On October 22, Professor Randy Schekman—Nobel Laureate, Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and Professor at the University of California, Berkeley—visited Ocean University of China (OUC). 

Vice President Liu Yong extended a warm welcome to Professor Schekman. He noted that Professor Schekman, a world-renowned molecular biologist, has made outstanding contributions to scientific and technological progress worldwide. Liu expressed hope that this academic exchange would serve as an opportunity to strengthen interactions between scholars in related disciplines and promote joint research in areas of shared strength.

Professor Schekman gave a brief overview of his current research. He emphasized the importance he places on academic collaboration with OUC and expressed hope that his visit would inspire greater enthusiasm among OUC faculty and students for molecular biology and related research fields, laying a foundation for future cooperation across a broader range of disciplines.

Professor Schekman delivered a lecture titled “Genes, Cells, and Discovery in Basic Science and Disease”. In his talk, he reviewed his pioneering research journey in understanding the mechanisms of cellular secretion and highlighted its significance for uncovering the molecular basis of disease. Centering on the fundamental question of “How do cells regulate protein secretion?” he discussed his team’s landmark discoveries using yeast as a model organism to elucidate the secretory pathway. His research revealed the high evolutionary conservation of vesicle transport mechanisms and explained the essential roles of related genes and proteins in regulating the secretion of hormones, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in humans.