-Kaohsiung Medical University –

Ming-Lung Yu, President of Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), has been awarded the Ministry of Education’s 69th Academic Award in the category of Biological, Agricultural, and Medical Sciences. Recognized for his long-standing dedication to hepatitis C research—spanning epidemiology, clinical treatment, and public health strategies—his work demonstrates strong integration and global impact. This national honor not only affirms his academic excellence but also highlights KMU’s robust capacity in medical research and clinical translation.

Since beginning his work on viral hepatitis in 1992, President Yu has devoted more than three decades to translating research findings from the laboratory into clinical practice and public policy. Through large-scale screening programs in southern Taiwan, he identified high-prevalence regions and estimated a national hepatitis C prevalence rate of approximately 3.28%, affecting around 500,000 individuals. These findings became a critical foundation for Taiwan’s hepatitis prevention policies and helped establish the country’s leading role in global hepatitis C research.

In terms of treatment strategies, during the interferon era, he pioneered a response-guided, personalized treatment approach, improving cure rates from 12% to 24%. With the addition of ribavirin, cure rates further increased to 65%. Following the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents, his efforts contributed to shifting Taiwan’s approach from passive treatment to proactive screening and early intervention, significantly enhancing treatment outcomes and coverage nationwide.

In the field of prevention strategy innovation, President Yu introduced the concept of “micro-elimination,” targeting high-risk populations such as dialysis patients and residents in underserved or rural areas. By establishing efficient screening and treatment models, he extended healthcare services into communities and specialized care settings. Among dialysis patients, treatment rates reached 93.6%, with 92.3% of dialysis institutions achieving hepatitis C micro-elimination, and nearly half advancing to “HCV-free dialysis” status—an internationally recognized benchmark in disease control.

His research has been published in leading international journals, including Journal of Hepatology, Gut, and Hepatology, and has been incorporated into multiple global clinical guidelines, further elevating Taiwan’s visibility in hepatitis prevention and treatment. President Yu has also received numerous honors, such as the National Science and Technology Council Outstanding Research Award and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Achievement Award. He has consistently been listed among the world’s top 2% scientists, reflecting his far-reaching academic influence.

Beyond research, President Yu is deeply committed to medical education and talent cultivation. He emphasizes the integration of clinical practice, teaching, and research, while actively promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships. In recent years, KMU has steadily strengthened its research capacity and global connections, reinforcing its role as a leading medical hub in southern Taiwan and a center for international medical education.

President Yu noted that the true value of research lies in addressing clinical needs, improving patient health, and generating public benefit. Looking ahead, he aims to integrate artificial intelligence and precision medicine to advance risk prediction and health management for liver diseases. His future goals include progressing toward the prevention and elimination of hepatitis B, as well as achieving a complete cure for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, with the hope of translating Taiwan’s experience into meaningful contributions to global public health.

The Ministry of Education Academic Award is one of Taiwan’s most prestigious academic honors. This recognition not only affirms President Yu’s long-term dedication and outstanding achievements, but also underscores KMU’s comprehensive strength and international competitiveness in medical research and clinical application.

▲President Ming-Lung Yu receives the Ministry of Education’s 69th Academic Award in the category of Biological, Agricultural, and Medical Sciences

▲President Ming-Lung Yu delivers remarks on behalf of the award recipients

▲Award recipients of the 69th Academic Award pose for a group photo with Premier Cho Jung-tai (President Yu, front row, far right)