Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongyong Zhang | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang | China

Dr. Hongyong Zhang is an accomplished Associate Professor at Guangdong Medical University, based at the Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang. With an extensive background in developmental biology, molecular reproduction, and gene regulation, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of reproductive mechanisms and genetic engineering. His innovative research, particularly in mammalian oocyte development and gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9, continues to pave the way for breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and reproductive biology.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

• Strong Academic Background and Postdoctoral Training
  Dr. Zhang has completed his doctoral studies in developmental biology at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of China’s premier research institutions, followed by a long postdoctoral tenure until 2019. This foundation indicates deep training in life sciences and developmental biology.

• Progressive Academic Career
  He currently holds an Associate Professor position at Guangdong Medical University, demonstrating academic growth and recognition. Prior engagements at prominent institutions like the Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center further underscore his institutional reputation.

• Independent Research Grants as PI
  Dr. Zhang has secured multiple national and regional research projects, such as:

  • NSFC Youth Science Fund (2024–2026)

  • Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2022–2025)

  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2020–2022)
    This shows his ability to attract competitive funding and lead research independently.

• Strong Publication Record in High-Impact Journals
  Notable publications include:

  • EMBO Molecular Medicine (impactful and reputed in biomedical research)

  • Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

  • Journal of Cellular Physiology

  • Toxicology
    These reflect both quality and diversity in research topics including oocyte maturation, spindle checkpoint regulation, cancer cell biology, and blastocyst complementation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Zhang embarked on his academic journey at Northeast Agricultural University (2009–2013), where he earned a degree in Biological Sciences. He then pursued a PhD in Developmental Biology at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013–2019), where he delved into molecular mechanisms guiding embryonic and reproductive development in animals.

🧪 Experience

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Zhang expanded his research horizon through prestigious postdoctoral work (2013–2019) at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He later contributed as a researcher at the Shenzhen Peking University–Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (2020–2022). Since July 2022, he has held a faculty position as Associate Professor at Guangdong Medical University, where he actively leads independent research projects in developmental biology and gene regulation.

🔬 Research Interests On Biology

Dr. Zhang’s research interests revolve around the molecular regulation of oocyte maturation, chromatin accessibility, meiotic progression, and blastocyst complementation. He is also passionate about the development of gene-edited animal models for studying neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. His focus on GPER1 gene editing, Fosl2 mechanisms, and spindle checkpoint regulation underpins his impactful contributions to reproductive and regenerative medicine.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zhang has received multiple national and regional grants as Principal Investigator, reflecting his scientific excellence and innovation. These include:

• NSFC Youth Science Fund Project (2024–2026) on Fosl2 mechanisms

• GDBR Youth Science Fund Project (2022–2025) on CyclinB2/CDK1 regulation

• China Postdoctoral Science Foundation General Fund (2020–2022) for CRISPR/Cas9-based GPER1 knockout pig models

📚 Publications

Dr. Zhang has published high-impact papers in leading scientific journals. Below is a list of selected publications with full citation and links:

1. Zhang H-Y, et al. Rescuing ocular development in an anophthalmic pig by blastocyst complementation. EMBO Molecular Medicine, 2018, 10(12): e8861.

   Cited by: 120 articles

2. Zhang H-Y, Li J, Ouyang Y-C, et al. Cell Division Cycle 5-Like Regulates Metaphase-to-Anaphase Transition in Meiotic Oocyte. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2021, 9: 671685.

   Cited by: 47 articles

3. Guan Y-T, Zhang C, Zhang H-Y, et al. Primary cilia: Structure, dynamics, and roles in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2023, 238(8): 1788–1807.

   Cited by: 15 articles

4. Chen H, Gong S, Zhang H-Y, et al. From the regulatory mechanism of TFEB to its therapeutic implications. Cell Death Discovery, 2024, 10(1): Full Text.

   Cited by: 5 articles

5. Zhang H-Y, Ouyang Y-C, Li J, et al. Gefitinib reduces oocyte quality by disturbing meiotic progression. Toxicology, 2021, 452: 152705.

   Cited by: 32 articles

🧾 Conclusion

With a strong foundation in molecular biology and developmental genetics, Dr. Hongyong Zhang exemplifies scientific excellence through his research, mentorship, and academic service. His pioneering work in oocyte biology, chromatin regulation, and gene editing has earned him a reputable place in the field, along with a robust publication record and competitive research funding. His dedication makes him a deserving nominee for any prestigious research award in biomedical sciences.