Overseas High-Level Talent Award (National) - (22/01/2026)

I am truly delighted and deeply honored to have been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive China’s Overseas High-Level (National) Talent Award!

Since my arrival in China (August 2024), I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from countless colleagues at ZCMU and the First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou.

I extend my sincere gratitude for all they have done to welcome and assist me. 🙏

I also want to express how incredibly proud I am of my research group .

'Success is always a team effort', and I am grateful to share this moment with every member of my team and all my colleagues. 👍

At the same time, I feel it’s important to acknowledge the countless grants, awards, and fellowship applications I was NOT awarded over the past ~25 years! The reality of scientific research is that it is intensely competitive and, in many ways, growing more fierce and demanding.

This brings me to a message I’d like to share, especially with younger scientists: 'Do not be discouraged by the rejections and setbacks you will encounter'. For most of us, these will far outnumber our successes—I speak from personal experience!! 😆

Yet, if you remain passionate and persistent, I can equally guarantee that you will find success in the long run.

And remember: success is not solely defined by awards, publications, or grants. Frankly, I had even forgotten I’d applied for this award! I promise!

For me, the real motivation comes from the thrill of a working hypothesis, the satisfaction a succesful result—even if it’s just a black band on a film!!!—and the respect of my peers, irrespective of academic titles.

Of course, I recognize that productivity—through grants and publications—is important and necessary. Yet, for me, it has never been the primary driving force over my ~30 years in research.

So, if there’s one takeaway message, it’s this: 'Be a scientist for the joy of discovery, not for the distinctions or recognition it may bring...(altough a Nobel prize won't hurt!)'.

This is simply my personal perspective, but I hope it resonates with some of you.