The 2024 Tang Prize Laureate Lectures were held this morning (28th) at the National Central Library. The six laureates: Omar M. Yaghi (Sustainable Development), Mary Robinson (Rule of Law), Joel F. Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Jens Juul Holst (Biopharmaceutical Science), and Hsu Cho-yun (Sinology) gathered to share the essence of their lifelong research. Under the topics of "Ultraporous Crystals for a Sustainable Future," "Rebuilding Respect for Rule of Law: An Urgent Task, a Shared Responsibility," "Glucagon-like Peptide-1," "Chemistry Matters: From A Putative Peptide to Efficient Therapeutics for Diabetes and Obesity," "Gut Hormones as Basis for Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes," and "Finding Your Way in a Disorienting World," they captivated an audience of over 400 with their profound insights and experiences.
The first lecture of this series was delivered by Omar M. Yaghi, the Tang Prize Laureate in Sustainable Development. He highlighted the urgent global need for clean air, energy, and drinking water, and shared the groundbreaking advancements in reticular chemistry over the past three decades. Professor Yaghi emphasized how ultra-porous crystalline materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can now effectively capture and control small molecules such as hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and water in the atmosphere, offering novel solutions for global sustainability. Professor Yaghi also detailed the innovative applications of MOFs and COFs: capturing carbon from flue gas (a significant source of emissions) and directly from the atmosphere, as well as harvesting water from air, a crucial technology particularly for arid regions struggling with water scarcity. These advancements represent a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing our planet and building a more sustainable future. Professor Yaghi also shared the ongoing efforts and achievements in transitioning this technology from the laboratory to real-world applications, showcasing the design and engineering of prototypes.
Mary Robinson, the Tang Prize Laureate in Rule of Law, emphasized the critical role of the rule of law in healing societal divisions, rebuilding a fractured world order, and ensuring security for all. She underscored that a legal system rooted in the rule of law is essential for addressing contemporary global challenges. Drawing from her extensive experience advocating for human rights and the rule of law in Ireland and internationally, she highlighted the universal values established by the rule of law, which can transcend national boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds. She also upheld that respect for the rule of law is paramount to preventing abuses of power and fostering equitable societies in an era marked by rapid social, economic, and technological changes—including the rise of AI, escalating climate change, and population movements. Witnessing that the international legal order has been threatened and weakened by the frequent armed conflicts in recent years, Professor Robinson concluded by calling for the urgency of rebuilding respect for the rule of law and advocating for a collective recommitment to its principles as the cornerstone for resolving complex, transnational challenges. She also reiterates that respecting the rule of law is a shared responsibility of states, corporations, and citizens alike, and that only through such concerted efforts can we hope to forge a path toward a more peaceful, sustainable, and just future for all.
The afternoon Biopharmaceutical Science session featured sequential lectures by the three Tang Prize Laureates Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Jens Juul Holst, who shared the fascinating scientific journey and story behind GLP-1 (7-37) research. Professor Habener's lecture consisted of three parts. First, he recounted the initiation of GLP-1 research in the 1980s, where experiments with anglerfish and rats led to the discovery of this incretin. Collaboration with Professor Mojsov further established that the bioactive form stimulating insulin secretion was GLP-1 (7-37), not GLP-1 (1-37). He then elucidated the multifaceted impact of GLP-1 on human health, highlighting how GLP-1 receptor agonists can effectively manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, while also reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and reducing inflammation. Finally, he touched upon the promising future applications of GLP-1 therapy, including potential treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, colorectal cancer, Parkinson's disease, dementia, kidney failure, and even addiction. These applications are currently under various clinical trials and meta-analyses.
Professor Mojsov's lecture began in the 1970s when scientists were intensely interested in understanding the role of peptides in regulating glucose metabolism. Endocrinologists were particularly focused on incretins, hypothetical peptides believed to be secreted by the intestines after a meal to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, thereby regulating blood sugar levels. Glucagon biology was another closely intertwined research area. Professor Mojsov highlighted the connection between her early research on glucagon and the subsequent discovery of GLP-1 (7-37) as the bioactive sequence a decade later. She then detailed her experiments investigating the biological effects of GLP-1 (7-37), demonstrating its role as an incretin with significant therapeutic potential.
Professor Holst shared how, as early as the beginning of the 1900s, the medical community envisioned various clinical applications for gut hormones, particularly in treating duodenal ulcers, obesity, and, most importantly, diabetes. This pursuit led to the discovery of related hormones such as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), an incretin known to stimulate insulin production, but had no effect in type 2 diabetes treatment. The search continued until GLP-1 was identified, a hormone with exceptional blood sugar-lowering abilities, as well as the ability to suppress glucagon, gastrointestinal motility, and appetite. Recent data has highlighted the remarkable effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, administered alone or as the primary component, in treating both obesity and diabetes, whether delivered weekly via injection or orally. This therapy has also been linked to a reduced risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, diabetic kidney disease, and other major adverse cardiovascular events.
The landscape shifted dramatically with the discovery of GLP-1, another incretin hormone. GLP-1 not only exhibited remarkable blood sugar-lowering capabilities but also influenced other physiological processes, such as suppressing glucagon, slowing gastrointestinal motility, and reducing appetite. Current research has further showcased the remarkable effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, administered either independently or as a key component in combination therapies, in achieving weight loss and managing diabetes. These therapies can be delivered through weekly injections or oral medications. Additionally, studies suggest GLP-1 therapy might lower the risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, diabetic kidney disease, and other cardiovascular complications.
The final lecture was delivered by Hsu Cho-yun, the Tang Prize Laureate in Sinology. Drawing on his profound understanding of history, he explored the historical context of cultural differences between the East and West, starting from religious beliefs, political systems, and economic development. He focused on the contrasting relationships between humans and the universe, as well as between individuals, pointing out the root causes of many modern world problems. In the face of global imbalances and conflicts, Professor Hsu reminded us to embrace a cosmic perspective, emphasizing the core spirit of "harmony between humans and nature" in Chinese culture, as well as the concept of "self-cultivation for the betterment of society." He encouraged us, in today's disorienting world filled with confusion and unease, to find inner peace and extend that peace to others. Furthermore, he urged us to promote the values of Chinese culture to benefit the world. Through this cultural reflection, Professor Hsu offered a viable path forward for the current global predicament, helping us find our way in a disorienting world.
