Chao Liu | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

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.

Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Dr. Jie Huang (黄杰), is a distinguished plant biologist currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. His research focuses on molecular plant–pathogen interactions, alternative splicing, and effector biology. Dr. Huang has made substantial contributions to our understanding of how pathogens manipulate plant immune responses and has published widely in high-impact journals.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

1. Strong Academic Background & Training

  • PhD from Nanjing Agricultural University under a leading expert, Prof. Suomeng Dong.

  • Postdoctoral experience at the prestigious University of Oxford, a global hub for biological sciences.

2. Consistent and High-Impact Research Output

  • Multiple first-author and corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, The Plant Cell, Molecular Plant, and New Phytologist.

  • His research appears in elite plant biology and molecular journals, indicating significant peer recognition and impact.

3. Innovation in Research

  • Pioneered discoveries related to alternative splicing in plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, and protein-peptide interactions, a critical frontier in molecular plant pathology.

  • Integration of computational tools (AlphaFold-Multimer) in cross-kingdom interaction studies, reflecting interdisciplinary sophistication.

4. Competitive Funding Record

  • Secured prestigious funding from national (NSFC), provincial, and postdoctoral foundations in China as Principal Investigator, demonstrating independent scientific leadership.

5. International Collaboration & Mobility

  • Experience at institutions in China, the UK, and the USA, showcasing global integration and collaborative capacity.

  • Short-term training and collaborative publications with international partners, enhancing his scientific network and adaptability.

🎓 Education

 Dr. Huang began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science from Anhui Agricultural University (2009–2013). He then pursued his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at Nanjing Agricultural University (2013–2018), where he was mentored by the esteemed Prof. Suomeng Dong. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation for his expertise in host–pathogen molecular dynamics.

🧪 Experience

 Following his Ph.D., Dr. Huang worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Nanjing Agricultural University (2018–2021), continuing under Prof. Dong’s supervision. In 2019, he broadened his global research exposure as a visiting scholar at Colorado State University with Prof. Anireddy Reddy. Since January 2022, he has been advancing his research at the University of Oxford under Prof. Renier A. L. van der Hoorn, contributing to frontier studies in plant proteomics and immunity.

🔬 Research Interests On Biological Sciences

🌿 Dr. Huang’s research delves into:

  • Alternative splicing in plant immunity

  • Effector biology in oomycete pathogens

  • Protease-targeting mechanisms at the plant–pathogen interface

  • Use of AlphaFold and other computational tools to predict protein interactions
    His work bridges molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology for improving crop resistance strategies.

🏆 Awards and Funding

 As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Huang has secured several prestigious research grants, including:

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31901862)

  • Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (SBK2019040604)

  • Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (KYQN202009)

  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M640494)

  • Special Postdoctoral Science Fund (2020T130306)

These awards reflect his scientific rigor and innovative research in plant molecular biology.

📚 Publications

1. A Phytophthora effector manipulates host histone acetylation and reprograms defense gene expression to promote infection
Authors: L Kong, X Qiu, J Kang, Y Wang, H Chen, J Huang, M Qiu, Y Zhao, G Kong, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 144

2. An oomycete plant pathogen reprograms host pre-mRNA splicing to subvert immunity
Authors: J Huang, L Gu, Y Zhang, T Yan, G Kong, L Kong, B Guo, M Qiu, Y Wang, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 120

3. Phytophthora effectors modulate genome-wide alternative splicing of host mRNAs to reprogram plant immunity
Authors: J Huang, X Lu, H Wu, Y Xie, Q Peng, L Gu, J Wu, Y Wang, ASN Reddy, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 84

4. The Activation of Phytophthora Effector Avr3b by Plant Cyclophilin is Required for the Nudix Hydrolase Activity of Avr3b
Authors: G Kong, Y Zhao, M Jing, J Huang, J Yang, Y Xia, L Kong, W Ye, Q Xiong, …
Year: 2015
Cited by: 84

5. The Phytophthora sojae RXLR effector Avh238 destabilizes soybean Type2 GmACSs to suppress ethylene biosynthesis and promote infection
Authors: B Yang, Y Wang, B Guo, M Jing, H Zhou, Y Li, H Wang, J Huang, Y Wang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 71

6. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface
Authors: F Homma, J Huang, RAL van der Hoorn
Year: 2023
Cited by: 69

7. Pathogen manipulation of chloroplast function triggers a light-dependent immune recognition
Authors: C Gao, H Xu, J Huang, B Sun, F Zhang, Z Savage, C Duggan, T Yan, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 65

8. Cleavage of a pathogen apoplastic protein by plant subtilases activates host immunity
Authors: S Wang, R Xing, Y Wang, H Shu, S Fu, J Huang, JK Paulus, M Schuster, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 40

9. Natural allelic variations provide insights into host adaptation of Phytophthora avirulence effector PsAvr3c
Authors: J Huang, L Chen, X Lu, Q Peng, Y Zhang, J Yang, BY Zhang, B Yang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 32

10. Phytophthora sojae apoplastic effector AEP1 mediates sugar uptake by mutarotation of extracellular aldose and is recognized as a MAMP
Authors: Y Xu, Y Zhang, J Zhu, Y Sun, B Guo, F Liu, J Huang, H Wang, S Dong, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 31

📝 Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Jie Huang is a rising star in plant molecular biology, combining classical genetics, proteomics, and cutting-edge computational tools to unravel the complexities of plant immunity and pathogen virulence. His international collaborations, funding success, and impactful publications position him as a strong nominee for any prestigious research award recognizing scientific excellence in plant sciences.

Juan Ren | Oncology | Excellence in Research

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

Prof. Dr. Juan Ren | Oncology | Excellence in Research

Professor | The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University | China

Dr. Juan Ren, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished professor at the Cancer Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. With a profound dedication to oncology research, she has made significant contributions to understanding cancer biology, particularly in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her research has led to advancements in tumor markers, angiogenesis, and targeted therapies, establishing her as a leading figure in the field of cancer research.

Profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

✅ Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Juan Ren has led multiple research projects as a Principal Investigator under prestigious grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Science & Technology Grants of Shaan’ Xi Province. These projects focus on ovarian cancer, angiogenesis, and targeted cancer therapies, demonstrating a strong track record in cutting-edge oncology research.

✅ Outstanding Publication Record: With over 30 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Cancer Research, FASEB Journal, and the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Dr. Ren has significantly contributed to the field of cancer biology, epigenetics, and targeted therapy. Publications address crucial aspects of cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance, which align with innovative approaches in cancer treatment.

✅ Recognized Achievements and Awards: Dr. Ren has received multiple prestigious awards, including the First and Second Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology from the Shaan’ Xi Provincial Government and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s Excellent Research Award. These accolades highlight a well-respected and impactful career in scientific research.

✅ International Collaboration & Impact: Having worked with institutions like the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA, Dr. Ren has demonstrated global research engagement, making their work influential beyond China.

✅ Innovative Contributions to Cancer Treatment: Research focusing on GPR4, VEGF receptors, phospholipase A2 inhibitors, and epigenetic interventions positions Dr. Ren as a pioneer in targeted therapies and precision medicine for cancer treatment.

Education 🎓

Dr. Ren earned her medical degree from Xi’an Medical University, where she was recognized as an outstanding student. She later pursued a Ph.D. at Xi’an Jiaotong University, focusing on cancer research. Her academic excellence was further acknowledged with prestigious awards, highlighting her dedication and contributions to medical science.

Experience 🏥

Dr. Ren has held key positions in academia and research. As a principal investigator, she has led multiple groundbreaking projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Her research has explored the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. She has collaborated with international institutions, further enriching her expertise and contributions to oncology.

Research Interests On Oncology 🔬

Dr. Ren’s research focuses on:

  • The molecular mechanisms of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
  • Tumor markers for early cancer detection.
  • The role of G-protein-coupled receptors in angiogenesis.
  • Epigenetic interventions to enhance cancer treatment.
  • The development of novel targeted therapies for gynecological malignancies.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Ren has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • Second Award of Achievement & Excellence in Science and Technology, Shaan’Xi Province (2013).
  • First Award of Achievement & Excellence in Science and Technology, Shaan’Xi Province (2009).
  • First Award of Achievement & Excellence in Science and Technology, Anti-Cancer Association of Shaan’Xi Province (2006).
  • Excellent Research Award, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA (2004).
  • Multiple awards for scientific excellence from Xi’an Jiaotong University and the Education Bureau.

Publications 📄

Dr. Ren has authored numerous high-impact research articles. Some key publications include:

  • Title: MECOM Locus Classical Transcript Isoforms Affect Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Different Targets in Ovarian Cancer
    Authors: N. Lan, S. Bai, M. Chen, F. Wu, J. Ren
    Publication Year: 2024

  • Title: Predictive Role of Elevated Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Bone Metastasis in Esophageal Cancer
    Authors: X. Wang, Y. Gao, J. Wang, F. Wu, J. Ren
    Publication Year: 2024

  • Title: Construction of lncRNA-m6A Gene-mRNA Regulatory Network to Identify m6A-Related lncRNAs Associated with the Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma
    Authors: J. Zhang, S. Bai, Y. Yan, X. Wang, J. Ren
    Publication Year: 2023

  • Title: Perspective of Radiotherapy for Ovarian Metastasis from Small Cell Lung Cancer
    Authors: Z. Feng, Y. Qu, X. Sun, X. Zhang, Y. Yang
    Publication Year: 2023

  • Title: Construction of Prognostic Model of Ovarian Cancer Patients Based on Immune-Related Genes
    Authors: H. Kang, S. Bai, R. Li, J. Zhang, J. Ren
    Publication Year: 2023

  • Title: Clinical Association Between Coagulation Indicators and Bone Metastasis in Patients with Gastric Cancer
    Authors: X. Wang, M. Chen, J. Ren, X. Zhang
    Publication Year: 2023

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Juan Ren’s dedication to oncology research has significantly advanced the understanding of cancer biology. Her contributions in tumor marker identification, molecular targeting, and cancer therapy have shaped modern oncology. Through her research, leadership, and clinical expertise, she continues to inspire and drive innovation in cancer treatment, making a lasting impact on the medical community worldwide.

Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

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.