Assist. Prof. Dr. Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a highly respected Lecturer II at the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University. As a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner in both Mainland China and Hong Kong, she has cultivated a strong academic and clinical foundation rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has significantly contributed to teaching, research, and international academic collaborations. Her leadership in evidence-based research, combined with her deep understanding of the Huangdi Neijing and classical theories such as the Five Circuits and Six Qi, positions her as a pioneer in integrating tradition with modern scientific approaches. Dr. Zhang has led or participated in more than 15 externally funded projects and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with a strong record of first- and corresponding-author contributions.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhang earned her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine from the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Her doctoral training provided a rich combination of theoretical studies, classical text interpretation, and hands-on clinical applications. The academic environment fostered her early interest in integrating traditional Chinese medical theories with scientific methodologies. Her educational path laid the groundwork for her to pursue rigorous research in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Chinese medicine, particularly in the fields of epidemiology, gastrointestinal diseases, and methodological development.

Experience

With close to a decade of academic and clinical teaching experience, Dr. Zhang has taken on numerous roles that extend beyond the classroom. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has secured seven research grants as Principal Investigator and served as co-investigator in multiple national-level projects funded by organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (HKSAR). Her expertise has led to contributions in reporting guideline development, multicentre clinical trials, and telemedicine studies. She also serves on editorial boards for international journals such as Scientific Reports, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, underscoring her standing in the academic community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s core research areas include: (1) theoretical and clinical research based on the Huangdi Neijing, with a focus on the “Five Circuits and Six Qi” (Wu Yun Liu Qi); (2) development of evidence-based Chinese medicine practices and methodological reporting standards; (3) clinical studies on gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS and ulcerative colitis; and (4) epidemiological research in infectious diseases within the framework of Chinese medicine. She has championed multidisciplinary and cross-regional collaborations that explore the integration of data science with ancient medical systems. Her ongoing work also addresses the modernization and standardization of traditional practices to ensure global acceptance and scientific validation.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards for her outstanding research and contributions to Chinese medicine. She was named among China’s CNKI Highly Cited Scholars (Top 1%) and received the “Top Cited Article” award in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. She was also honored as one of the “100 Outstanding Reviewers” of the China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy and recognized as the “1st Qiu Zhen Scholars of Chinese Medicine.” Additionally, she earned the “Top Articles in Outstanding S&T Journals of China” award twice and the “Third Prize of Science and Technology Award” from the China Association of Chinese Medicine. These accolades reflect her significant impact on both theoretical and applied Chinese medicine research.

Publications

Title: A Protocol for Developing, Disseminating, and Implementing a Core Outcome Set for Clinical Trials of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis
Journal: Journal of Integrative Medicine
Published on: 31 Jul 2025
Title: Butyrate-producing commensal bacteria mediates the efficacy of herbal medicine JCM-16021 on abdominal pain in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
Journal: Phytomedicine
Published on: Sep 2025
Title: Outcomes reporting in clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicine on ulcerative colitis: A systematic review
Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
Published on: 28 Oct 2024
Title: Suboptimal reporting of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine
Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
Published on: 17 Jun 2024
Title: Transparency and reporting characteristics of randomized controlled trials with Chinese herbal medicine formulas interventions
Journal: Frontiers of Medicine
Published on: 17 May 2024
Title: STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT Statement
Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
Published on: 14 Mar 2023
Title: Reporting assessment of multicenter clinical trial protocols: a cross-sectional study
Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
Published on: 03 Mar 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a distinguished researcher, educator, and clinical scholar whose work reflects a deep integration of traditional Chinese medicine principles with contemporary clinical and scientific practices. Her extensive publication record, grant leadership, and editorial responsibilities demonstrate her strong research acumen and commitment to globalizing Chinese medicine. With high-impact contributions, international collaborations, and multiple recognitions for academic excellence, Dr. Zhang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to shape the future of evidence-based Chinese medicine and methodological innovation.

Prof. Ji Li | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Central South University | China

Professor Ji Li, PhD, is a distinguished scholar in dermatological sciences, currently serving in the Department of Dermatology at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China. Renowned for groundbreaking research in inflammatory dermatosis and skin aging, Professor Ji has significantly advanced clinical and molecular dermatology through over a decade of academic contributions.

Author Profile👤

Strengths for the Awards✨

Professor Ji Li, PhD, has firmly established herself as a leading figure in dermatological research, particularly in the areas of inflammatory dermatosis and skin aging. Her academic contributions are highly impactful, with over 100 SCI-indexed publications in prestigious international journals, such as BMJ, Science Advances, Developmental Cell, EMBO Journal, JAAD, JAMA Dermatology, and Journal of Investigative Dermatology. This extensive publication record underscores her sustained productivity and global recognition.

In addition to scholarly output, her ability to attract six projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) demonstrates her competence in leading significant, peer-reviewed scientific research with national and institutional importance. Her dual roles as first and corresponding author reflect intellectual leadership and mentorship capability, making her a strong candidate for the Best Scholar Award.

🎓 Education

Professor Ji Li earned a Ph.D. in Dermatology and has since cultivated a strong academic foundation that supports both clinical excellence and scientific innovation. Their academic journey is rooted in top-tier institutions, combining rigorous research training with a focus on translational skin biology.

🧪 Experience

With a long-standing tenure at Xiangya Hospital, Professor Ji Li has blended clinical dermatology practice with laboratory-based investigation, leading several research groups and mentoring young scientists. With active involvement in national and international dermatological communities, Ji Li is recognized as a clinical-scientific leader in the field.

Professor Ji’s core research areas include:

Inflammatory dermatoses, exploring molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies

Skin aging, investigating cellular aging pathways and potential rejuvenation therapies
These interests are supported by a rich body of work that bridges clinical needs and molecular science.

🏆 Award

Professor Ji Li has been honored with several prestigious recognitions, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (with 6 funded projects), underlining the scientific community’s acknowledgment of Ji’s excellence and innovation. The consistent impact of Ji’s work positions them as a leading nominee for the Best Scholar Award.

📚 Publications

Professor Ji Li has authored over 100 SCI-indexed papers as first or corresponding author, published in top-tier international journals. Notable recent publications include:

💡 Conclusion

Professor Ji Li exemplifies the values of the Best Scholar Award through a rare combination of clinical expertise, scientific vision, and impactful scholarship. With extensive contributions to inflammatory skin diseases and aging, an outstanding publication record, and robust grant support, Ji stands out as a trailblazer in dermatology research. Their leadership continues to inspire innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award