New institute of immuno-metabolim for Shanghai

The Shanghai Jiao Tong-Yale Institute for Immuno-Metabolism announced its inauguration in the city on Saturday.

The new institute, set up between Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Yale University, will focus on the research of the mechanism of immune cells and target diseases like inflammatory diseases, diabetes and cancer.

“We want to build the new institute into the world’s best institute for immune-metabolism, which is related with many diseases,” said Richard Flavell, founder of Yale Department of Immunobiology and co-director of the new institute. “The immunobiology department in Yale is the best in the world, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine is also a leading medical school. Through the two parties, we want to attract the best scientists to work here.”

Experts said the new joint institute will define the frontier of innovation and discovery in immune-metabolism and further enhance the thriving scientific environment in Shanghai.

Chen Guoqiang, director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, said the collaboration can boost the discovery of medicines for diseases of metabolism, enhance the understanding of cancer and contribute to the health of the people.

“We have applied to the city government to include the new institute into the Zhangjiang Science City project and give more favorable policies to our scientists at home and abroad,” he said.

The first phase of the institute will cover 800 square meters, and it will be expanded to 5,000 square meters in the second phase. The first batch of achievements and discoveries are expected to be released in three to five years, officials said.

Ti Gong