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Photo - LCY Group Chairman Bowei Lee with the Scientific Advisory Board and speakers

From left to right: LCY Group Chairman Bowei Lee, Scientific Advisory Board Chairman Ehud Keinan, Nobel Laureate Lecturer Frances H. Arnold, Nobel Laureate Lecturer Aaron Ciechanover, former Academia Sinica President Chi-Huey Wong, and Executive Director of LCY Education Foundation Leon Loh.

Nobel Laureates and Emerging Scientists Convene to Advance Breakthroughs and Foster Collaboration

TAIPEI, Jan. 6, 2025 -- The fifth Bowei Research Conference (BRC) successfully concluded on January 5, reaffirming LCY Group and Group Chairman Mr. Bowei Lee & his wife Ms. Christine Young’s dedication to fostering scientific exchange and international collaboration. Hosted by the LCY Education Foundation, the conference was organized under the guidance of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), chaired by Prof. Ehud Keinan, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). With a carefully curated agenda and a distinguished line-up of speakers, the event brought together renowned scientists and promising young scholars from around the world. The conference aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, drive innovative research, and deepen the impact of the practical applications of biochemistry and Chemical Biology, establishing itself as a crucial incubator for advancing scientific innovation and sustainable development.

Speaking at the BRC, LCY Group Chairman Bowei Lee said: “The BRC is a premier academic platform designed to empower the next generation of leaders in Chemical Biology. It not only drives breakthroughs in fundamental research but also provides guidance to the biotechnological industry on sustainable development. As the global demand for innovative and sustainable solutions grows, the BRC facilitates exchanges and collaboration between scientists worldwide, providing a significant momentum boost to the interface between chemistry and the life sciences." 

Lee also announced that the 2026 BRC will expand to include both winter and summer sessions. The summer session will spotlight cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and neuroscience while examining how the convergence of science and technology is reshaping industries and transforming human lives. The expansion will reinforce the conference’s position as a leading international event in the scientific community.

The 2025 BRC was themed "The Magic of Chemistry" focusing on "Frontiers in Chemical Biology - The Chemistry of Life." The conference delved into the structure and function of biomolecules and their roles in biological processes. Discussions covered cutting-edge fields such as directed evolution, protein engineering, and biocatalysis. The event brought together 113 leading scientists from Japan, the United States, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan. The presence of two Nobel laureates, Mr. Aaron Ciechanover (ubiquitin-proteasome system) and Ms. Frances H. Arnold (protein engineering), further enriched the conference with unparalleled academic depth and global significance. Ms. Arnold also serves as the board of directors at Illumina and Alphabet. 

"The BRC provides a groundbreaking platform for scientists from around the world to cultivate revolutionary concepts, technologies, and methodologies. It bridges the gap between fundamental research and practical applications in the bio and medical chemistry while fostering deeper collaboration between scientists—a contribution of profound importance to the advancement of modern science," said Keinan. 

Keinan also noted that the BRC has become an internationally recognized academic event, attracting experts from diverse disciplines to jointly address global scientific challenges. The conference was held in a serene location away from urban distractions. The event also leveraged open and informal discussions and retreats to foster brainstorming and academic exchange under a relaxed atmosphere, encourage meaningful exchanges, and spark innovation—key elements that make up the event's unique charm. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration in advancing scientific progress. Keinan also expressed his hope that the BRC will remain a catalyst for biotechnological innovation.

The conference featured 13 distinguished speakers who delved into the critical role of innovation and application in chemical biology. Key topics included the latest advancements in protein technology and drug discovery to spark inspiration among attendees. The event also leveraged the longstanding tradition of scientific conferences with a poster paper competition, offering up-and-coming scientists a platform to present their research. This initiative facilitated meaningful exchanges between emerging and seasoned scholars, underscoring the forum's importance as a hub for academic collaboration.

Since its establishment in 2018 with the support of LCY Group, the BRC has evolved into a global platform that combines cutting-edge ideas with collaborative innovation, successfully fostering robust connections between domestic and international academic communities. Guided by an SAB of seasoned experts, the conference has, to date, attracted more than 620 participants from around the world, 77 prominent scholars and scientists, and garnered the support of more than 25 leading international institutions. These achievements underscore the BRC's leadership and influence in the global academic and scientific landscape. Looking ahead, the BRC aims to expand its global influence, inspire greater interdisciplinary collaboration, and generate the momentum of innovation to address significant global scientific and technological challenges.