TMUGH professor becomes 1st Asian recipient of ISNI Mid-Career Award

2025-11-26

Professor Liu Qiang delivers a speech at the ISNI annual meeting held in Chiba, Japan. [Photo/ciste.org.cn]

The International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) announced the winners of its 2025 "We Are Neuroimmunology — Clinical Neuroimmunology Mid-Career Award" at its annual meeting held in Chiba, Japan. Professor Liu Qiang, neurologist and vice president of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, was selected for this year's honor, becoming the first Asian clinical neuroimmunologist to receive the award.

The ISNI Mid-Career Award recognizes outstanding scientists in the middle stage of their careers who have made exceptional contributions to neuroimmunology and demonstrated sustained leadership in advancing the field. Only two laureates are selected globally each year — one in clinical neuroimmunology and the other in basic neuroimmunology. In addition to receiving research support, awardees are invited to deliver a lecture at the ISNI's annual meeting, and their research teams and achievements will be promoted through all official ISNI platforms worldwide.

"These awards are more than an accolade — they are a snapshot of the field's dynamic evolution," said ISNI president Heinz Wiendl. "ISNI's mid-career awardees already stand among the scientific leaders of their generation, setting paradigms that link mechanisms to medicine. Yet their trajectories clearly point further upward — this is not their summit, but the launch point of the next era."

Professor Liu Qiang (fourth from left) poses for a photo with the ISMI award committee members. [Photo/ciste.org.cn]

Professor Liu stated that the award marks a new starting point for his research. He plans to continue advancing the frontier of bone marrow immunity and brain disorders, working to accelerate next-generation cell and antibody therapies for multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, myasthenia gravis and other neuroimmunological diseases. He emphasized his commitment to delivering more "Chinese solutions" to benefit patients worldwide.

Source: VOC