Nicolas Leuenberger | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Swiss laboratory for Doping Analyses | Switzerland

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger is a distinguished Privat-docent and Research Manager at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Hospital of Lausanne. With a proven track record in forensic science and anti-doping research, he has contributed significantly to advancing methodologies for detecting blood doping and other performance-enhancing practices. His leadership in managing research projects, mentoring graduate students, and fostering international collaborations has positioned him as an influential figure in forensic and biomedical sciences.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and advanced qualifications in forensic and medical sciences, which laid the foundation for his career in anti-doping research. His academic background integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and forensic medicine, enabling him to explore novel biomarkers of blood manipulation and enhance anti-doping practices worldwide.

Experience

With extensive experience as Research Manager at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger oversees both research operations and biological unit management. He directs master’s and PhD projects, guiding students from experimental design to thesis completion. As part of the LAD management team, he coordinates grant applications, establishes ISO-accredited protocols, and supervises multidisciplinary collaborations with hospital units and global anti-doping laboratories. His consultancy roles with Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG, the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, and the World Anti-Doping Agency further demonstrate his expertise and international recognition.

Research Interests

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger’s research focuses on the discovery of innovative biomarkers for blood doping, particularly through the fields of ironomics and transcriptomics. His pioneering work on erythroferrone and hepcidin as indicators of blood manipulation has reshaped anti-doping science. Currently, he is advancing mRNA biomarker detection from dried blood spots, enabling more accurate detection of autologous blood transfusions and micro-dose EPO administration. His commitment lies in developing cutting-edge forensic tools that safeguard the integrity of sports and public health.

Awards

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger has been widely recognized for his contributions to forensic and anti-doping science. His editorial appointment as Associate Editor of Frontiers in Sport and Active Living and his membership in the Swiss Haematology Society underscore his professional standing. He has also been invited as an expert reviewer for the World Anti-Doping Agency and other international bodies, reflecting his global impact on anti-doping policy and scientific innovation.

Publications

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals, significantly contributing to anti-doping and forensic biomarker research. A selection of his highly cited works includes:

1. Detection of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in human anti-doping control: Past, present and future
Journal: Drug Testing and Analysis
Published on: July 2012

2. Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers for Detection of Autologous Blood Transfusion
Journal: PLoS ONE
Published on: June 2013

3. Circulating microRNAs: The Future of Biomarkers in Anti-doping Field
Journal: Drug Testing and Analysis
Published on: December 2015

4. Autologous Blood Transfusion in Sports: Emerging Biomarkers
Journal: Transfusion Medicine Reviews
Published on: May 2016

5. mRNA Biomarkers in Dried Blood Spots May Improve Detection of Autologous Blood Micro-Transfusions Using an Individualized Approach
Journal: Haematologica
Published on: August 2025

6. High Pretransplant Levels of Erythroferrone Are Predictive for 1-Year All-Cause Mortality and Acute Cellular Rejection after Heart Transplantation
Journal: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Published on: January 2025

7. New Transcriptomic Biomarkers for Detection of the Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) MirCERA in Horses
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Published on: September 2024

8. Comparison between standard hematological parameters and blood doping biomarkers in dried blood spots within the athlete population of Swiss Sport Integrity
Journal: Haematologica
Published on: September 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger exemplifies scientific excellence through his pioneering research in anti-doping biomarker discovery, his leadership at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of forensic scientists. His contributions have not only advanced the global fight against blood doping but also strengthened the integrity of competitive sports. For these reasons, he is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Ji Li | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

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👤

Scopus

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.

🔬 Research Interest On Medicine and Health Sciences

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.