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Talents grew up in iCONM #2
Open innovation research facilities such as iCONM create innovations based on the highly diversified organization and promote the growth of people through cross-cultural exchange, nurturing people with a broad perspective and integrated expertise. In this series, some of such examples will be introduced. In this second installment, we introduce Dr. Saed Abbasi who came to Japan from Jordan and received his PhD from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University. He is the first in the world to successfully perform gene editing of mouse brain parenchymal cells using CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA at iCONM*.
*papers published：“Co-encapsulation of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA in polyplex micelles enables genome editing in mouse brain”, Saed Abbasi, et al., J. Controlled Release, 332, 260-268 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.02.026
Saed at Asakusa
Dr. Saed Abbasi
Country of origin：Jordan
Degree：Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Hokkaido University
Enrollment period at iCONM：2018 – 2022
Position：Post-Doctoral Researcher
Research Theme: Selective delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA and gene editing
Present: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (United States of America)
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/research/center-for-nanomedicine/index.html
Message to the young researchers:
I started working for iCONM right after completing my Ph.D. in 2018. I felt welcomed and like a member of the family the moment I stepped foot in iCONM. iCONM is a truly exceptional research organization on many levels. It is resourceful, well-organized, and well-equipped with cutting-edge experimental facilities. Scientists can concentrate on performing their research in the best possible way, because everything else is taken care of. The management and administrative staff put in a lot of effort to give the researchers the right environment for success and creativity.
The chance to participate in numerous science communication projects and share our findings with the public, especially children, has been one of the major joys of my time at iCONM. I firmly think that change must begin with tiny steps, and I hope that by promoting science to young children, I will inspire them to pursue careers as scientists at a time when the world needs science more than ever to address issues related to health, aging, and climate change.
* He has also appeared in high school outreach programs and science videos for children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BynuCk5V978