Chi-Huey Wong: A Luminary in Glycoscience
Delving into the profound contributions of a pioneering biochemist to carbohydrate chemistry and its transformative therapeutic applications.
Discover His Work ๐ Explore Research ๐งชDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Introduction
A Distinguished Biochemist
Chi-Huey Wong, a distinguished Taiwanese-American biochemist, currently holds the Scripps Family Chair Professorship at the Scripps Research Institute. Born on August 3, 1948, in Yizhu, Tainan County (now Chiayi County), Taiwan, Professor Wong has carved an indelible mark in the scientific community through his groundbreaking work in glycoscience.
Acclaimed Recognition
His exceptional contributions have garnered significant international acclaim. He is an esteemed member of the United States National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the 2014 Wolf Prize in Chemistry and the 2015 RSC Robert Robinson Award. These accolades underscore his profound impact on the field of chemistry and biochemistry.
Prolific Innovator
Professor Wong is a prolific innovator and scholar, holding over 100 patents for his inventions. His extensive research is documented in more than 700 scholarly academic research papers, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and developing practical applications in carbohydrate-based medicine.
Academic Journey
Early Foundations in Taiwan
Professor Wong commenced his higher education at National Taiwan University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in 1970 and his Master of Science (M.S.) in biochemical sciences in 1977. These formative years established a strong foundation for his future endeavors in chemical research.
Doctoral Studies at MIT
He subsequently pursued graduate studies in the United States, culminating in a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1982. Under the mentorship of Professor George M. Whitesides, his doctoral research focused on the innovative application of enzymes as catalysts in organic synthesis, a field that would become central to his career.
Professional Trajectory
Postdoctoral and Early Academia
Following his Ph.D., Professor Wong continued his postdoctoral research with George M. Whitesides at Harvard University from 1982 to 1983. He then embarked on his independent academic career at Texas A&M University, where he progressed through the ranks from assistant professor to full professor in the chemistry department, establishing his research group and reputation.
Global Leadership Roles
His career path led him to the Scripps Research Institute as the Ernest W. Hahn Chair and Professor of Chemistry. Concurrently, he held significant leadership positions internationally, serving as the head of the Frontier Research Program on Glycotechnology at Riken in Japan and as the director of the Genomics Research Center at Academia Sinica in Taiwan. His leadership extended further when he was appointed by the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as the President of Academia Sinica.
Current Affiliation
Presently, Professor Wong continues his impactful work at the Scripps Research Institute, where he holds the prestigious Scripps Family Chair Professorship of Chemistry, maintaining his active role in cutting-edge scientific discovery and mentorship.
Pioneering Research
Innovations in Glycoscience
Professor Wong is widely recognized for his seminal contributions to glycoscience. His research has focused on developing chemo-enzymatic methods for the practical synthesis of complex carbohydrates, specifically oligosaccharides and glycoproteins. These methods have revolutionized the accessibility and study of these vital biological molecules.
Hierarchical Synthesis & Microarrays
A notable achievement is his development of a hierarchical and programmable one-pot synthesis method, enabling the rapid preparation of a vast array of oligosaccharides. Furthermore, his work on glycan microarrays has provided high-throughput analytical tools for studying protein-carbohydrate interactions, crucial for understanding biological processes.
Therapeutic Applications
The synthetic methods and glycosylation probes pioneered by Wong have not only advanced the fundamental understanding of glycosylation in biology but have also paved the way for the clinical development of carbohydrate-based medicines. This includes innovative vaccines and homogeneous antibodies designed for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases, demonstrating a direct translational impact on human health.
Public Scrutiny & Resolution
Allegations of Insider Trading
In 2016, Professor Wong faced media speculation regarding his potential involvement in an insider trading scandal linked to OBI Pharma, Inc., a biotech company based in Taiwan. The allegations arose because his adult daughter held shares in the company.
Resignation and Investigation
While in the United States, Professor Wong expressed deep disappointment over the false reports and twice offered his resignation as President of Academia Sinica. Initially rejected, his resignation was eventually approved by then-President Ma Ying-jeou on May 10, 2016. An investigation into the matter ensued.
Exoneration
In February 2018, the Shilin District Prosecutors Office officially announced that all charges of insider trading against Professor Wong had been dropped. Subsequently, in April 2022, the Control Yuan publicly confirmed that Professor Wong had not violated any regulations concerning the disclosure of assets during the technology transfer of his inventions, fully clearing his name.
Awards & Honors
Major Accolades
Professor Chi-Huey Wong has been honored with a remarkable array of awards throughout his distinguished career, recognizing his profound impact on chemistry and biochemistry.
Honorary Doctorates
In recognition of his scholarly achievements and leadership, several prestigious institutions have bestowed upon Professor Wong honorary doctorates.
Distinguished Memberships
Global Scientific Societies
Professor Chi-Huey Wong's influence extends through his memberships in numerous elite scientific academies and organizations worldwide, reflecting his standing as a leading figure in global science.
Patents & Publications
Extensive Bibliography
Beyond his numerous patents, Professor Wong has authored or co-authored over 700 scholarly academic research papers, contributing significantly to the scientific literature. His published works include foundational texts in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and carbohydrate-based drug discovery.
Representative Patents
Professor Wong's innovative spirit is further evidenced by his extensive patent portfolio, which includes over 100 patents. These patents cover a wide range of inventions, from novel synthetic methods to therapeutic compositions.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Chi-huey Wong" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Wolf Prize in Chemistry 2014
- Welch Award in Chemistry 2021
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional scientific or academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting original research papers, official academic publications, or seeking advice from qualified biochemists, chemists, or other scientific professionals. Always refer to primary scientific literature and consult with experts for specific research or academic inquiries. Never disregard professional scientific advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.