In the context of the global aging population, biomedical research is entering a new era. Many countries along the Pacific Rim, particularly those with rapidly aging populations, are urgently seeking new directions to address the growing demands in public health, diagnostics, and treatment development. These changes are not only reshaping university research agendas but also reorienting educational and training models. However, amidst these rapid transformations, finding sustainable research funding—especially in an increasingly uncertain global funding environment—has become a major challenge for universities and researchers.
Take, for example, Dr. Julio Frenk, Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who recently stated at the annual meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU): "This is the greatest challenge faced by higher education in living memory." He pointed out that the post-World War II compact between universities and governments, especially in terms of research collaboration, has fundamentally changed, particularly when it comes to translating basic research into technological innovations.
This shift reflects a broader predicament facing the global academic community, particularly as research funding continues to dwindle. U.S. government cuts to research funding have not only impacted domestic research but have had far-reaching effects worldwide. As a result, many universities are exploring new funding models, including partnerships with private investors and philanthropists. These collaborations are now sought even earlier in the research process to share the high risks involved in basic research.
Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, discussed how higher education is evolving amid technological acceleration, demographic changes, and global uncertainty. He emphasized that institutions across the Pacific Rim must collaborate more closely, sharing insights and reinforcing their shared commitment to education that is responsive, resilient, and future-ready. Khosla's remarks underscored the urgent need for bold leadership and innovative partnerships to navigate these shifting dynamics in global higher education.
Technological and scientific collaboration on a global scale is not merely an academic issue; it also concerns social policy, economic development, and national security. In this globalized context, cross-border cooperation—especially when dealing with complex issues such as aging populations and public health—has become more crucial than ever. One of the key topics at the recent conference was how universities and researchers could collectively address the challenges posed by aging societies. This would require efforts not only from scientists but also from social scientists, policymakers, and educators.
For example, at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), President Xiang Zhang highlighted the work of the Sau Po Centre on Aging, which combines multiple disciplines to address the psychological and social aspects of aging. The center trains future engineers, doctors, and social workers to better understand the elderly, aiming to create a social safety net that protects them. HKU’s multidisciplinary approach brings together students from fields such as law, arts, science, and engineering to discuss how the aging problem looks from the perspective of younger generations.
In Canada, Joy Johnson, President of Simon Fraser University (SFU), emphasized the role of "social determinants of health," including financial access to healthcare. She cited the high levels of poverty among Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, which directly affect their health outcomes. SFU’s School of Gerontology is working with local governments to develop cities that are more accessible for the elderly, improving their quality of life.
As global cooperation becomes more critical in addressing aging and health challenges, universities around the world are increasingly looking to policy guidance and funding support. In Singapore, for instance, Professor Teck-Hua Ho, President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), described an AI-based game developed by NTU's College of Engineering to help delay neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. The game is designed to improve decision-making and motor skills through a stationary bicycle, offering a promising avenue for combating aging-related diseases.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Vice-President Sung-Min Park noted that regular medical check-ups conducted every three years in Korea not only benefit individual health but also generate a vast amount of data that the government makes available for researchers. This data, combined with other national initiatives, is helping propel global research on aging and health.
In the field of biomedical research, the study of the human microbiome is unveiling new insights into the aging process. Rob Knight, a professor at UC San Diego, highlighted how the microbiome—an ecosystem of microbes living in the human gut—can influence health, aging, and diseases common in the elderly, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. The Human Microbiome Project, directed by Knight, has uncovered how microbial genes vary from person to person, and understanding this variability could lead to breakthroughs in aging and disease prevention.
At the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President, spoke about how biotechnology intersects with healthy aging. He shared recent innovations in cancer detection, including a test that can identify multiple types of cancer and pinpoint their locations. CUHK is also exploring the role of the microbiome in cognitive function, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Research into musculoskeletal health, particularly how aging impacts the bones and joints, is another critical area. CUHK is exploring ways to regenerate the musculoskeletal system and improve treatments with better drugs and prosthetics. John Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon, shared insights from the Knight Campus, where scientists are studying how resistance training can help heal bone injuries, providing valuable data for the future of personalized rehabilitation.
Despite these breakthroughs, funding remains a central issue in supporting such complex, multidisciplinary research. Diego Quiroga, Rector of Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador, summarized the challenge during the conference: “We face a funding crisis for many of our scientific goals.” With U.S. agencies like the NIH and NSF facing cuts, universities are increasingly turning to industry and venture capital to fund research. However, Quiroga warned that closer ties with industry must be handled carefully, especially when it comes to intellectual property rights.
Rob Knight’s closing remarks reinforced the theme of interconnectedness, both in science and in life. He said, “The microbiome teaches us something profound: we are never truly alone; our health, our aging, even our minds are shaped by trillions of invisible partners.” Similarly, science itself is a collective effort, and the decisions made today about what to fund, regulate, and sell will shape the future of human health and aging.
In conclusion, global higher education and research face unprecedented challenges, from funding shortages to political instability. However, through more open, collaborative, and innovative thinking, the academic and scientific communities can adapt and continue to thrive, ultimately tackling some of the most pressing issues facing aging populations and public health worldwide.