‘Resolution revolution’ pioneer Alexey Amunts joins China’s SMART lab
‘Shenzhen adds another dimension; it is a place where ideas do not remain ideas for long,’ Amunts says of new position
Structural biologist Alexey Amunts – an expert in mitochondrial biochemistry – has joined the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART).
Amunts, who holds research position in Germany, confirmed he joined SMART in January this year as a full-time senior investigator and would “contribute to its international relations agenda”.
He is internationally recognised for high-resolution structural studies of the molecular machines that underpin cellular energy conversion and protein synthesis. Britain’s Journal of Cell Science featured him as a “cell scientist to watch” in 2021.
Amunts’ move highlights China’s growing appeal as a hub for cutting-edge basic science and translational innovation.
“Shenzhen adds another dimension; it is a place where ideas do not remain ideas for long. The density of talent, technology and manufacturing capacity makes it unusually practical to move from concept to implementation,” Amunts said.
“I chose SMART because it combines long-term scientific ambition with a system that can execute quickly and connect excellent basic research to translational impact internationally.”