How Once Upon a Time…Life sparked Yan Fung’s academic journey
Dr. Yan Fung Wong’s love for science started when he was still a kid. He watched the cartoon Once Upon a Time…Life – a show that brought the human body to life by turning cells, organs, and processes into characters. Fascinated by the hidden world inside us, truly inspiring biology teachers kept that spark alive and pushed him to see science beyond just daily life.
After completing his PhD in developmental biology in Hong Kong, Wong moved to Japan to pursue postdoctoral training in Shinichi Nishikawa’s lab, who’s a pioneer in stem cell biology. In his project, he investigated the epigenetic changes in atomic bomb survivors who developed leukemia decades later. He was both surprised and deeply intrigued by the idea that radiation-induced mutations could remain silent in stem cells for such an extended period before eventually manifesting as disease.
He continued his research within stem cell science and joined the Joshua Brickman Lab at reNEW Copenhagen. During his time there, he successfully isolated several types of expandable stem cell cultures during in vitro differentiation. This achievement not only advanced his research but also helped secure stable funding and foster multiple collaboration projects within reNEW. Each step has been pivotal in building Yan Fung’s expertise and establishing his profile in the field.
‘‘reNEW played a significant role by providing access to interdisciplinary resources, facilitating international collaborations, and offering platforms to showcase my research,’’ he reflects. ‘‘The Center offers state-of-the-art technology, funding for exploratory projects, and a nurturing environment that encourages innovation. This support empowered me to pursue ambitious questions and grow as a PI.’’
His journey, however, was not without challenges. Balancing experimental setbacks, grant and paper rejections were persistent challenges. Resilience became essential. So did peer support, constructive feedback, a global network, and mentorship. In the latter, Joshua Brickman played an essential role.
‘‘Mentorship has been central to my development. Joshua Brickman offered guidance, encouragement, and valuable connections that helped me overcome technical challenges, navigate career direction, and build confidence as a leader. His deep curiosity, passion for science, and dedication to nurturing young researchers have inspired me to carry these values forward,’’ says Dr. Wong.
Dr. Wong is now starting a position as a principal investigator (PI) at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, leading a research team focused on stem cell and organoid biology. Though the science itself is compelling, it is the academic environment that feels like home. ‘‘I have always valued the freedom to explore new ideas and the chance to mentor others,’’ he says. Academia provides a unique space to generate new knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and train the next generation of scientists. As a PI, I will have the opportunity to shape research directions and build a diverse team drawing on different backgrounds and expertise.’’
Looking ahead, Dr. Wong is committed to building a collaborative group, securing grant funding, and advancing knowledge that bridges fundamental science and its translational applications.
For those considering a career in academia as well, Yan Fung Wong offers this advice:
‘‘Stay curious and actively seek guidance from your mentor and colleagues. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and be open to learning from setbacks. Take advantage of opportunities like collaborative networks and training programs. Have confidence in your ability to make meaningful contributions, even when the path ahead is uncertain.’’