Ji Shengjian

Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program.

Dr. Ji's educational background includes:

• 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology
• 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences
• 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry

Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development.

His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions.

Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards:

• 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor
• 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award
• 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A
• 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology
• 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University)
• 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor)

As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches.

Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.