Research
Professor Ann-Shyn Chiang is a neuroscientist recognized for his contributions to Drosophila neurobiology, connectomics, three-dimensional brain mapping, and bioimaging technologies. His research has advanced the structural and functional understanding of neural circuits underlying sensory processing, learning, memory, and brain organization.
Professor Chiang and his collaborators have developed important resources and technologies for high-resolution brain imaging and circuit analysis, including three-dimensional reconstructions of Drosophila brain networks at single-cell resolution and tissue-clearing approaches such as FocusClear™. These efforts have contributed to broader applications in neuroanatomy, connectomics, and large-scale biological imaging.
With nearly 160 peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Cell, Science, Nature-family journals, PNAS, Current Biology, and other leading scientific journals, Professor Chiang's work bridges fundamental neuroscience, advanced imaging, and translational research. As Founding Honorary Director of the Brain Spatiomics Center at China Medical University Hospital, he is helping to promote the integration of molecular brain mapping, bioimaging, artificial intelligence, and clinical neuroscience.
Brain Spatiomics Center — Key Areas of Emphasis
Connectomics and Brain Mapping
Developing high-resolution approaches to map neural circuits and relate brain structure to function, behavior, and disease mechanisms.
Bioimage Foundry
Establishing scalable bioimaging workflows inspired by the standardization and platform-based logic of advanced technology industries, with the goal of supporting high-throughput three-dimensional imaging and AI-assisted analysis.
Spatiomics Pipeline
Integrating spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and three-dimensional neuroanatomy to better understand the molecular and structural organization of brain tissues.
Clinical AI and Translational Neuroscience
Exploring the use of curated biomedical and clinical datasets to support AI-assisted research on neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and stroke.
International Scientific Engagement
Building academic collaborations and exchanges with leading institutions in neuroscience, imaging, and biomedical research.
Professional Experience
Founding Honorary Director
Contributes to the strategic development of the Brain Spatiomics Center, with emphasis on bioimaging platforms, AI-assisted analysis, brain atlas resources, and translational neuroscience.
President
Advances a vision that integrates clinical medicine, biomedical research, artificial intelligence, and translational innovation. Drawing on his leadership in neuroscience, connectomics, and bioimaging, he aims to strengthen CMU's role in precision health, smart medicine, and biotechnology development.
Distinguished Chair Professor
Leads research on neural circuits, memory consolidation, brain imaging, and connectomics, and mentors students and researchers in neuroscience, bioimaging, and interdisciplinary brain research.
Adjunct Researcher and Scientific Advisor
Has held adjunct or advisory roles associated with institutions including the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the National Health Research Institutes, contributing to scientific exchange in systems neuroscience, connectomics, neurobiology, and translational brain research.
Selected Publications
Nearly 160 peer-reviewed publications. Representative works listed below. IF = Journal Impact Factor.
Biography
Professor Ann-Shyn Chiang is an Academician of Academia Sinica and a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Over the course of his career he has shaped multiple fields at the intersection of neurobiology, bioimaging, and connectomics — pioneering tissue-clearing techniques and producing the first three-dimensional reconstructions of Drosophila brain networks at single-cell resolution.
He currently serves as President of China Medical University, Founding Honorary Director of the Brain Spatiomics Center, and Distinguished Chair Professor at National Tsing Hua University. He continues to advise leading research institutions worldwide and mentor a new generation of researchers in neuro-imaging and computational neuroscience.
Honors & Awards
- Academician, Academia Sinica
- Fellow, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
- TWAS Prize in Biology
- National Chair Professorship
Education
- Ph.D. in Entomology