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An Enduring Legacy in Liver Disease Research

Pointing to a framed photograph on the wall, Prof. Pei-Jer Chen fondly recalls that moment in 2006 when he was elected as an Academician of Academia Sinica, standing beside his esteemed mentors, Prof. Juei-Low Sung and Ding-Shinn Chen. This photograph not only symbolizes three generations of mentorship but also testifies to the lifelong dedication of three eminent hepatitis researchers. Like his beloved mentor, Prof. Ding-Shinn Chen, Prof. Pei-Jer Chen has received the 2025 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize—the highest honor awarded by the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) in the United States.

“This award is not just a personal recognition; it is a tribute to my team’s efforts and an expectation for what’s to come,” mused Prof. Pei-Jer Chen, now in his seventies. Despite his imminent retirement, his life mission remains far from complete.

A Defining Moment: Discovering a Lifelong Calling at NTU

Prof. Chen’s years of study at National Taiwan University (NTU)’s College of Medicine were critical to the formation of his lifelong commitment to medical research. Reflecting on his undergraduate years, he admitted that he had no clear career aspirations when he entered NTU in 1974. However, through extensive explorations, he developed a deep passion for medical science.

“A university is like a small universe,” he observed, explaining that this higher education environment allowed him to immerse himself in a variety of disciplines and seek out inspirations. “The most valuable takeaway from my time at NTU was discovering what I truly enjoy and want to pursue.”

He also differentiates between a profession (job) and a calling (career) in medicine: A profession is a means of making a living, while a calling is driven by genuine passion and a sense of mission—something one enjoys and never tires of doing.

Prof. Chen’s dedication led him to serve as Director of NTU Hospital’s Hepatitis Research Center, Director of the Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Head of NTU’s Clinical Medical Research Division. Over the years, he has published more than 600 academic papers on hepatitis and liver cancer, establishing himself as a leading expert in virology, cancer genomics, and liver disease treatment.

Lessons from the West: Transparency in Science and the Spirit of Competition

The 2025 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize will be officially presented in April 2025 in Pennsylvania, USA—a place that holds special meaning for Prof. Chen. He earned his Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Pennsylvania, an experience that deeply shaped his scientific mindset.

“Scientific progress relies on open discussion and intellectual honesty,” he emphasized, recalling how his time in the West reinforced his belief that science should be conducted with transparency, clarity, and objectivity.

“Science should not be obscured or manipulated—what is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong.”

He also appreciates the competitive yet resilient mindset instilled by Western sports culture, explaining: “Losing does not mean defeat. Accepting a loss means you can come back stronger.”

This philosophy has also been crucial in the conduct of scientific research, where setbacks and unanswered questions are inevitable parts of the journey.

“People assume researchers are always excited about their work, but in reality, scientific discovery is like viewing a mountain—it looks different depending on your perspective. If your approach is too narrow or incorrect, you will encounter failures.”

He believes that adjusting one’s mindset is essential for persevering in research, and that participating in sports not only builds physical strength but also serves as a positive outlet for relieving stress and for regaining strength.

A Cross-Generational Mission: The Future of Liver Disease Control

As to the future of liver disease prevention and treatment, Prof. Chen credits the efforts of Prof. Juei-Low Sung and Prof. Ding-Shinn Chen for introducing as effective Hepatitis B vaccine in the 1980s, which significantly reduced the occurrence of Hepatitis B from 7% to 0.5% in vaccinated generations.

As to treatments, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) began covering antiviral medications in 2003, contributing to a reduction of the incidence of liver cancer from the second to the fourth leading cause of cancer in Taiwan. Cirrhosis and liver failure have also been removed from Taiwan’s top ten causes of death.

Looking ahead, despite his imminent retirement, Prof. Chen has no intention of slowing down. With the same passion and dedication, he will continue advancing liver disease research and work toward the ultimate goal of eliminating Hepatitis B, just as smallpox became the first infectious disease eradicated by medical science.

Beyond viral hepatitis, he emphasizes the need to address non-viral liver diseases, including alcohol-induced liver disease and obesity-related fatty liver disease which require a collective effort from the medical community and society as a whole. To achieve this goal, he continues to nurture and inspire young generations of students to meet the challenge of making life better.