James Shen

James Shen, Ph.D. Director, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academic Sinica, Taiwan.

He * s a very plain , very ordinary person , without anything [ resembling ] arrogance , says James Shen , who left the University of California , Davis , to become director of the Institute of Molecular Biology in 1994.These qualities have extended his influence far beyond Academia Sinica.As chair of an educational reform commission , Lee left the capital of Taipei to crisscross the island , visiting schools and listening to parents and teachers.That kind of dedication has led the Taiwanese media to tag Lee as the island * s conscience..

Lee * s explanation for his popularity is consistent with his nature.I think people respect me because they know I * m a very honest , sincere person trying to do my best for society , he says.I feel tremendous responsibility to be a role model.
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Director James Shen confesses that he planned to stay for 3 years and then return to the University of California , Davis.But I * m still here [ after 6 years ] , because it * s very exciting scientifically , he says.