Istanbul Meeting.
Asian Chemical Biology Initiative 2024 Istanbul Meeting
March 1-3, 2024
Grand Hotel Halic
Istanbul, Turkey
The ACBI 2024 Istanbul Meeting took place from March 1 to 3, 2024, at the Grand Hotel Halic in Istanbul, Turkey. The event was supported by the JSPS Core-to-Core Program, funding agencies from ACBI member countries, and partially by the Japanese Embassy in celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan.
As a city where East meets West, Istanbul served as a symbolic and strategic location for this gathering. For ACBI, Turkey represents a vital part of Asia, and this meeting marked an important step in extending ACBI’s scientific network westward. By engaging with leading Turkish researchers and students, ACBI aims to foster high-level scientific exchange, collaborative research, and mobility programs—further strengthening scientific ties across Asia.
A total of 34 principal investigators participated, including researchers from Japan (16), Korea (3), China (4), India (1), and Turkey (10 invited faculty members).
Istanbul Session
The Istanbul Session opened the program on the morning of March 2, chaired by Prof. Takeaki Ozawa (University of Tokyo). Researchers from Koç University, Yeditepe University, Istanbul Medipol University, and Istanbul University gave brief introductions to their laboratories and research areas. Discussions focused on establishing long-term partnerships between Turkish institutions and the ACBI network.
The session laid the foundation for future collaboration, including plans to co-host a seminar in Istanbul and the potential inclusion of Turkey in the ACBI network.
Scientific Sessions
Following the Istanbul Session, a series of confidential scientific presentations were held under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), allowing participants to share unpublished data and ongoing research in a trusted environment.
The sessions covered a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics in chemical biology, reflecting the diversity and depth of expertise within ACBI, including bioimaging, chemical probes, peptide and protein engineering, chemical genetics, and drug discovery.
In addition to formal presentations, ample time for informal discussion — during coffee breaks and shared meals — fostered deeper scientific exchange. These interactions sparked new ideas and laid the groundwork for future collaborative projects.
Tutorial & Student Interview Sessions
On the afternoon of March 3, ACBI hosted the ACBI 2024 Istanbul Tutorial & Interview, designed to introduce the field of chemical biology to outstanding Turkish students and encourage international study for advanced degrees. Out of 51 applicants, 31 students were selected to attend the in-person event.
Tutorial Lectures
The tutorial session featured five short, engaging lectures by ACBI professors:
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Introduction to Chemical Biology – Motonari Uesugi (Kyoto University)
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Bioimaging I – Young-Tae Chang (POSTECH)
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Bioimaging II – Takeaki Ozawa (University of Tokyo)
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Chemical Genetics – Xiaoguang Lei (Peking University)
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Chemical Biology of Peptides – Youhei Sohma (Wakayama Medical University)
Students listened attentively and actively participated in discussions. The session concluded with a Kahoot! quiz to reinforce key concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Interview Session
Following the tutorial lectures, students had the rare opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with ACBI professors. These sessions allowed students to learn firsthand about the professors’ research fields, available graduate programs, and scholarship opportunities across Asia. In turn, students shared their academic backgrounds, research interests, and aspirations for studying abroad.
Feedback from students reflected the strong impact of these interactions. Many expressed that speaking directly with professors helped them gain confidence and a clearer vision of their academic future. The sessions not only deepened their understanding of chemical biology but also broadened their awareness of potential career paths.
Several students emphasized the value of practical advice, particularly regarding preparation and application for PhD programs. Beyond structured interviews, informal moments such as shared lunches provided welcoming spaces for personal and insightful conversations, helping to build meaningful connections between students and ACBI faculty.
Shifting Perspectives on Asia as a Study Destination
One of the most impactful outcomes was a shift in how students view Asia as a destination for graduate studies. Several participants shared that, prior to the event, they had not seriously considered studying in Asia. However, after meeting ACBI professors and learning about cutting-edge research opportunities, many expressed newfound interest.
Selected student voices:
(Responses lightly edited for grammar and clarity.)
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"Before the event, Asia was not among my preferences for a PhD, but now I am considering applying to a couple of universities."
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"We usually focus only on Europe and the US in Turkey, but the ACBI professors showed us that research groups in Asia are working on the same cutting-edge topics. All the tutorials and interviews persuaded me to seriously consider Asia for further education."
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"I wouldn’t have known that the opportunities in Asia were so extensive. I am now more interested in studying there than before, especially since the professors were so open and welcoming in sharing their work. Chemical biology is definitely one of the top fields I'm considering for my PhD."
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"I was unaware that East Asia offered such strong PhD opportunities in chemical biology. This meeting opened a new path for me and gave me the motivation to pursue it further."
The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the significance of this initiative and reinforces the value of continuing similar efforts in the future.
Meeting and talking with such important and inspiring professors showed me that there are no limits to connection and knowledge. In this huge world, we should always seek the best place and opportunity to continue our academic journey.
Bridging East and West: A Catalyst for Scientific Innovation and Collaboration
The ACBI 2024 Istanbul Meeting was more than a regional gathering—it was a strategic milestone in expanding the reach and relevance of chemical biology across continents. By bringing together leading scientists from Asia with rising talent in Turkey, ACBI demonstrated the power of cross-border collaboration to inspire, educate, and shape the next generation of researchers.
The scientific discussions sparked new ideas, the Istanbul Session laid the groundwork for institutional partnerships, and the student-focused activities opened unexpected doors for many young scholars. For many attendees—faculty and students alike—Istanbul was not just a meeting location, but the starting point of future academic journeys.
The success of this meeting sends a clear message: There is untapped potential at the intersection of East and West. By connecting these regions through chemical biology, ACBI can serve as a unique platform for scientific innovation and human development.
Building on this momentum, ACBI will continue to foster meaningful engagement across Asia and its neighboring regions—broadening participation, supporting talent mobility, and deepening scientific partnerships. With each step, we aim not only to advance our field but also to build a more interconnected and collaborative future for global science.
