HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 9 May 2023 - The Asian Young Scientist Fellowship announces its inaugural Fellows for the year 2023. The Fellowship has selected a cohort of twelve exceptional early-career scientists from the Asian region based on their remarkable accomplishments in Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as their exceptional creativity and potential for future research endeavors. The chosen Fellows have demonstrated their capacity to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and have displayed the potential to make significant contributions to their respective fields in the years to come. The field of Life Science is characterized by an ongoing pursuit of innovative research that addresses various biological and medical challenges. In this context, four prominent young scientists, from mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong S.A.R., have been selected to receive support for their respective research endeavors. Dr. Peng Du's work focuses on generating totipotent cells capable of generating both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This research is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of the stem cell field, which holds immense potential for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. Dr. Daishi Fujita, on the other hand, will be exploring the application of his method of autonomous assembly of artificial structures to trap transiently interacting proteins or their active form for structural analysis. This research could provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying protein-protein interactions, which play critical roles in various biological processes. Dr. Takaaki Yasuhara's research aims to define how, when, and where the first events of chromosomal translocations occur. This study has the potential to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of diseases such as cancer and could lead to the development of novel therapies for their treatment. Dr. Ho Ko's research is centered around targeting a brainstem-hypothalamus neural circuit to extend health span based on his pioneering work in uncovering the fundamental rules governing the functional organization of synaptic connections. This research could lead to new interventions that promote healthy aging, a critical goal in our society as the global population ages. Physical Sciences comprises of a wide range of research that seeks to deepen our understanding of the natural world and provide insights that can be applied in engineering, medicine, and technology. Four distinguished young scientists from Hong Kong SAR., Mainland China, Japan, and Singapore have been selected as recipients of the Fellowship.