معرفی
Haifan Lin, Ph.D., is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology, and Professor of Genetics, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, and Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as the Director of the Yale Stem Cell Center, which he established in 2006 and has grown from just two labs to one of the largest stem cell research organizations globally with 100 member labs. Dr. Lin is also a Member of the US National Academy of Sciences (2018), American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018), and US National Academy of Medicine (2024).
Dr. Lin received his B.S. degree from Fudan University (1982) and his Ph.D. degree from Cornell University (1990). Following postdoctoral research at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, he joined Duke University Medical School in 1994, where he rose to Full Professor and founded the Duke Stem Cell Research Program (2005-2006). In 2014-2022, he served as Founding Dean (Adjunct) of the School of Life Science and Technology at ShanghaiTech University.
Dr. Lin's research focuses on stem cell self-renewal mechanisms using various models including Drosophila germline stem cells, mouse germline stem cells, mouse embryonic stem cells, Hydra, and planarian stem cells. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of stem cell biology, particularly through his discovery of the Argonaute/Piwi gene family and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which was hailed by Science Magazine as one of the Ten Scientific Breakthroughs in 2006. His recent publications reveal the continuing expansion of his research into cancer biology, RNA regulation, and developmental mechanisms.
His laboratory's work demonstrates consistent excellence across multiple disciplines, with publications spanning molecular mechanisms of stem cell regulation, cancer biology, RNA processing, and developmental genetics. The research shows a clear trajectory from fundamental stem cell biology toward translational applications in cancer and regenerative medicine.
- Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship for Medical Research (1990)
- David and Lucile Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering (1996)
- NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2010)
- Ray Wu Award (2013)
- Member of US National Academy of Sciences (2018)
- Member of US National Academy of Medicine (2024)
As an educator and scientific leader, Dr. Lin has mentored numerous students and postdocs while serving in prominent roles including President of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (2022-2023). He has established the Yale Stem Cell Center as a global leader in the field despite political challenges, and his laboratory continues to produce high-impact research at the intersection of stem cell biology, RNA mechanisms, and cancer.
