Over the span of four years,Professor Wu Tongbo has mentored 29 undergraduate students in pharmacy and clinical medicine, leading them to publish 23 high-level papers and secure 8 national awards in life science competitions.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Researchers 

Professor Wu sees immense potential in every student, regardless of their initial level of expertise. He believes that undergraduates, often perceived as novices in the field of research, possess an unbounded capacity for innovation. "Although they may lack professional knowledge, their thinking is not confined," he says. "By stimulating their interest in research and providing them with freedom and space to learn independently, their seemingly whimsical ideas can bring new inspiration to the team."

Success Stories 

One of the many success stories under Professor Wu's mentorship is Feng Zishan, an outstanding student from the 8-Year Program for clinical medicine. Despite juggling a demanding academic schedule, Feng joined the research team during her sophomore year and soon became the first undergraduate from Professor Wu's team to publish a paper in Chinese Chemical Letters. Her academic achievements have been equally impressive, consistently ranking in the top three of her major and receiving numerous scholarships, including the National Scholarship and Qiu Fazu Scholarship.

Another notable student is Hu Minghao from the 8-Year Program for clinical medicine, who exemplifies the resilience and perseverance essential for a scientific researcher. After facing initial challenges in his research, Hu persisted and eventually published his first paper, followed by a series of successful publications in renowned journals such as ACS Nano and Nucleic Acids Research.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration 

Professor Wu also emphasizes the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. He encourages students from different fields, such as clinical medicine and pharmacy, to work together, fostering an environment where ideas can intersect and innovate. For instance, Xie Tianci, a student from 8-Year Program for clinical medicine, actively collaborated with peers from other disciplines, leading to the publication of a high-impact paper in Nucleic Acids Research.

The Secret to "Turning Stone into Gold"

Professor Wu's secret to success lies in his meticulous selection process and nurturing approach. He carefully selects students based on their critical thinking and innovative spirit, providing them with the necessary training in literature review and experimental skills. Each undergraduate is given the responsibility to lead an independent research project, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.

Despite the heavy academic load, Professor Wu believes that time for research can be effectively managed. He advises students to identify their research interests and allocate time accordingly, even using fragmented time for experiments. He also emphasizes the importance of writing papers, encouraging students to draft their papers independently to deepen their understanding and prepare for future research.

As a result of Professor Wu's guidance, HUST's School of Pharmacy continues to produce exceptional researchers who are well-equipped to contribute to the scientific community.