Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

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Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

Central Forensic Science Laboratory | India

Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana is a highly accomplished forensic biologist and Scientist-B at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, with over a decade of expertise in DNA analysis, serology, and forensic molecular biology. He earned his Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi/Central Drug Research Institute, where he conducted pioneering work on methyltransferases of Wolbachia endosymbionts and anti-filarial drug development, followed by postdoctoral training at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion-IIT) focusing on tRNA methyltransferases and ribonucleases. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana’s professional journey spans roles from Scientific Assistant to Assistant Director (Biology) at the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jharkhand, and now leadership of the DNA/Biology Division at CFSL Hyderabad, where he manages NABL-accredited laboratories, oversees quality compliance, and supervises forensic sample analysis. He has reported over 750 cases, attended more than 35 crime scenes, and mentored numerous scientific assistants and law enforcement personnel in forensic protocols. His research integrates molecular biology, DNA methylation, and advanced forensic genetics, including strategies for extracting DNA from challenging samples, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical forensic applications. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana has published 12 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, accumulating 208 citations with an h-index of 8, as indexed in Scopus, in journals including Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2013), Frontiers in Genetics (2016), and Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (2018). Recognized with prestigious awards including the DST-SERB International Travel Award, CSIR fellowships, and national competitive selections, Dr. Rana exemplifies scientific excellence, innovation, and dedication to advancing forensic biology.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Current drug targets for helminthic diseases. Parasitology Research, 112(5), 1819–1831.

Rana, A. K., & Ankri, S. (2016). Reviving the RNA world: An insight into the appearance of RNA methyltransferases. Frontiers in Genetics, 7, 99.

Rana, A. K., & Kumar, N. (2023). Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): Major challenges and prevention approaches. Biodiversity and Conservation, 32(5), 1473–1491.

Rana, A. K. (2018). Crime investigation through DNA methylation analysis: Methods and applications in forensics. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 8(7), 38.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2011). Cloning, expression, purification and kinetics of trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase of filarial parasite Brugia malayi. Acta Tropica, 119(2–3), 151–159.

Kumar, N., Yadav, V. K., & Rana, A. K. (2017). Wildlife forensic: Current techniques and their limitations. Journal of Forensic Science & Criminology, 5(4), 402.

Singh, P. K., Kushwaha, S., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2014). Cofactor independent phosphoglycerate mutase of Brugia malayi induces a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response and inhibits larval development in the host. BioMed Research International, 2014, 590281.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Immunization of Mastomys coucha with Brugia malayi recombinant trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase results in significant protection against homologous challenge infection. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e72585.

Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Wannan Medical College | China

Prof. Zhiliang Xu, affiliated with Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China, is a distinguished molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher whose work focuses on histone ubiquitination, chromatin remodeling, and their implications in neurological disorders, cancer, gametogenesis, and cellular reprogramming. He earned his Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017. According to Scopus, Prof. Zhiliang Xu has authored 11 publications, which have been cited 34 times, and he holds an h-index of 4, demonstrating the impact of his research in the scientific community. His seminal studies elucidated the role of H2B ubiquitination in chromatin relaxation during meiosis and cellular reprogramming, published in journals such as Nucleic Acids Research (2016), Cell Proliferation (2021), and Reproduction (2017). His recent work on neuronal repair, gut-liver axis regulation in diabetes, and genomic approaches to thalassemia has been featured in FASEB Journal (2025), Annals of Hematology (2025), and Neuroscience Letters (2025). Prof. Zhiliang Xu leads multiple high-impact national and provincial research projects, serves as a peer reviewer for journals including Scientific Reports and Neurochemical Research, and evaluates theses for graduate and doctoral candidates. Recognized with the 2021 National Maternal and Child Health Science and Technology Award (First Prize), the 2022 Guangzhou High-level Talent Award, and the 2024 Outstanding Young Talent honor in Anhui Province, Prof. Zhiliang Xu continues to advance fundamental understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetic regulation, exemplifying excellence, mentorship, and translational scientific impact, making him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shi, L., Yan, X., Xia, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhu, X., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Beyond transfusions and transplants: Genomic innovations rewriting the narrative of thalassemia. Annals of Hematology.

2. Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Huang, S., Liu, M., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates cortical neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by rebalancing HES1 and NF-κB expression. Neuroreport.

3. Yan, X., Shi, L., Zhu, X., Zhao, J., Zhao, Y., Luo, J., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). From microbial homeostasis to systemic pathogenesis: A narrative review on gut flora’s role in neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and cancer disorders. Journal of Inflammation Research.

4. Huang, S., Lu, Y., Fang, W., Huang, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation-induced apoptosis. Open Life Sciences.

5. Li, Q., Zhang, L., Sun, Y., Du, Z., Xu, S., Wang, X., Wei, S., Tao, Y., Li, B., Jiang, J., Di, G., Huang, Y., & Xu, Z. (2025). p53 modulates the gut-liver axis via PI3K/AKT/Wnt signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes. FASEB Journal.

6. Li, Q., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Paeonol mitigates chronic stress-induced amygdalar neuronal damage through glycogen synthase kinase-3β/calcineurin axis regulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuroreport.

7. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Shi, L., Sun, Z., Meng, K., Zong, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Paeonol facilitates the repair of neuronal damage in the mPFC caused by chronic stress via the Rho GTPases-cofilin1 signaling pathway. Neuroscience Letters, 138329.

Meng Ning | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meng Ning | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Chiba University | China

Dr. Meng Ning is an accomplished researcher at Chiba University, Japan, recognized for her pioneering work in the epigenetic regulation of cancer. She has made substantial contributions to understanding the non-catalytic roles of chromatin regulators, particularly in gastric cancer. Her expertise bridges molecular biology and clinical gastrointestinal oncology, enabling her to translate laboratory discoveries into potential therapeutic strategies. Meng Ning is known for her meticulous experimental design, innovative application of genome-editing technologies, and dedication to advancing cancer research through both independent studies and collaborative projects.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Meng Ning completed her doctoral studies at Chiba University, Japan, where she focused on elucidating novel mechanisms of cancer progression. Her Ph.D. research revealed a previously unrecognized non-catalytic function of SETD1A in gastric cancer via the E2F4–TAF6 axis. Employing advanced techniques including transcriptomics, epigenomics, and genome-editing approaches, she was able to demonstrate this mechanism independently of traditional methyltransferase activity. Her academic training combines rigorous laboratory research with a strong foundation in clinical oncology, preparing her to conduct translational studies that link fundamental discoveries with therapeutic potential.

Experience

Dr. Meng Ning has extensive experience in both experimental and translational cancer research. She has collaborated with the Department of Pathology at the University of Tokyo to analyze clinical gastric cancer specimens, integrating molecular findings with patient data. Her work spans NGS-based studies, CRISPR genome editing, and multi-omics analyses, reflecting a versatile approach to cancer biology. Beyond laboratory research, she has contributed to the mentorship of junior researchers, participated in collaborative projects across institutions, and actively engaged in the scientific community through professional society memberships and research networks.

Research Interests

Dr. Meng Ning’s primary research interest lies in the epigenetic regulation of cancer, with a focus on non-catalytic functions of chromatin regulators. She investigates how these regulators influence tumor proliferation, cellular signaling, and transcriptional networks using advanced molecular biology techniques. Her research integrates next-generation sequencing, genome editing, and integrative bioinformatics to identify novel mechanisms underlying cancer progression. By connecting these molecular insights with clinical oncology, she aims to identify potential therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of innovative cancer treatments.

Awards

Dr. Meng Ning is nominated for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to cancer epigenetics and translational oncology. Her research has introduced novel concepts in understanding chromatin regulator function and tumor biology, demonstrating originality, technical excellence, and significant impact in the field. Her dedication to advancing cancer research through rigorous experimentation and collaborative endeavors positions her as a leading researcher in her discipline.

Publications

Dr. Meng Ning has authored several high-impact, SCI-indexed publications as first or contributing author. Her work demonstrates innovative methodologies and deep insights into the molecular mechanisms of cancer:

Title: Non-catalytic role of SETD1A promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation through the E2F4–TAF6 axis in the cell cycle
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Published on: 2025-08-23

Title: Non-enzymatic SETD1A activity drives breast cancer cell proliferation via cyclin K
Journal: Breast Cancer Research
Published on: 2025-08-11

Title: Integrated enhancer regulatory network by enhancer–promoter looping in gastric cancer
Journal: NAR Cancer
Published on: 2024-04-08

Conclusion

Dr. Meng Ning exemplifies excellence in scientific research through her innovative studies in cancer epigenetics and her commitment to translational application. Her work bridges basic molecular discoveries and clinical oncology, offering new avenues for therapeutic development. With a combination of technical skill, collaborative engagement, and visionary research, Meng Ning stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions not only advance the understanding of cancer biology but also inspire ongoing innovation in epigenetic and translational research.

Dongmei Li | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dongmei Li | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Rochester | United States

Dr. Dongmei Li is a distinguished professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, where she is actively involved in clinical and translational research. She also holds affiliations with the Goergen Institute for Data Science. With expertise spanning biostatistics, public health sciences, and data science, Dr. Li has made significant contributions to advancing health research through statistical modeling and innovative data analysis methods.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

  • Academic and Professional Excellence:
    • Dr. Li holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics and advanced training in biomedical data science, genetics, and public health, making her expertise highly interdisciplinary.
    • Current roles as Professor and Program Director at the University of Rochester underscore her leadership in academia.
  • Diverse Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Li’s research spans clinical and translational sciences, public health, and biostatistics.
    • Extensive mentorship for students and postdocs, with multiple mentees achieving national recognition.
  • Recognition and Honors:
    • Recipient of numerous awards, such as the David P. Byar Young Investigator Travel Award and mentorship-related accolades for students.
    • Multiple travel grants and special merit awards signify her influence in the research community

Education 🎓

Dr. Li’s academic journey began with a BS in Pomology from Laiyang Agricultural College in China, followed by an MS in Biophysics from China Agricultural University. She later pursued advanced training in the United States, earning an MS in Statistics and a PhD in Biostatistics from The Ohio State University. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to integrating quantitative methods into biological and health research.

Experience 🏫

Dr. Li’s professional career includes faculty appointments at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she developed and taught biostatistics courses, and her current role at the University of Rochester. Over the years, she has advanced from assistant to professor, conducting groundbreaking research in statistical methods for health data and mentoring students and early-career researchers.

Research Interests On Genetics 🔍

Dr. Li’s research focuses on applying statistical models to complex health data, including biomarker discovery, tobacco research, and diabetes studies. She is particularly interested in integrating machine learning with traditional biostatistics to address challenges in health disparities and population health. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between health sciences and computational methods.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Li has been recognized for her contributions to research and mentoring, receiving accolades such as the David P. Byar Young Investigator Travel Award and the National Student Employee of the Year Award for her mentees. Her numerous scholarships and travel awards highlight her dedication to fostering collaborative research and innovation.

Publications 📚

  • “Assessing associations between individual-level social determinants of health and COVID-19 hospitalizations: Investigating racial/ethnic disparities among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)”
    • Authors: Dimple Vaidya, Kenneth J. Wilkins, Eric Hurwitz, Jessica Y. Islam, Dongmei Li, Jing Sun, Sandra E. Safo, Jennifer M. Ross, Shukri Hassan, Elaine Hill, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: As of now, this publication has not been cited by other works.
  • “Public Perceptions of Very Low Nicotine Content on Twitter: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Zidian Xie, Xinyi Liu, Xubin Lou, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This study has been cited by the following publications:
      • Tracy T. Smith, Richard J. O’Connor, K. Michael Cummings, Alex C. Liber, “Tobacco Control Strategies,” International Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2025.
      • Kiana L. Fall, Robin M. Forbes-Lorman, “No effect on behavior in a pilot study investigating the role of progesterone in nicotine withdrawal in female rats,” BIOS, 2024.
      • Piyush Anand, Vrinda Kadiyali, “Frontiers: Smoke and Mirrors: Impact of E-cigarette Taxes on Underage Social Media Posting,” Marketing Science, 2024.
      • Onyema Greg Chido-Amajuoyi, Dale S. Mantey, Efehi Igbinomwanhia, Onyinye Omega-Njemnobi, Henry Onyeaka, Robert K. Yu, Israel Agaku, Sanjay Shete, “Perceptions of the Addictiveness of Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Versus Typical Cigarettes and Exposure to Tobacco Industry-Sponsored Corrective Campaign,” Substance Use & Misuse, 2024.
      • Carlos Blanco, Benjamin Apelberg, Brian A. King, Wilson M. Compton, “Opportunities for advancing science to inform tobacco regulation in an evolving tobacco landscape,” Molecular Psychiatry, 2024.
  • “Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Transplant Recipients and Hemodialysis Patients: Data from the Dominican Republic”
    • Authors: Lisette Alcantara Sanchez, Eloy Alvarez Guerra, Dongmei Li, Samantha M. King, Shannon P. Hilchey, Qian Zhou, Stephen Dewhurst, Kevin Fiscella, Martin S. Zand
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This publication has not been cited by other works to date.
  • “Marker gene fishing for single-cell data with complex heterogeneity”
    • Authors: Yiren Shao, Qi Gao, Liuyang Wang, Dongmei Li, Andrew B. Nixon, Cliburn Chan, Qi-Jing Li, Jichun Xie
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: Currently, there are no citations for this preprint.
  • “Associations of County-Level Social Determinants of Health with COVID-19 Related Hospitalization Among People with HIV: A Retrospective Analysis of the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)”
    • Authors: Jessica Y. Islam, Eric Hurwitz, Dongmei Li, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Jing Sun, Sandra Safo, Jennifer M. Ross, Kenneth Wilkins, Shukri Hassan, Elaine L. Hill, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This article has not been cited by other publications yet.
  • “Discussion of Heated Tobacco Products on Twitter Following IQOS’s Modified-Risk Tobacco Product Authorization and US Import Ban: Content Analysis”
    • Authors: Minji Kim, Julia Vassey, Dongmei Li, Artur Galimov, Eileen Han, Matthew G. Kirkpatrick, Cassandra A. Stanton, Jenny E. Ozga, Sarah Lee, Jennifer B. Unger
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: No citations have been recorded for this study so far.
  • “Temporal and Thematic Analysis of Promotional Waterpipe-Related Posts on Twitter/X in the US”
    • Authors: Puhua Ye, Mengwei Wu, Yiwei Han, Yuka Shimazaki, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Erin L. Sutfin, Dongmei Li, Zidian Xie
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This preprint has not been cited by other works.
  • “Public Perception of the Tobacco 21 Amendment on Twitter in the United States: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Liane M. Schneller-Najm, Zidian Xie, Jiarui Chen, Sarah Lee, Emily Xu, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: There are no citations for this study at this time.
  • “Public Perceptions of the Food and Drug Administration’s Regulatory Authority Over Synthetic Nicotine on Twitter: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Jonathan Zou, Juan Ramon Feliciano, Zidian Xie, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This publication has not been cited by other works to date.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dongmei Li’s extensive expertise, innovative research, and dedication to mentoring make her a valuable asset to the academic and scientific community. Her work continues to impact the fields of biostatistics and public health, fostering collaboration across disciplines and inspiring the next generation of researchers.