Dr. Zhou Yaoqi, a senior principal investigator at the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in scientific research. His journey from a doctoral student in the U.S. to a leading figure in AI-powered biology spans nearly four decades and multiple continents. With a playful disposition and a nickname like “scientific old boy,” Zhou has made groundbreaking strides in structural bioinformatics, a field once considered niche.
A Playful Approach to Serious Science
For Zhou, scientific research is akin to playing a game, with each breakthrough feeling like a new level unlocked. This playful approach extends beyond the lab; he has even dabbled in stand-up comedy, using his career as material. This unique blend of humor and intellect has endeared him to colleagues and earned him a reputation for being both innovative and approachable.
Zhou’s career began in earnest as a doctoral student in the U.S. Over the years, he has held tenured positions at Indiana University-Purdue University and Griffith University in Australia. In 2023, after 35 years abroad, he returned to China to continue his research and build a multidisciplinary team at the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory.
Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges
Zhou’s journey through four distinct research fields—from the statistical mechanics of simple molecules to structural bioinformatics—demonstrates his willingness to step out of his comfort zone. Each transition came with its own set of failures and setbacks, but these challenges only served to guide him to his current path.
Discovering a Lifelong Passion
In 1994, Zhou made a pivotal decision to leave his job at a startup and pursue scientific research full-time, despite the uncertainties. This bold move eventually led to a postdoctoral fellowship with Martin Karplus, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry. Under Karplus’s mentorship, Zhou discovered a passion for computational biology, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Pioneering AI in Biology
Today, Zhou’s work focuses on AI-powered biology, a field with the potential to revolutionize medicine and biotechnology. “Using AI to design proteins could bring revolutionary changes to synthetic biology within the next two to three years,” Zhou predicts. His team was among the first to employ AI for protein design, integrating deep learning into their methods as early as 2014.
Zhou underscores the importance of AI in biology, particularly in predicting protein structures and functions. These advancements could significantly streamline drug discovery, reducing both costs and time. Since relocating to Shenzhen, Zhou has formed a team of over 30 members, covering five research domains: molecular biology, cell biology, AI computing, instrument development, and chemical synthesis.
A Multifaceted Research Agenda
Zhou’s research is both basic and applied, with projects funded at national and provincial levels. His work includes developing innovative medicines, such as RNA-targeting small molecules. He praises Shenzhen for its young, inclusive, and vibrant environment, which supports diverse interdisciplinary research. The Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, focused on human health and disease, provides a well-structured system for accreditation services.
Sharing Wisdom Through Writing
In addition to his research, Zhou has a passion for writing. Since 2010, he has been blogging on ScienceNet, a specialized scientific media platform in China, where he has published over 160 articles. His writings, which cover topics from scientific research to life lessons, were recently compiled into a book.
“I aimed to share my personal experiences with young readers, recounting moments of confusion and failure as well as gradual progress towards success. I hope my experiences resonate with them and provide lessons for their own journeys,” Zhou explained.
A Motto for Life
Zhou lives by the motto: “To read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles. Step out of your comfort zone and explore the meaning of life.” This guiding principle reflects his adventurous spirit and dedication to lifelong learning and discovery.