On November 21, 2023, Professor Yin Zhinan, Dean of the Institute of Biomedical Translational Research of Jinan University, delivered a lecture titled "Discovery of Natural Drug Targets and Chemical Biology" at the Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University. This lecture, arranged by Professor Liu Baohua, marked the 90th talk of the Shenzhen University Medicine Forum, and attracted numerous researchers and students from the medical school.

Professor Yin Zhinan first introduced his main research direction — γδ T cells, from basic to clinical transformation. He then described the story of his team's first discovery of IL27 receptor expression in fat cells, which he published in Nature. Using this example, he explained the value of critical thinking, why critical thinking should be cultivated, and the core spirit of critical thinking. Professor Yin Zhinan discussed that while he believes scientists should have strong critical thinking skills, a good work ethic, emotional intelligence, good social skills and other qualities, critical thinking alone plays a very key role. Professor Yin Zhinan then took himself as an example and explained his pathway from an early career researcher to becoming a PI, and how he established himself as a key opinion leader and also learned the skills to run his own laboratory. Professor Yin Zhinan explained how researchers should cultivate curiosity, develop and challenge themselves on their pathway to becoming a scientist, and learn to identify and solve scientific problems, and realize their dreams. Professor Yin Zhinan then gave advice on how to your own “label” or direction in the scientific context, and how to disseminate scientific knowledge along the road of scientific discovery. After the report, Professor Yin Zhinan actively interacted with the audience and engaged in a lively discussion on issues such as "critical thinking" and the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.

Brief introduction to the speaker

Yin Zhinan established the Institute of Biomedical Translational Research for Jinan University in 2013, where he was made Dean. He is a previous winner of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, has presided over the key R&D program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China as a chief scientist, has undertaken numerous key projects of the National Science Foundation Committee, and has participated in major projects of the National Science Foundation and the key R&D program of the Ministry of Science and Technology as the team leader. He has often been listed as an Elsevier Highly Cited Scholar, and has won the Guangdong Ding Ying Science and Technology Award, the Contribution Award of the China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the first prize of Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award and the first prize of the China Anti-Cancer Association as a co-finalist. He currently serves as the chairman of the Guangdong Society of Immunology, the chairman of the Cell Immunity Branch of the Chinese Society of Cell Biology, and the executive director of the Chinese Society of Immunology.