Young research talents are a critical force for the sustainable development of Taiwan. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) “2030 Cross-Generation Young Scholars Program” aims to provide stable research resources, enabling exceptional scholars in the early stages of their research careers to focus on innovative and interdisciplinary research topics and pursue global research excellence. By doing so, the program seeks to cultivate the next generation of scientific and technological research talents in Taiwan. Principal investigators must have worked in a dedicated teaching or research position domestically or overseas within 5 years prior to applying. A maximum of 25 new projects may be supported annually.

Dr. Wei Chen’s research mainly focus on nanomedicine, drug delivery, RNA nanotechnology, cell engineering, innovative biomaterials, and biomedical engineering. His work includes the application of these technologies and strategies in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases, as well as in immune modulation and immunotherapy, including cell and gene therapy. Dr. Chen employs interdisciplinary strategies (including biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science, and biology) to address current medical challenges in disease treatment. Dr. Chen proposes employing a nanomedicine strategy to develop a cell engineering approach aimed at creating next-generation engineered macrophages for innovative tumor treatment. This approach seeks to establish a deep understanding of this therapeutic method and provide a robust foundation for clinical translation. Dr. Chen’s research is highly prospective and holds substantial application potential. As a result, he has been awarded the 2024 NSTC “2030 Cross-Generation Young Scholars Program (Emerging Young Scholars).”

Dr. Chen is very grateful to the NSTC and all the review committee members for their recognition and financial support. He hopes that this research project will enable his laboratory to cultivate more students pursuing interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering, materials chemistry, nanomedicine, and life sciences. Dr. Chen warmly invites young professionals interested in his laboratory’s research to join and contribute to Taiwan’s advancements in fundamental and applied biomedical research and innovation.