“Only when every pharmaceutical impurity is precisely identified and controlled can true safety in medicine be ensured at the source.” This was the message delivered by Dr. Shubo Dong at an international symposium on pharmaceutical quality control. As the winter chill lingered over Lianyungang, Jiangsu, his words resonated powerfully with the audience. In that moment, Dr. Dong was not only representing DeYuan Pharmaceutical as Associate Director of its research institute but also standing as one of the few medical scientists in China with dual pharmacist licenses, a robust portfolio of patents and software copyrights, and hands-on experience at a national postdoctoral research platform.

From R&D Frontlines to Strategic Core: Science as Symphony, Not Solo

Dr. Dong began his tenure at Jiangsu DeYuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., steadily deepening and broadening his impact in drug quality research. Starting as Director of the Quality Division, rising to Director of Quality Research, and now serving as Associate Director overseeing the institute’s entire scientific direction and quality system, he has continuously driven the company’s technical advancement through a systematized, practice-oriented research philosophy. He transformed a focus on operational precision into a pursuit of continual refinement, evolving from a project executor into a strategic leader.

Between 2017 and 2019, he led research projects at Nanjing University’s national-level postdoctoral research station, playing a pivotal role in upgrading the company’s R&D capabilities. “Back then, I was practically living in the lab with my team—some nights we worked past midnight. It felt like being a student again,” he recalled with a smile.

This diligence soon translated into measurable outcomes: under his leadership, multiple drug registration projects were successfully implemented, and several of his patented innovations achieved industrial application, generating substantial technical and economic value.

Taking on Industry Challenges with Reverse Thinking

“In traditional impurity analysis, compounds with weak or no UV absorption are often overlooked—but they may actually pose the greatest risks,” noted Dr. Dong.

To tackle this longstanding industry blind spot, he developed multiple systematic methodologies utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). His papers, published in journals like Analytical Sciences and Journal of Chromatographic Science, introduced novel approaches to chiral separation and quantified genotoxic impurities—some of which have already been adopted by domestic pharmaceutical companies.

From “Scientist” to “Platform Builder”: A Continuum of Thinking

Unlike researchers solely focused on publications and patents, Dr. Dong prefers to call himself a “builder of pharmaceutical innovation platforms.”

Since 2023, he and his team have developed systems such as the Multimodal Drug Research Data Integration Platform V1.0 and the Chiral Drug Separation and Formulation Development Support System V1.0, signing application contracts with different enterprises, respectively. These software tools have not only seen practical deployment but also garnered high industry recognition, with positive user feedback driving the development of next-generation versions.

“A responsible scientist shouldn’t stop at publication. We must consider how our results can be applied—in clinical settings, in enterprises, and under regulatory frameworks,” he emphasized.

Global Recognition Rooted in Ongoing Professional Voice

Dr. Dong is candid about his pursuit of international visibility: “Research must go global to earn a greater voice.”

Since 2019, he has served as a peer reviewer for the SCI journal Chirality and, beginning in 2024, joined the expert review board of CNKI, contributing to the evaluation of pharmaceutical papers and standardization proposals. “Reviewing is a reverse-learning process,” he explained, “and it also builds credibility and influence within the field.”

His honors include the “Gangcheng Talent” Dual-Innovation Doctor Award, Jiangsu Province Postdoctoral Research Grant, and the Enterprise High-End Talent Contribution Award—all underscoring his stature within China’s national talent system.

Clinical Relevance over Technical Grandstanding

“Technology isn't about stacking data and hardware—it must align with real-world use.”

Dr. Dong’s viewpoint is especially relevant as pharmaceutical R&D trends toward multimodal integration. He argues that quality control platforms of the future must consider raw materials, excipients, formulations, logistics, and clinical feedback in tandem: “Otherwise, what looks perfect in the lab might fail in a patient’s hands.”

His insight has sparked discussions across domestic and international academia, attracting partnerships with universities and industrial platforms. He currently serves as a training mentor at several universities, including Jiangsu Ocean University, Kangda College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, and China Pharmaceutical University, cultivating the next generation of talent for the industry.

Conclusion: Bridging Science and Industry

When asked, “How would you prefer to be known—a pharmaceutical scientist, a corporate strategist, or an educator?”

Dr. Dong paused, then answered: “I’d rather be seen as a connector—someone who links science with industry, technology with regulation, the lab with the patient.”

It is perhaps this mindset that has made Dr. Shubo Dong one of the most distinctive talents in China’s pharmaceutical quality research landscape today—simultaneously grounded in expertise and bold in innovation.

His story is far from over.