Dr. Fengzhu Xiong

Professor

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Biography

Fengzhu Xiong is a Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Tsinghua University in 2007 and earned his PhD from Harvard University in 2013. His postdoctoral training includes a fellowship with HHWF-HHMI, and he has received numerous prestigious awards including the NIH K99, the Wellcome/Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, and the UKRI Frontier (ERC STG). His research focuses on understanding how developing tissues generate and respond to mechanical forces, which is critical for achieving proper shape and pattern during embryogenesis. Using early avian embryos as a model system, he employs advanced imaging, molecular genetic perturbation techniques, and innovative mechanical tools to measure and apply forces, aiming to unveil the intricacies of tissue mechanics in the early central nervous system and other developmental processes. Fengzhu also contributes to teaching at the department, covering topics in developmental biology and biophysics.

Research Interests

Experience

Group Leader

— Present

Gurdon Institute • Cambridge, England

Leading research projects focusing on mechanotransduction in early embryonic development.

Requirements for University of Cambridge

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
UK Bachelor's Degree with good Upper Second Class Honours or international equivalent Background in international relations, politics, law, economics, security or history is a definite asset
Application Checklist
  • Two academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Research proposal (1-2 pages/500 words)
  • Application fee (£50)
Specialization Notes

Standard postgraduate requirements for Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and related humanities departments.