The China Asia Associated University System hosted the “2021 International Conference on Advanced Biomedical Sciences” (ICABS) on the campus in China Medical University from December 19 to December 21. Ten Fellows from the United States National Academy of Sciences (NAS), including two Nobel Prize laureates in bio-chemistry, Dr. Randy W. Schekman and Dr. William G. Kaelin, and fourteen internationally renowned cancer specialists and scholars, were invited to give addresses online, sharing their expertise and research findings on the cutting-edge developments in bio-medical research.p>

Chairman Dr. Chang-hai Tsai further observed, “We will host this ICABS conference every year in the hope that this event can have a far-reaching and significant impact on the development of Taiwan’s bio-medical sciences. China Medical University, China Medical University Hospital, Asia University, and Asia University Hospital will jointly work on the fundamental medical research and translational medicine to develop precision medical and innovative therapy toward the cure of various types of cancer.

Dr. Mien-Chie Hung, President of China Medical University and also the Chairman of this conference, invited many renowned and prominent scholars over the world through his academic connections and influence to attend the conference on line or in person. As President Hong stated, in addition to the two Nobel Prize laureates, Dr. Chien-jen Chen, the former Vice President of Republic of China (Taiwan), Dr. Chi-Huey Wong, Winner of Welch Award in Chemistry, Dr. Juichi Yamagiwa, President of Kyoto University, were also invited to take part in the conference. The themes of this year’s conference cover a wide range of state-of-the-art studies which include signal transduction and cancer, cancer metabolism, stem cells, cancer immunology, novel technology and translational innovation, and innovative cancer therapies, among others.

“We wish to hold this international conference annually so as to promote and publicize Taiwan’s achievement in bio-medical and life sciences,” President Hong said. He also wishes to create a platform through which these international masters can share their experiences in doing research with young scholars and students from the China Asia Associated University System. Hopefully with the assistance and inspiration of these master scientists in bio-medicines, young scholars and students can go to study in America.

Dr. Jeffrey J. P. Tsai, President of the China Asia Associated University System, also President of Asia University, stated, “The research team in Asia University utilizes AI, machine learning, and biomedical data science to drive cancer-related research efforts.” He added that the AU team uses AI and machine learning models to identify two genes (SLC24A3 and PAMR1), potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer in order to improve survival and innovative cancer therapies; the AU research team also utilizes big data to assess the cardiovascular risk of patients with chronic kidney disease, to study the role of circadian rhythm genes in the cancer genome, and to explore the genetic markers and prognostic analysis of human lncRNA in the cancer genome, just to name a few.

Since 2010, AU has invited 17 Nobel Prize laureates to visit the university. This tradition was interrupted two years ago because of the outbreak of the pandemic. This conference creates an innovative way to continue the tradition by inviting two Nobel Prize laureates to give lectures online.