Chao Liu | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chao Liu | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dongguan City University | China

Dr. Liu Chao (刘超), is a distinguished researcher in computational drug discovery and molecular simulation. With a robust background in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, he has seamlessly integrated computational techniques with biomedical applications. Dr. Liu has held prominent academic positions and has made impactful contributions in CADD, drug screening, and molecular dynamics. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Dongguan City University, he continues to advance innovation in pharmacological sciences.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Liu Chao is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of Computational Drug Discovery and Molecular Dynamics Simulation, with extensive expertise in CADD (Computer-Aided Drug Design), drug screening, and bioinformatics-based target validation. His research output demonstrates significant depth and interdisciplinary integration, particularly in targeted drug screening for conditions like autism, depression, gastric cancer, and osteoarthritis, as well as innovative use of molecular dynamics, MM/PBSA, and patch-clamp validation techniques.

He has been affiliated with premier institutions including Dongguan City University and Southern University of Science and Technology, where he held positions from Associate Professor to Senior Research Scholar. His educational pedigree spans from a Ph.D. at Nanyang Technological University with a solid GPA (4.37/5.0) to dual bachelor degrees from Tianjin University. His proficiency in computational tools (Python, Gromacs, Autodock Vina) and languages (C/C++) is at the expert level.

🎓 Education

Dr. Liu Chao holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Molecular Simulation) from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2008–2012), where he earned an impressive GPA of 4.37/5.0. He previously completed his Master’s in Chemical Engineering (Process Simulation) at Tianjin University (2006–2008) and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Technology and Computer Science and Technology from Tianjin University, finishing first in his class. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for his future success.

👨‍🔬 Experience

Dr. Liu’s career spans academia and industry, including roles as Senior Research Scholar at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) (2021–2023) and R&D Scientist at Process Integration Limited, Beijing (2013–2015). He has also held postdoctoral positions at SUSTech and Wuhan Institute of Technology. Since 2023, he has been serving as Associate Professor at Dongguan City University, where he leads drug discovery research. His work involves advanced simulation techniques, including patch-clamp validations and molecular docking for diseases such as osteoarthritis and autism.

🔍 Research Interests On Biology and Life Sciences

Dr. Liu’s research interests revolve around Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD), Drug Development, Molecular Docking, ADMET Testing, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. He has applied these tools to study drug interactions with proteins relevant to osteoarthritis, autism, depression, and gastric cancer. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges chemistry, biology, and computational modeling.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Liu has received numerous honors, including:

  • 2025 Candidate for Digital Expert in Guangdong Province

  • 2024 Qiming Initiative Finalist by MIIT of China

  • 2023 High-Level Talent in Dongguan City

  • 2022 Distinguished Expert – China Doctoral Association Think Tank

  • 2019 Overseas Young Postdoctoral Fellowship – Pearl River Talent Plan

  • 2011 Best Young Author Nominee – Molecular Physics
    Additionally, he is a member of IEEE since 2009 and has received scholarships and talent awards throughout his academic career, highlighting his outstanding contributions to science and technology.

📚 Publications

  • Water as a Direct Proton Source for Asymmetric Hydroarylation Catalyzed by a Rh(I)–Diene: Access to Nonproteinogenic β2/γ2/δ2-Amino Acid Derivatives
    Authors: JP Chen, Y Li, C Liu, T Wang, LW Chung, MH Xu
    Year: 2020
    Cited by: 9

  • Cryo-EM structures of ClC-2 chloride channel reveal the blocking mechanism of its specific inhibitor AK-42
    Authors: T Ma, L Wang, A Chai, C Liu, W Cui, S Yuan, S Wing Ngor Au, L Sun, …
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 5

  • Cryo-EM structure and activator screening of human tryptophan hydroxylase 2
    Authors: K Zhu, C Liu, Y Gao, J Lu, D Wang, H Zhang
    Year: 2022
    Cited by: 4

  • Solubility correlation by model with partial molar volume
    Authors: Q Yu, J Li, C Liu, H Yang
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 3

  • Direct Simulation Monte Carlo for Dense Hard Spheres
    Authors: L Chao, SK Kwak, S Ansumali
    Year: 2014
    Cited by: 2

  • Generalized equilibrium concentration of polyvacancy: case study for trivacancy in hard-sphere crystals
    Authors: C Liu, PC Su, SK Kwak
    Year: 2011
    Cited by: 1

  • Targeted drug screening for autism based on Cav1.2 calcium ion channel
    Author: C Liu
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: Not yet cited

  • Inhibitor screening for volume-sensitive LRRC8A chloride channel
    Authors: C Liu, W Cui, K Zhu, S Yuan, L Sun, Y Liang, J Lu, D Li, Z Deng, L Duan, …
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not yet cited

🧩 Conclusion

With a strong academic foundation, interdisciplinary research excellence, and an impressive portfolio of publications and awards, Dr. Liu Chao stands as a prominent leader in computational drug discovery. His commitment to using advanced simulations to address pressing medical challenges—from autism to gastric cancer—illustrates both scientific rigor and societal impact. Dr. Liu’s dynamic contributions make him a compelling candidate for any prestigious scientific or innovation-based recognition.

Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Fellow | Harvard medical school | United States

Dan Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. With a strong background in protein quality control, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy, Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural analysis.

Profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Outstanding Research Impact: Dan Zhao has made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell, and Autophagy.

Strong Academic and Research Background: His journey from Peking University to Harvard University, along with his research at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), showcases his academic excellence.

Breakthrough Discoveries: His identification of Epr1 as the first soluble ER-phagy receptor and his work in ERAD have advanced fundamental knowledge in cell biology, making him a leader in his field.

Recognized Achievements: Multiple awards and honors, including “Outstanding Researcher” at NIBS and a poster award at an International Symposium on Autophagy, highlight his scientific contributions.

Consistent Conference Presentations: Presenting at prestigious international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, ASCB | EMBO Meeting) underscores his active engagement in the research community.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011 – 2017)
    Peking University & National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
  • B.A. in Biological Sciences (2007 – 2011)
    Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

🧪 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2021 – Present)
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University

    • Investigated how the Mnl1/Htm1-Pdi1 complex recognizes misfolded proteins and initiates ERAD.
    • Identified Pdi1 as the key reductase in ERAD.
    • Developed a novel assay for detecting mannosidase activity.
  • Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
    National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

    • Discovered Epr1, the first soluble ER-phagy receptor.
    • Explored the molecular mechanisms of Epr1 in ER-phagy.
    • Characterized a novel protein, SPBC1685.04, in macroautophagy.
  • Ph.D. Candidate (2012 – 2017)
    Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Program

    • Studied PX-BAR family proteins and their role in organelle autophagy.
    • Investigated XRCC4 homologs in fission yeast.
  • Early Research Roles (2010 – 2012)

    • Conducted metagenomic sequencing of Cordyceps Sinensis.
    • Performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing.
    • Researched amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

🔬 Research Interests On Biology

  • Protein quality control and degradation
  • ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
  • Autophagy and ER-phagy mechanisms
  • Structural and functional analysis of protein complexes

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 2017 – Excellent Graduate, Peking University
  • 2015 – Outstanding Researcher, National Institute of Biological Sciences
  • 2015 – Poster Award, International Symposium on Autophagy
  • 2014 – Best Oral Talk, Chinese Fungi Symposium
  • 2013 – Merit Student, Peking University
  • 2011 – Excellent Graduate, Sichuan University

📄 Publications

  • Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Xudong Wu; Tom A. Rapoport
    • Year: 2024
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein interactions in fission yeast using a Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein-protein interactions in fission yeast by Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Atg38-Atg8 interaction in fission yeast establishes a positive feedback loop to promote autophagy

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Ling-Ling Sun; Zhao-Di Jiang; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Hai-Tao Wang; Wan-Zhong He; Meng-Qiu Dong; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • Epr1, a UPR-upregulated soluble autophagy receptor for reticulophagy

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • A UPR-Induced Soluble ER-Phagy Receptor Acts with VAPs to Confer ER Stress Resistance

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2020
  • Atg20 and Atg24 family proteins promote organelle autophagy in fission yeast

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2016
  • Genome-wide Screens for Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation Identify the Fission Yeast Nonhomologous End Joining Factor Xrc4

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2014

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Dan Zhao’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of protein degradation and autophagy. His discoveries, including the role of ER-phagy receptors and ERAD pathways, contribute to fundamental biological processes with implications for diseases like neurodegeneration. As a leading scientist in the field, his work continues to shape our understanding of cellular homeostasis.