Shingo Kajimura, PhD
Richard E. Weitzman Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award
As an investigator at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston Mass., Shingo Kajimura, PhD, has made pioneering contributions to the field of endocrinology and metabolism by identifying the key determinants of adipose tissue development and function.
Kajimura’s work transformed our fundamental understandings of how brown/beige fat controls energy homeostasis in physiology and disease, and further provides a blueprint for rewiring adaptive pathways to improve metabolic health. His studies led to the new but now well-appreciated notion that the role of brown/beige fat is far beyond thermogenesis. His discoveries have the potential to influence new therapies for diseases including obesity, NASH, and type 2 diabetes.
Kajimura is currently a member of the Endocrine Society’s Basic Science Strategy Advisory Group.
How has the Endocrine Society supported your professional development/career journey?
ENDO has been a source of my inspiration. For example, when I was a trainee (grad student and post-doc), I had opportunities to see rapid advances in the nuclear receptor field and meet the leading scientists in ENDO meetings. These experiences tremendously inspired me. I also enjoy catching up with my colleagues every time I join ENDO annual meetings. I feel very fortunate to have had these opportunities throughout my career.
As a Laureate Award recipient, do you have any advice for those just beginning their careers?
As a basic scientist, I aim to tackle unexplored areas where I can contribute by creating new dots rather than connecting existing dots that someone has already made. In this regard, curiosity is the strongest internal drive. Finding out your curiosity, rather than feasibility, is important.
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