XJTU sets up labs to research into structure and informatics

Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) has established Scientist Lab, an independent scientific research institution that aims to stimulate scientific vitality by breaking disciplinary boundaries and providing a broader space for interdisciplinary research.

XJTU has set up two Scientist Labs named after renowned scholars, the Jia-Lab for Interface and Atomic Structure and the Ye-Lab for Omics and Omics Informatics.

The chief scientist takes full responsibility for the lab and is given authority to make decisions related to self-management, staff recruitment and cultivating postgraduates.

Professor Jia Chunlin is an internationally renowned expert in the field of highresolution transmission electron microscopy and a senior scientist at the Institute of Microstructure Research of Jülich Research Centre in Germany. Before he joined XJTU, research into the microstructure of electronic materials was weak and lackluster.

Yao Xi of the School of Electronic and Information Engineering of XJTU proposed setting up the International Dielectric Center. Later, Jülich Research Centre and XJTU signed a strategic cooperation agreement and Professor Jia started his scientific research there.

“I felt the sincerity, courage and energy of XJTU, so I believe that it is the right place for doing research,” Professor Jia said.

Professor Ye Kai has been focusing on the research of bioinformatics and genomics for years. He worked at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “I have always wanted to form an interdisciplinary research team and establish an independent research direction in China. Here, XJTU provides me with a good platform.”

Ye-Lab for Omics and Omics Informatics seeks to meet the national vital demand for “Precision Medicine” in carrying out interdisciplinary research on bioinformatics and genomics.

Professor Ye is focusing on the Belt and Road initiative and conducting population studies, especially on research into genetic diseases.

“It is not the physical space and the number of students but the scale of world-class scientists and academic masters that contributes to a great university.

The goal of establishing Scientist Lab is creating world-class disciplines, talents and scientific highlands through stimulating the innovative capability of research teams and encouraging scientists to drive the development of interdisciplinary research and new results,” said Professor Wang Shuguo, president of the university.