New postdoc!
Shuntaro Yamada is a new Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Bergen
On March 11, 2024, Shuntaro Yamada will begin his new position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen (UiB). He will use the expertise obtained through his PhD work and focus on dynamic cell culture techniques, using bioreactors to engineer a bone-like environment for safer and more efficient regenerative therapy research.
Aiming to advance the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Shuntaro Yamada has recently been employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Tissue Engineering Group at the Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen (UiB). Yamada, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis titled "3D Dynamic Culture of Mesenchymal Stem Cells under Fluid Flow - Implications for Bone Regeneration" on October 6, 2023, brings his expertise and commitment to innovation into his new role.
Photo: Odd Johan Lundberg, UiB
Shuntaro's postdoctoral position, commencing on March 11, 2024, will span over three years at the UiB, with an additional year earmarked for international exchange. His research will delve into the projects initiated during his doctoral studies, focusing primarily on dynamic cell culture techniques employing bioreactors to engineer a physiological bone-like environment for studying stem cell behaviour for safe and efficient regenerative therapy. Notably, this approach offers a humane alternative to animal testing, facilitating the study of biomaterial and stem cell behaviours in a controlled, physiological setting. Furthermore, utilizing a bioreactor allows controlling cell growth and fate mechanically and physiologically, without resorting to pharmacological drugs, and can promote improved bone regeneration.
Shuntaro secured a UiB Idea Grant in 2023 and is working with his collaborators on an innovative project to develop a bioreactor platform to mimic bone-like environments. Anticipated news on this front is expected in July. Additionally, Shuntaro is engaged in mentoring and supervisory roles, overseeing the progress of two master's students, three PhD candidates (as a co-supervisor), and welcoming an Erasmus student from the Czech Republic shortly.
When questioned about his decision to pursue a postdoctoral position, Yamada emphasized the invaluable opportunity it presents to deepen his expertise in projects related to his PhD work while contemplating an academic career path. Moreover, the prospect of spending a year abroad, possibly in the UK or Germany, enriches the academic experience.
In addition to his research activities, Shuntaro is a dear and active member of the MRCRM program committee, organizing seminars and conferences for the regenerative medicine community in Bergen. He is also pursuing becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy through the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) program, comparable to a master's degree in education. This effort reflects his desire to enhance his skills as an educator and contribute significantly to academia.
We wish Shuntaro Yamada the best of luck as he begins the new chapter of his academic journey, and we look forward to following his career in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His commitment and innovative thinking are set to advance the field and inspire future researchers.