SUSTech's Remarkable Triple Publication Milestone

In a stunning achievement that underscores the rapid ascent of China's innovative research universities, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), located in the vibrant tech hub of Shenzhen, has published three consecutive papers in the world's top scientific journals, Nature and Science, at the start of 2026. This 'triple top journal' breakthrough highlights SUSTech's commitment to pioneering 'from 0 to 1' original research, a core philosophy since its founding in 2011 as a young, entrepreneurial institution aimed at fostering world-class science.

Founded to break traditional molds in higher education, SUSTech emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, international talent, and high-impact outcomes. With a meteoric rise—ranking 16th among Chinese universities and 20th globally in the Nature Index as of late 2025—these publications affirm its status as a model for new-era research universities in China. The papers span chemistry and virology, demonstrating breadth in foundational science.

This feat not only boosts SUSTech's global visibility but also signals China's growing prowess in top-tier publications, where it now leads in sheer volume while young institutions like SUSTech punch above their weight in quality and speed.

Decoding the Triatropic Rearrangement: A Chemical Revolution in Science

The first paper, published in Science, introduces a groundbreaking triatropic (three-directional) rearrangement reaction, enabling stereoselective skeletal reshuffling of complex molecules. Led by Associate Professors Dong Zhe and Yu Peiyuan from SUSTech's Department of Chemistry, the study titled "Leveraging Triatropic Rearrangements for Stereoselective Skeletal Reshuffling" redefines pericyclic chemistry.

Traditional pericyclic reactions are limited in directionality, but this innovation allows precise, multi-path rearrangements, mimicking natural biosynthetic pathways. First authors Niu Yuan (postdoc) and Chen Yu (PhD student) demonstrated its application in synthesizing intricate natural product scaffolds, potentially accelerating drug discovery. The reaction's efficiency—high yields, mild conditions—positions it as a toolkit for organic synthesis.

Dong Zhe, trained at Peking University and Princeton, specializes in reaction design, while Yu Peiyuan focuses on asymmetric catalysis. Their collaboration exemplifies SUSTech's strength in chemistry, where the department ranks among China's elite. This paper's publication in Science (DOI pending confirmation, early 2026) marks a leap for main-group element catalysis, rivaling transition metal dominance.

• Key innovation: Tri-directional pericyclic pathway for skeleton editing.
• Applications: Natural products, pharmaceuticals, materials.
• Impact: Expands synthetic toolbox beyond conventional cycloadditions.

For aspiring chemists, such breakthroughs highlight opportunities in Shenzhen's ecosystem—check higher-ed-jobs/faculty for positions at innovative Chinese universities.

Broad-Spectrum Shield Against Gammaherpesviruses in Nature

The second paper, in Nature, unveils a broadly protective monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the glycoprotein B (gB) of gammaherpesviruses (γHVs), led by Professor Liu Zheng from SUSTech's School of Medicine and Cryo-EM Center, in collaboration with Academician Zeng Musheng and Associate Researcher Sun Cong from Sun Yat-sen University's Cancer Center. Titled "A broadly protective antibody targeting gammaherpesvirus gB," it identifies a conserved neutralizing epitope across γHV species.

γHVs, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), cause cancers like lymphomas and sarcomas, affecting millions globally. The mAb, Fab5, inhibits membrane fusion across genera, validated via cryo-EM structures revealing the epitope's conservation. This cross-subfamily protection paves the way for pan-γHV vaccines and therapies.

Liu Zheng's expertise in structural virology, bolstered by SUSTech's state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility, enabled atomic-level insights. Published February 2, 2026 (PMID: 41629701), the work addresses a major gap in herpesvirus intervention, where vaccines lag. In China, where EBV-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent, this has profound clinical implications.

Stakeholders from pharma to oncology praise its potential; explore careers in biomedical research via research-jobs.

Photo by Lan Lin on Unsplash

Pioneering Aluminum Redox Catalysis in Nature

Capping the trio, Associate Professor Liu Liu's team published "Aluminium redox catalysis enables cyclotrimerization of alkynes" in Nature on February 11, 2026 (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09941-9). This establishes the first bona fide Al(I)/Al(III) redox cycle for the Reppe cyclotrimerization, producing benzene derivatives from alkynes.

Aluminum, earth's most abundant metal, was previously limited to Lewis acid roles. Liu's low-valent aluminum species enable reversible redox, achieving high selectivity under mild conditions— a paradigm shift from precious metals. Applications span aromatics synthesis, vital for dyes, polymers, and drugs.

Liu Liu, formerly at University of Sydney, heads SUSTech's main-group catalysis lab. The paper's impact: sustainable catalysis amid metal scarcity. As C&EN noted, it unlocks aluminum's catalytic potential.

Link to academic CV tips for chemistry researchers.

The Masterminds: Spotlight on SUSTech's Research Leaders

Dong Zhe (PhD Princeton) excels in pericyclic innovations; Yu Peiyuan in catalysis; Liu Zheng in cryo-EM virology; Liu Liu in main-group chemistry. These mid-career faculty, recruited globally, thrive in SUSTech's tenure-track system rewarding impact over bureaucracy.

SUSTech's model—flat hierarchy, ample funding (Shenzhen gov support), interdisciplinary labs—fosters such feats. Since 2021, over 26,500 SCI papers, 35+ in CNS journals annually.

SUSTech's Rise: A Blueprint for Chinese Higher Ed

From startup uni to Nature Index top 20, SUSTech exemplifies China's 'double first-class' push. Shenzhen's innovation ecosystem (Huawei, Tencent nearby) aids talent retention. Per capita output rivals Tsinghua, despite smaller size.

Challenges: sustaining momentum amid youth. Solutions: global recruitment, like Bao Zhirong's recent return.SUSTech official

Photo by WANG Tianfang on Unsplash

Broader Impacts on Science and Society

Chem papers advance sustainable synthesis; virology paper combats oncogenic viruses (EBV cancers kill 140k/year globally). For China: bolsters self-reliance in pharma/chemistry. Globally: inspires young unis.

• Economy: New reactions cut drug costs 20-50%.
• Health: γHV vaccines could prevent lymphomas.
• Ed: Models talent cultivation.

Stakeholders: Industry eyes licensing; academics benchmark.

Future Outlook: SUSTech's Next Horizons

With 2026 momentum, expect more CNS papers. Priorities: AI integration, quantum materials. China HE implications: more 'SUSTech models' via funding reforms. For careers, China higher ed jobs booming.

In summary, this triple breakthrough cements SUSTech's elite status, inspiring global peers. Explore opportunities at higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and career advice.