SEE Welcomes Professor Stephan Schuster: Unlocking Genomic Secrets and Inspiring Future Researchers
The School of Energy and Environment (SEE) was honored to welcome Professor Stephan C. Schuster, President’s Chair in Genomics and Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University, as well as Research Director at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE). Professor Schuster visited City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) in December 2025 as a Distinguished Visiting Professor.
During his visit, Professor Schuster delivered a series of thought-provoking seminars showcasing his pioneering research in genomics, environmental microbiology, and scientific mentorship. The sessions, moderated by Professor Patrick Lee, Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) of SEE, attracted faculty, students, and researchers from diverse disciplines, sparking lively discussions and offering new perspectives on the role of genomics in addressing global challenges.
To mark the occasion, Professor Patrick Lee presented a CityUHK souvenir to Professor Stephan Schuster, in appreciation of his contributions.
In the first seminar, Professor Schuster introduced the atmosphere as a dynamic ecosystem inhabited by airborne microorganisms. Drawing on the Global Atmospheric Sampling (GAS) project, he presented high‑resolution profiles of bacterial and fungal communities across diverse climates and land‑use types. His talk highlighted how a global baseline of atmospheric microbial diversity can inform ecology, climate science, public health, and biosurveillance.
Another seminar explored the biology of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium that invades and consumes other Gram‑negative bacteria. Professor Schuster discussed how genomic analysis reveals its biphasic lifestyle and evolutionary refinement, while pointing to potential applications in biocontrol of bacterial pathogens in medicine, agriculture, and environmental systems.
In his final seminar, Professor Schuster shared practical advice for PhD students and postdocs, emphasizing strategies for identifying impactful research questions, building scientific independence, and communicating effectively within and beyond academia. Students and early‑career researchers engaged in lively discussion, gaining valuable insights into navigating today’s evolving scientific landscape.
Professor Schuster is internationally recognized for his contributions to genomics and environmental science. He has played a central role in the GenomeAsia100K consortium, advanced ultra‑low biomass sequencing protocols, and developed air surveillance technologies critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work continues to shape the fields of genomics, environmental health, and sustainability.
SEE extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Stephan C. Schuster for his inspiring visit and invaluable contributions as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. His seminars enriched our understanding of genomics and environmental microbiology while fostering meaningful dialogue across disciplines. His presence at CityUHK exemplified the spirit of academic exchange and will leave a lasting impact on our faculty, students, and research community.
