Sharing Our Metabolic Research on a Global Stage

David Guertin completed a three-country speaking tour that highlighted the laboratory’s research in adipose biology and metabolism.

He began in Montreal, Canada, at the inaugural Adipose Biology Conference, followed by a stop in Wenzhou, China, where he presented at the CSMB & Cell Press Collaborative Conference on Metabolic Research, Innovation, and Translation, as did UMass Chan colleague Dr. Kuang Shen.  Dr. Guertin’s final destination was Astana, Kazakhstan, for the prestigious Life Sciences Today 2025 – Frontiers in Biomedicine: Infer, Innovate, Impact conference, hosted at Nazarbayev University.

In Kazakhstan, Dr. Guertin delivered a keynote address and moderated a scientific session during the three-day event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Center for Life Sciences and the 10th anniversary of the National Laboratory of Astana (NLA). The conference drew international speakers to highlight advances in translational research, biomedical discovery, and artificial intelligence in science.  Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science addressed the participants, outlining the nation’s commitment to expanding investment in basic research, translational medicine, and AI-driven scientific advancements.

Dr. Guertin was pleased to visit with long-time colleague Dr. Dos Sarbassov, General Director of the NLA. They first collaborated as postdoctoral fellows from 2002 to 2005, co-authoring one of the most influential studies in the mTOR field (Science, 2004). Their reunion in Astana underscores the global reach and enduring impact of their work.

“Under Dr. Sarbassov’s leadership, Nazarbayev University is rapidly emerging as a center for international collaboration and innovation,” said Dr. Guertin. 

Their reunion in Astana underscored the lasting global impact of their work and the continued spirit of international collaboration.