Professor Corcoran continued, “My heritage reflects my teaching pedagogy and, as a personal philosophy, reinforces to me daily why I teach and research at the University of East London.”

Professor Jiayu Gao’s investigation of the anti-cancer mechanisms of Scutellaria species on human lung cell lines led him to his PhD in 2010 under the supervision of Professor Corcoran.

Now an associate professor at the School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutics, Henan University of Science and Technology, his research interests include the identification of secondary metabolites from natural products used in traditional Chinese medicine, and investigating their pharmacological mechanisms in anticancer, antioxidant and immune regulation.

Professor Gao said, “The time in UEL was one of the most important parts of my life. I met so many wonderful persons and experienced lots of great things, which still inspire my academic career.

“I very much appreciate Olivia and her professionalism for the continued assistance in my doctorial and postdoctoral research. I am proud to carry on the UEL connection here in China, and I’m looking forward to closer cooperation and outstanding achievements in the future.”

Professor Corcoran’s co-authors, Gao and Yin, collaborate on lung and gut health, and are world experts, publishing the encyclopedia on the pharmacology and toxicology of Chinese natural products from Mount Funiu.

Professor Amanda Broderick, vice-chancellor and president of the University of East London, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Professors Corcoran and Gao. The University’s support of postdoctoral researchers has contributed to many successful research careers in pursuit of advances in knowledge and in creating positive impact for people and planet. On behalf of the University, I extend my congratulations on this global recognition.”