Yuan Zhang | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Yuan Zhang | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Yuan Zhang | Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Yuan Zhang, MD, Ph.D., is an accomplished neuroscientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shenzhen University. With over 15 years of combined experience in clinical neuroscience, academic teaching, and translational research, Dr. Zhang has carved a niche in the fields of cerebral ischemia, neurodegeneration, and brain metabolism. Her work has been pivotal in uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A dedicated scholar, Dr. Zhang has authored over 10 peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals, often serving as lead or corresponding author. Her research is distinguished by its integration of advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and molecular imaging with fundamental neurobiology. Dr. Zhang is committed to improving patient outcomes through a synergistic blend of laboratory research and clinical application, and she continues to lead multi-disciplinary teams in high-impact neurology projects across China.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Yuan Zhang began her medical journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Baotou Medical College, where she developed a foundational understanding of human physiology and diagnostics. She furthered her studies with a Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the same institution, focusing on cellular mechanisms and molecular interactions. Driven by a passion for uncovering complex pathological processes, she pursued and obtained her Ph.D. in Pathology and Pathophysiology from the prestigious Peking Union Medical College, a leading institution in medical research in China. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for her ongoing research into the molecular basis of neurological diseases. Dr. Zhang’s robust academic foundation across medicine, molecular biology, and pathology uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between clinical practice and laboratory research, making significant contributions to the fields of stroke recovery, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Yuan Zhang has accumulated a wealth of professional experience over nearly two decades. She has served as a Researcher and Associate Professor at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, where she leads key neurosurgery-related research. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, engaging in cutting-edge neuroscience projects. Concurrently, she served as an Associate Professor at Baotou Medical College, having previously held roles as Lecturer and Teaching Assistant. Dr. Zhang has played crucial roles in mentoring young researchers, guiding postgraduates, and fostering collaborative projects. Her clinical insights as a physician combined with her academic depth as a researcher make her an asset to both the scientific and medical communities, contributing meaningfully to translational research in neuroscience and neurosurgery.

Research Focus:

Dr. Yuan Zhang’s research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemia, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic dysfunctions in the brain. She specializes in identifying potential therapeutic targets for conditions like ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic cognitive impairment. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, proteomics, lipidomics, pharmacology, and neuroimaging, allowing her to study brain injury at multiple biological scales. Her recent work involves leveraging mass spectrometry and nanomedicine to map lipid changes in early ischemic events and exploring how natural compounds such as Notoginsenoside R1 and Gypenoside LXXV modulate glucose uptake and inflammation in the brain. Dr. Zhang also investigates the role of proteins like NUF2, MMP-2, and ENOPH1 in neurological damage and recovery. Her research aims to translate molecular insights into clinical therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with complex neurological disorders. She is especially known for collaborative work bridging basic science and clinical neurosurgery.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Uncovering novel functions of NUF2 in glioblastoma and MRI-based expression prediction — Scientific Reports, 2025

  2. Mass Spectrometry-based Spatiotemporal Characterization of Lipids in Early Focal Cerebral Ischemia — Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

  3. Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s disease via GLUT4-dependent neuronal glucose uptake — Phytotherapy Research

  4. Alteration of Ubiquitination in the Brain of ENOPH1 Knockout Mice after Early Ischemic Stroke — Journal of Proteome Research

  5. Adenylate kinase 4 promotes neuronal energy metabolism and mitophagy in early cerebral ischemia via Parkin/PKM2 pathway — Experimental Neurology

  6. MMP-2-mediated Scube2 degradation disrupts astrocyte-endothelial interaction via Sonic Hedgehog pathway — Journal of Neurochemistry

  7. Enolase-phosphatase 1 worsens early ischemia injury by enhancing ECM destruction and blocking ADI1-MT1-MMP interaction — Experimental Neurology

  8. Black phosphorus-based nanodelivery platform for synergistic antiparkinsonian therapy — Journal of Controlled Release

  9. Gypenoside LXXV increases brain glucose uptake and improves cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s model — Phytotherapy Research

  10.  Swell1 activation in microglia suppresses neuroinflammation and reduces ischemic brain damage — Neurobiology of Disease

Conclusion :

Dr. Yuan Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His well-established background, robust publication record, and focus on critical neurological disorders position him as a leader in academic neurosurgery research. With a continued push toward global visibility and translational impact, Dr. Zhang is likely to remain a transformative figure in neurological sciences. His combination of clinical insight and research acumen makes him not only deserving of recognition but also a source of inspiration for the future generation of clinician-scientists.

 

 

Jung Ho Hyun | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun , Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) , South Korea

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Korea. His research focuses on neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and molecular tools for studying neural activity. He earned his Ph.D. in Physiology from Seoul National University (SNU) in 2015, after completing a Master’s in the same field at SNU. Dr. Hyun’s academic career includes significant research experience at prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. His work has led to important insights into memory, cognitive flexibility, and neuronal activity. Dr. Hyun is dedicated to mentoring young scientists and sharing his knowledge through invited lectures worldwide. His contributions to neuroscience have made a significant impact, evidenced by numerous publications in renowned journals.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun is a highly accomplished and innovative researcher with significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in understanding neuronal activity and cognitive processes. His research focuses on cutting-edge topics such as memory, cognitive flexibility, and the development of molecular tools for neuronal manipulation. His ability to integrate molecular biology with neurophysiology has advanced the scientific community’s understanding of brain function, making his work highly relevant for both basic science and clinical applications. Dr. Hyun’s leadership and mentoring roles have also fostered future generations of neuroscientists, further solidifying his impact in the field.

Notable accomplishments include several prestigious awards and travel grants, invited lectures at international conferences, and a strong publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and The Journal of Physiology. His involvement in interdisciplinary research and development of novel techniques for manipulating neural circuits positions him as a leading figure in his field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Hyun has demonstrated tremendous research capabilities, one area for growth could be expanding his research collaborations to interdisciplinary fields such as computational neuroscience, which may further enhance the translation of his findings to clinical and therapeutic applications. In addition, as his work continues to gain prominence, a greater focus on the application of his research to the treatment of neurological diseases could increase the broader societal impact of his work.

Education:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Pusan National University, South Korea, in 2007. He then pursued graduate studies at Seoul National University (SNU) College of Medicine, earning his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physiology in 2010. Following this, he continued his research journey and obtained a Ph.D. in Physiology from SNU in 2015 under the supervision of Dr. Suk-Ho Lee. Dr. Hyun’s strong academic foundation provided him with the tools to delve deeply into neurophysiology and molecular neuroscience. His educational journey has led to groundbreaking research at the intersection of memory, neuronal activity, and cognitive behavior. He has continuously built on his academic foundation with collaborative research experiences at leading global institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience.

Experience:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Brain Sciences at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), South Korea. Prior to this, he was a JHU Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he contributed to important projects on cognitive neuroscience and neuronal activity. Dr. Hyun has also been involved in significant research activities at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. His primary research focus includes molecular tools for recording and manipulating neuronal activity, and understanding the molecular underpinnings of cognitive flexibility. In his academic career, he has not only contributed to cutting-edge research but has also been an educator, lecturing on human physiology and neuroimaging techniques. As a mentor, Dr. Hyun has guided students and researchers, cultivating future scientists in the field of neuroscience.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2021, he was awarded the Travel Award at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society. His work has also been recognized with the 2019 Gill Symposium Travel Award, which supported his research contributions at a global level. In 2018, he received the Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals Fellowship Award, recognizing his outstanding research contributions in the field of neuroscience. Dr. Hyun was also granted the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Travel Grant in 2018, facilitating further academic collaborations. These honors reflect the recognition and respect Dr. Hyun has earned within the scientific community, underscoring his commitment to advancing neuroscience research. His consistent pursuit of excellence is further exemplified by his leadership in mentoring and scientific outreach efforts.

Research Focus:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun’s research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive flexibility, memory, and complex behavioral processes. His work explores how memory is stored and retrieved in the brain and how neural circuits contribute to cognitive processes such as decision-making and behavioral flexibility. Dr. Hyun’s lab utilizes molecular tools, including genetically encoded calcium indicators, to track and manipulate neuronal activity at the cellular and circuit level. One of his key areas of focus is understanding how neural populations encode and process information, particularly in regions like the orbitofrontal cortex. His research aims to uncover how manipulating neural ensembles can help treat brain illnesses and disorders. Dr. Hyun’s contributions to the development of new methods to study neural activity have positioned him at the forefront of neurophysiological research, with significant potential for clinical applications.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Eom K#, Kim D#, Hyun JH* (2025) “Engram and behavior: How memory is stored in the brain.” 🧠📚 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.
  2. Eom K, Jung J#, Kim B#, Hyun JH* (2024) “Molecular tools for recording and intervention of neuronal activity.” 🧬🔬 Molecules and Cells.
  3. Hyun JH, Hannan P, Iwamoto H, Blakely R, Kwon H-B (2023) “Serotonin in the orbitofrontal cortex enhances cognitive flexibility.” 🧠💡 bioRxiv.
  4. Hyun JH#, Nagahama K#, Ho N#, Mignocchi N, Roh S-E, Hannan P, Krüssel S, Kwak C, McElroy A, Liu B, Cui M, Lee S, Lee D, Huganir RL, Worley PF, Sawa A, Kwon H-B (2022) “Tagging active neurons by soma-targeted Cal-Light.” 🔦🧬 Nature Communications.
  5. Eom K#, Lee HR#, Hyun JH, Ryu H-H, Lee Y-S, Ho W-K, Lee S-H (2021) “Gradual decorrelation of CA3 ensembles associated with contextual discrimination learning is impaired by Kv1.2 insufficiency.” 🔬📊 Hippocampus.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jung Ho Hyun is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative research, exceptional contributions to neuroscience, and strong leadership. His multidisciplinary approach to understanding cognitive flexibility and memory, along with his pioneering use of molecular tools to study neural circuits, sets him apart as a leader in his field.