In 1984, Prof Tak Mak, co-director of The Centre for Oncology and Immunology (COI), successfully cloned the human T-cell receptor, a significant milestone in immunology and cancer therapy that has laid the foundation for our understanding of T cell biology and paved the way for the development of CAR-T cell technologies now approved for the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. On July 15, 2024, in honour of this groundbreaking discovery, the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with COI, invited Prof Tak Mak to deliver a public lecture titled “The Future of Anti-Cancer Therapy”. The event drew a diverse audience, including distinguished faculty members, prominent researchers, young scientists at the start of their careers, and even high school students aspiring to enter the field of science.
During his lecture, Prof Mak shared his personal journey as a researcher, starting from his time as a graduate student in the late 1970s to the present day. He recounted the challenges and triumphs he experienced along the way, providing an inspiring narrative of perseverance and innovation. Prof Mak’s journey from a curious student to a leading figure in cancer research serves as a testament to the importance of dedication and the relentless pursuit of scientific inquiry. Along the way, he also highlighted the work of many of the students in his own lab, showcasing their contributions and the collaborative efforts that have driven their groundbreaking research. He expressed his pride in their achievements and emphasized the importance of mentorship and teamwork in scientific advancement.
Prof Mak inspired the audience with his call to action, urging them to be pioneers in their fields. “There are first-in-class, followers, and explorers. Be explorers! Be creative!” he emphasized. He also challenged attendees to maintain a spirit of inquiry and curiosity, stating, “Always question WHY!” Prof Mak particularly addressed the large number of graduate-level, university and high school students in attendance who were interested in future careers in science. He emphasized how these young students were the future of science and encouraged them to embrace their potential and creativity. Thus, the event not only celebrated a landmark achievement in scientific history, but Prof Mak left the attendees with a powerful message that the future of science is bright, and it is in their hands to shape it.
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