Xiaoxiao Zhong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong is a dedicated molecular biologist and medicine doctor at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University 🏥. Her expertise lies in metabolic and glandular disorders, particularly breast cancer, where she employs multi-omics data analysis and in vitro assays to uncover dysregulated metabolic pathways and tumor microenvironment (TME) dynamics. Dr. Zhong bridges computational biology with wet-lab validation, focusing on biomarker discovery and translational oncology. Her work illuminates the complex interplay between immune and stromal components in cancer, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine. 🔬

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong demonstrates a strong research profile in the field of molecular biology, particularly focusing on metabolic disorders and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling in breast cancer. Her approach integrates bioinformatics and experimental biology, using tools like WGCNA and LASSO Cox regression to generate prognostic biomarkers, such as the 22-gene TMERS signature. This multidimensional methodology reflects a comprehensive understanding of systems biology and its translational applications in oncology.

Her contributions to identifying glycosylation-driven immune regulators like KLRB1, and validating their function in suppressing cancer progression, suggest originality, relevance, and clinical potential. The publication of 7 SCI/Scopus-indexed journal articles, along with 16 research projects and collaboration with national-level programs, further establishes her as a promising researcher making meaningful strides in precision medicine.

🎓 Education

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong received her medical degree with a specialization in molecular biology from Central South University 🎓. During her academic journey, she focused on cancer genomics, tumor immunology, and systems biology, acquiring hands-on expertise in high-throughput data interpretation and laboratory assays. Her continuous learning path has empowered her to translate molecular insights into clinical relevance, with a strong foundation in both theory and application.

đź’Ľ Experience

With a rich background in clinical and research settings, Dr. Zhong has successfully led or contributed to 16 research projects, including collaborations with the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She has been involved in 8 consultancy and industry-related projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge scientific innovation and real-world application. As a reviewer for Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Zhong also plays a role in shaping scientific discourse. Her work environment blends rigorous experimentation with sophisticated bioinformatic modeling. 🔍

🔬 Research Interest On Molecular Biology

Dr. Zhong’s primary research interests revolve around tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling, metabolic disorders, and translational oncology. She focuses on glycosylation-driven mechanisms, immune-stromal crosstalk, and prognostic modeling through multi-omics integration. Her research aims to dissect cellular heterogeneity and identify novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets in breast cancer. By leveraging both in silico and in vitro methodologies, she seeks to contribute to personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.

🏅 Awards

Dr. Zhong is nominated for the Best Researcher Award 🏆 for her impactful contributions to cancer biology, particularly her development of a 22-gene TME-risk signature (TMERS) in breast cancer that has demonstrated strong prognostic value. Her identification of immune-regulatory glycosyltransferase genes and validation of KLRB1 as a tumor suppressor highlight her role in advancing the field of translational oncology. Her research is both innovative and clinically relevant, reinforcing her standing as an emerging leader in molecular medicine.

đź“š Publications

1. Glycosylated protein-related microenvironmental features in breast cancer are associated with patient prognosis

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Jiaxuan Han, Huan Li, Xiangyu Shen, Bowen Yu, Ting Chen, Haobing Li, Jun Li, Jin Pang, Liyuan Qian, et al.

  • Journal: Mammalian Genome

  • DOI: 10.1007/s00335-025-10137-9

2. PCMT1 confirmed as a pan-cancer immune biomarker and a contributor to breast cancer metastasis

  • Publication Year: 2024

  • Authors: Yiqi Liu, Xiaoxiao Zhong

  • Journal: American Journal of Cancer Research

  • DOI: 10.62347/tyll7952

3. Interpretable machine learning model based on the systemic inflammation response index and ultrasound features can predict central lymph node metastasis in cN0T1–T2 papillary thyroid carcinoma

  • Publication Year: 2023

  • Authors: Jin Pang, Mohan Yang, Jun Li, Xiaoxiao Zhong, Xiangyu Shen, Ting Chen, Liyuan Qian

  • Journal: Gland Surgery

  • DOI: 10.21037/gs-23-349

4. Targeting survivin with Tanshinone IIA inhibits tumor growth and overcomes chemoresistance in colorectal cancer

  • Publication Year: 2023

  • Authors: Yaoquan Cao, Haibo Tang, Guohui Wang, Pengzhou Li, Zhi Song, Weizheng Li, Xulong Sun, Xiaoxiao Zhong, Qianqian Yu, Shaihong Zhu, et al.

  • Journal: Cell Death Discovery

  • DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01622-8

5. Breast cancer combined with contralateral neck lymph node metastasis: a case report

  • Publication Year: 2022

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Fengjiao Ding, Liyuan Qian, Wei Wu, Yanguang Wen, Boni Ding

  • Journal: Diagnostic Pathology

  • DOI: 10.1186/s13000-022-01236-1

6. Identification of N6-Methyladenosine-Related LncRNAs for Predicting Overall Survival and Clustering of a Potentially Novel Molecular Subtype of Breast Cancer

  • Publication Year: 2021

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Jun Li, Xin Wu, Xianrui Wu, Lin Hu, Boni Ding, Liyuan Qian

  • Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

  • DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.742944

âś… Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong is an exceptional early-career researcher who blends scientific curiosity with technological rigor 🌟. Her contributions to cancer biology, particularly in decoding the tumor microenvironment and discovering novel biomarkers, have the potential to revolutionize prognostic models and therapeutic strategies. Through her dedication, interdisciplinary approach, and impactful publications, Dr. Zhong stands as a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award, representing the future of precision oncology.🏅

Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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.

đź“š 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

đź“ť 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.

Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Kuwait university | Kuwait

Kawther Akbar is a passionate Kuwaiti biotechnology researcher with a background in both biomedical engineering and genetic research. With a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience in molecular genetics and fiber trait analysis in dromedary camels, she has become a notable contributor to camel genomics and functional trait characterization. Her commitment to excellence in scientific exploration is highlighted by her growing publication record and multiple research awards.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Focused and Emerging Research Niche:

    • Kawther has specialized in a unique and impactful niche: the genetics of fiber traits in dromedary camels, which combines biotechnology, animal genetics, and industrial relevance.

    • This is an underexplored but valuable area, particularly important for the Arabian Peninsula and similar regions where camel-based industries have economic and cultural importance.

  2. Publication Record:

    • She has published two peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (Kuwait Journal of Science and Small Ruminant Research)—demonstrating early productivity in research.

    • These publications show an ability to take experimental work through to completion and dissemination.

  3. Recognition and Awards:

    • The Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023) affirm her academic dedication and peer recognition.

  4. Scientific Engagement and Visibility:

    • Strong record of poster presentations, including at international venues like the International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG) in San Diego. This reflects both scientific rigor and global outreach.

    • Her participation in workshops and coordination activities highlights her leadership and commitment to the scientific community.

  5. Interdisciplinary Background:

    • Her undergraduate degree in Medical Engineering and MSc in Biotechnology provide her with a broad, interdisciplinary foundation, allowing her to integrate engineering with molecular genetics.

🎓 Education

Kawther earned her MSc in Biotechnology from Kuwait University (2020–2024), where she delved into the molecular and genetic aspects of camel fiber variation. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor’s in Medical Engineering from Cardiff University, UK (2009–2013). Her academic path reflects a unique blend of engineering precision and biological sciences integration, paving the way for interdisciplinary research.

🧪 Experience

Her research journey began in 2013 with an undergraduate project at Cardiff University focused on micro-engineered polymer capsules for tissue repair under Prof. David Barrow. In 2022, she contributed to a mini research project under Dr. Hasan Alhaddad at Kuwait University, using genotyping by sequencing to explore genetic variations in camel hair types. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her advanced genomic studies.

🔍 Research Interests On Biotechnology

Kawther’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal genomics, molecular biology, and trait inheritance—specifically in camelid species. She focuses on genes like KRT71 and FGF5 to understand variations in hair shape and texture, aiming to improve classification and utilization of camel fibers for industrial and genetic applications. Her work addresses both scientific curiosity and regional agricultural needs.

🏆 Awards

Kawther’s dedication to research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and the Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023). These accolades reflect her academic performance, impactful research, and growing leadership in the Kuwaiti scientific community.

đź“š Publications

1. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: May 2024

2. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Hair Shape Variation in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: April 2025

3. “Hair Color at Different Camel Body Regions”

  • Authors: Bader H. Alhajeri, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2025

4. “Do Camels Have Ear Furnishings? Hairs of Inner and Outer Surfaces of Camel Pinna and FGF5 Longhair Variants”

  • Authors: Tasneem Maraqa, Amna A. Alrashid, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

5. “Superior Camel Fibers Due to FGF5 Variants”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Tasneem Maraqa, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

6. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Curly Hair in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

7. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula” (Preprint)

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

8. “Optimizing the PCR Conditions for the Amplification of KRT71 Exons in the Dromedary Camel”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

9. “Multi-Level Analysis of Dromedary Camel Hair Attributes Across Different Body Parts”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

10. “Characterization of Dromedary Camel Fibers for Genetic and Industrial Uses”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: January 2023

🧾 Conclusion

Kawther Akbar stands out as a rising talent in the field of animal biotechnology. With her strong educational background, hands-on genomic research, and dedication to academic excellence, she is well-positioned to lead future innovations in camel fiber genetics. Her active participation in conferences and poster presentations reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing scientific dialogue. She is a worthy candidate for any award recognizing research innovation and dedication.