As a plant biologist and geneticist, I am eager to join the Hong Kong Laureate Forum to connect with fellow scientists and explore innovative solutions to global challenges. My research focuses on unraveling the genetic mechanisms that underpins resilience and adaptation of plants, particularly in the face of climate change. The Forum’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration excites me. I am particularly excited to learn the state of the field in the broader biological community, which could be translatable to my own research. Engaging with laureates and young researchers from diverse backgrounds would broaden my perspective and inspire new paradigms. As a junior scientist transitioning to an independent career, I am also eager to build up my academic leadership. The forum provides me excellent opportunity to learn the career trajectories of others.

My research generally concerns how trees and forests adapt in this changing world, in relevance to their conservation and management. My current focus is on the accumulation and consequences of somatic mutation in ancient pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur). De novo somatic mutations are stable, irreversible changes due to DNA replication errors. I makes use of the multi-stemmed morphology of oaks, which captures somatic mutations at each branch of different age. I test whether certain traits or mutations can be inherited via the germline, measure demographic consequences of fitness, and try to detect signals of adaptation using paleoclimatic data.