Dr Runlin Ma graduated with a Bachelors Degree (major: plant protection) in 1978, then went to the United States and obtained a PhD in insect biochemistry at Kansas State University. He went on to do post-doctoral work at the University of Illinois in the molecular genetics field. He went back to China in 1997 and worked as a senior scientist at the China Institute of Genetics. He is now a professor and a PhD supervisor in the National Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Dr Ma is an expert in animal reproduction, immunology and early embryonic development. His research focuses on animal models for organ development and autoimmune disease, and also on MHC functional genes and their evolution. His research has resulted in more than 40 scientific papers published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals including the high impact journal Science. Dr Ma has gained multiple honours and awards for his research work, such as “National Outstanding Young Funding” recipient in 2001, National Natural Science Award reviewer, and an honorary professor at Massey University in New Zealand.
Dr Ma also serves as Director of the Expert Committee, HVP China Node Working Committee.
