing her philosophy on mentoring the next generation of scientists. Driven by the belief that epigenetics serves as a critical bridge between genetic inheritance and disease, her work is not only advancing cancer research but also fostering international collaboration and talent development.
Questions:
1. What inspired you to shift your research focus toward tumor epigenetics?
2. Could you describe the most significant challenges and breakthroughs in establishing the tumor-epigenetics key laboratories and their impact on cancer research?
3. As a mentor, what qualities do you emphasize when guiding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in such interdisciplinary fields?
4. How do you usually balance intensive research work with your personal life?
About Junjiang Fu:
Prof. Junjiang Fu is the Director of the Center for Basic Medical Research at Southwest Medical University, where he serves as a Distinguished and Second-Level Professor, supervising master's and postdoctoral researchers. He is also an adjunct doctoral supervisor at Macau University of Science and Technology and Chiang Mai University in Thailand.
Prof. Fu earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, and completed postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine, USA. A recipient of the State Council's Special Government Allowance and a recognized High-Level Overseas Returnee Talent of Sichuan Province, he has long been engaged in tumor epigenetics and translational cancer research.
He founded two key provincial laboratories-the Key Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and the Key Medical Laboratory of Epigenetics and Tumor-and has led multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has published nearly 200 SCI-indexed papers (total impact factor >500), holds 12 national invention patents, and has edited three academic books, including Epigenetics in Cancer.
Prof. Fu's research achievements have earned both national and provincial awards, including the 2023 Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (Third Prize). He also holds forensic expert certification and applies his expertise in clinical, genetic, and forensic medicine.
Editor: Yana Wei
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics
