Chun Ju Chang, a cancer researcher based in Taiwan with international experience in the United States, urges educators, scientists, and communities to take personal action in supporting the next generation of researchers.

NEW YORK, NY, January 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Professor Chun Ju Chang, a leading cancer biologist and educator, is raising awareness about the growing need for stronger mentorship and education in cancer research. Drawing on decades of experience across top research institutions in the United States and Taiwan, Chang is advocating for a renewed focus on how young scientists are trained, supported, and guided through early stages of their careers.

"Cancer research depends on people, not just equipment or funding," Chang said. "If we want better science in the future, we have to invest time and attention in the people doing the work today."

Why Mentorship Matters Now
The call comes at a critical time. According to the World Health Organization, global cancer cases are expected to rise to 28 million per year by 2040, placing increasing pressure on research systems worldwide. At the same time, studies show that many early-career scientists leave research within their first ten years due to burnout, lack of guidance, and unclear career paths.

Research published in Nature reports that early-career scientists with strong mentors are twice as likely to publish high-impact studies and remain in research roles long term. Despite this, structured mentorship remains inconsistent across institutions.

Chang has seen this gap firsthand.
"I've watched talented students lose confidence because no one slowed down to explain the process," she said. "Often, it only takes one person sitting down and walking through the data to change everything."

Lessons From a Global Career
Chang's career spans major institutions, including UCLA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York. She is now a Professor at China Medical University in Taiwan, where she balances research leadership with hands-on teaching.

She believes that strong mentorship builds more than technical skill. It builds judgement, resilience, and confidence.

"Experiments fail all the time," she said. "What matters is learning how to resolve the issues without panic. That mindset comes from guidance, not textbooks."

The Bigger Impact on Science
Mentorship also plays a role in diversity and inclusion. UNESCO reports that less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women, with even lower representation in senior scientific roles. Chang sees mentorship as one of the most effective tools for change.

"Talent exists everywhere," she said. "What's missing is consistent support. When people feel seen and guided, they stay and contribute."

She also notes that well-mentored teams produce clearer data, fewer errors, and stronger collaboration. These factors directly affect the quality and speed of cancer discovery.

A Call to Personal Action
Rather than calling for policy reform or institutional mandates, Chang emphasises what individuals can do on their own.

"You don't need a formal title to mentor someone," she said. "You just need patience and a willingness to listen."

She encourages people across education, science, and the wider community to take practical steps:

Encourage curiosity in students by welcoming questions and exploration

Share knowledge openly, especially lessons learned from mistakes

Offer guidance to early-career researchers, even informally

Promote inclusive environments where different voices are valued

Support science education through schools, universities, and local programmes

"Small actions add up," Chang said. "The next breakthrough may depend on a student who almost gave up but didn't because someone helped them through a hard moment."

Looking Ahead
As cancer research grows more complex, Chang believes mentorship will become even more important.

"The science will keep changing," she said. "The need for good guidance will not. If we get that right, everything else becomes possible."

Chun Ju Chang is a Professor of cancer biology at China Medical University in Taiwan. She earned her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and previously served as an Associate Professor at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York. Her work focuses on cancer research, scientific education, and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Read the full story here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/530799/chun-ju-chang-calls-for-stronger-mentorship-in-cancer-science

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