Tsinghua University Hosts Nobel Laureate for Groundbreaking Discussion on Medical Innovations

Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate Aaron Ciechanover, a distinguished professor of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, recently visited Tsinghua and delivered a lecture entitled “The Revolution of Personalized Medicine: Will We Cure All Diseases? What Will It Cost?”

During his lecture, Ciechanover reflected on three major medical revolutions throughout history. He outlined the four defining characteristics of 21st-century medicine, summarized as the “4Ps”: Personalized, Predictive, Preventive, and Participatory Medicine.

He emphasized that personalized medicine adjusts treatment according to a patient’s unique genetic makeup. To accommodate this new approach, he advocated for a redefinition of the fundamental terms of conventional medicine—disease, patient, and treatment—to meet the evolving demands of personalized healthcare.

During the Q&A session, Ciechanover drew on his own experiences in studying and conducting research to inspire young students. He encouraged them to embrace risk-taking and challenge authority, emphasizing the importance of learning new languages and embracing diverse cultures. He advocated for an open mindset, proactive learning, and the development of independence as essential qualities for future success.