Dr. FURONG LI | Medical Discoveries | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. FURONG LI, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, China

Dr. Fu-Rong Li, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People’s Hospital) of the Southern University of Science and Technology, China. With a prolific academic background in clinical medicine, parasitology, and molecular biology, Dr. Li has made significant contributions in stem cell research, cancer immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and regenerative medicine. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and holds several national patents. His pioneering work continues to influence the fields of translational and precision medicine both nationally and internationally.

🧬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Fu-Rong Li embarked on his medical journey with an M.D. from Ningxia Medical College in 1984, followed by a Master’s degree in Parasitic Diseases with a focus on hydatidosis at Lanzhou Medical College in 1991. His academic dedication culminated in a Ph.D. in Molecular and Immune Parasitology from Tongji Medical University in 1999. These formative years laid the groundwork for his enduring contributions to translational medicine, immunotherapy, and stem cell biology. His research curiosity took root early, especially in the intersection of infectious diseases and immune response, which later evolved into a lifelong dedication to stem cell differentiation, regenerative medicine, and cancer immunotherapy.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Li currently serves as the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at Shenzhen People’s Hospital, affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). Since 1999, he has held progressive roles from Assistant Professor to Professor, contributing significantly to the evolution of translational medicine in China. His early career included a stint as an Attending Physician in the Department of Digestive Medicine at Ningxia Medical University (1984–1988), followed by senior research and teaching roles at Lanzhou University’s Hydatid Research Laboratory. His professional trajectory showcases his dual capabilities in clinical practice and cutting-edge biomedical research.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Li is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in stem cell biology, regenerative therapies, cancer diagnostics, and nanomedicine. His research contributions are vast, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications, covering topics like:

• Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic β cells.

• Cancer proteomics and exosomal signaling in lung adenocarcinoma.

• Nano-immunodiagnostic tools for infectious and oncological diseases.

• Single-cell analysis of non-coding RNAs in stem cell differentiation and immunity.

• Development of novel multi-omics frameworks for understanding tumor biology.

His work has been published in prestigious journals such as Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Advanced Science, Cell Death & Disease, and NPJ Genomic Medicine.

🧪 Innovation and Patents

Dr. Li holds nine Chinese national invention patents, reflecting his commitment to translational applications of research. His inventions include:

• Methods for iPSC to pancreatic cell differentiation via miRNAs.

• Novel liquid chip-based miRNA detection kits.

• Dual-labeled gold nanoprobes for diagnostic purposes.

• Preparation methods for nano-magnetic drug microspheres.

These patents highlight his role as a scientific innovator and entrepreneurial researcher, bridging laboratory discoveries with real-world applications.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Li’s research excellence has earned him national and institutional recognition, especially for his work on diabetic wound healing, tumor immunotherapy, and stem cell engineering. His research has contributed to clinical advancements in personalized medicine and biomaterial-assisted stem cell therapy. He is frequently invited to speak at international conferences, reflecting his status as a leading expert in translational medicine and regenerative biology in China and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through mentoring emerging scientists, supervising graduate students, and leading interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Li has cultivated a strong academic legacy. He is a bridge between fundamental biology and clinical medicine, influencing drug delivery systems, immunotherapy protocols, and biosensing platforms used globally. His work in lung cancer biology, in particular, has offered insights into cancer metastasis, immune checkpoint modulation, and exosome-mediated signaling pathways—laying the foundation for next-generation immunotherapies.

🔭 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected leader in Shenzhen’s biomedical ecosystem, Dr. Fu-Rong Li continues to shape the future of regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and translational diagnostics. With over four decades of combined clinical and research expertise, he remains committed to advancing therapies for diabetes, cancer, and immune diseases. Looking ahead, Dr. Li is expected to contribute significantly to the integration of AI, single-cell sequencing, and precision medicine for real-time diagnostics and personalized treatment. His multidisciplinary approach ensures that his legacy will influence generations of scientists and physicians to come.

✍️Notable Publications