Core Viewpoint - Strengthening fundamental research is an urgent requirement for achieving high-level technological self-reliance and is essential for building a world-class scientific power [1][4] Group 1: Research Achievements - Huang Zhiwei's team discovered the structure of the HIV virus virulence factor, which had not been resolved for over 30 years, providing a foundation for developing anti-HIV drugs [2][4] - The research on the working mechanism of DNA molecular scissors Cpf1 was revealed in 2016, allowing for more efficient and precise gene editing [3] - In April 2024, a new family of RNA-guided DNA endonucleases was discovered, contributing to advancements in enzyme engineering for gene editing [3] Group 2: Research Environment and Philosophy - The establishment of the Life Sciences Center in 2016 provided a research environment that encourages free exploration, allowing previously overlooked researchers to develop their ideas [3][4] - Huang Zhiwei emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement in experiments and detailed record-keeping to ensure reproducibility and high-quality research outcomes [2][4] - The center has nurtured many emerging researchers, some of whom have become independent scientific leaders [4] Group 3: Future Aspirations - Huang Zhiwei maintains a beginner's mindset, aiming to tackle significant scientific questions and explore the mysteries of life, contributing to the advancement of fundamental research in life sciences on a global scale [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant contributions of Huang Zhiwei, a returning scientist, in advancing basic research in life sciences at Harbin Institute of Technology, emphasizing the importance of foundational research for achieving high-level technological self-reliance and building a world-class scientific power [1][4]. Group 1: Research Achievements - Huang Zhiwei established a laboratory from scratch at Harbin Institute of Technology in 2012, focusing on basic research in immunology and infectious diseases [1]. - In 2014, his team discovered the structure of the HIV virus virulence factor, which had been elusive for over 30 years, providing a foundation for developing anti-HIV drugs [2]. - The research findings were published in the journal "Nature," attracting international attention and collaboration [2]. Group 2: Research Environment and Philosophy - Huang Zhiwei created a supportive research environment at the Life Sciences Center, allowing researchers to explore innovative ideas freely [3]. - He emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement in experiments and meticulous record-keeping to ensure reproducibility and high-quality research outcomes [2][3]. - The center has produced significant breakthroughs in gene editing and metabolic disease mechanisms, establishing a competitive research platform internationally [3]. Group 3: Future Aspirations - Huang Zhiwei expresses a commitment to tackling unresolved scientific questions in life sciences, maintaining a beginner's mindset to explore frontiers and contribute to the field's advancement [4].