Tao Liang | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Tao Liang | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tao Liang, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China

Dr. Tao Liang is an accomplished medicinal chemist with deep expertise in small molecule drug design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation. Originating from Dancheng County, Henan Province, and currently residing in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, Dr. Liang is an Assistant Researcher at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Shandong University, a leading institution under China’s “Double First-Class” initiative. With over 7 first-author SCI publications and multiple national invention patents, his research significantly contributes to targeted cancer therapies, especially involving HDAC6-selective inhibitors and Bax agonists. He has successfully led key projects funded by the Anhui Provincial Government and participated in prestigious National Natural Science Foundation of China projects. Known for both scientific depth and innovation, Dr. Liang has been recognized with national-level scholarships and university-wide honors for outstanding research achievements and academic excellence.

Publication Profile:

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✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Publications

    • Authored 7 first-author SCI papers, including publications in top-tier journals like Acta Pharm Sin B (IF 14.907) and J Med Chem (IF 8.039).

    • Published extensively on HDAC6 isoform-selective inhibitors and apoptosis-targeting small molecules, a niche and cutting-edge domain in anticancer drug research.

  2. Research Leadership & Innovation

    • Serves as Principal Investigator for two key provincial research projects focusing on selective cancer therapies.

    • Demonstrated innovation in designing dual-target inhibitors (MMP/HDAC) and novel Bax agonists.

  3. National-Level Collaborations

    • Participated in major National Natural Science Foundation of China projects (5 total), totaling over RMB 2 million in funding.

    • Engaged with multidisciplinary teams and key opinion leaders, including renowned researchers such as Prof. Hao Fang and Prof. Xuben Hou.

  4. Academic Recognition

    • Winner of prestigious honors such as the National Scholarship, Outstanding Doctoral Graduate, and guest speaker at elite academic forums.

    • Recipient of 15+ national and university-level awards, including innovation prizes and scholarships.

  5. Patent Contributions

    • Holds 4 national invention patents, reflecting translational potential and real-world application of his research outputs.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility & Collaboration

    • Current research impact is primarily within domestic circles (China). Engaging in cc, postdoctoral exchanges, or publishing with international co-authors would elevate recognition.

  2. Clinical Translation Pipeline

    • Despite strong preclinical development, there is no direct evidence of transition to clinical trials or industrial commercialization. Partnering with biotech/pharma could increase translational outcomes.

  3. Leadership Beyond Research

    • As an early-career researcher, administrative leadership (e.g., lab director, national committee memberships) may still be developing. Building a research group or mentoring PhD students would strengthen this.

  4. Interdisciplinary Expansion

    • Expertise is strong in medicinal chemistry, but cross-disciplinary projects involving AI/drug discovery, systems biology, or clinical oncology could broaden the impact.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Tao Liang received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Shandong University (2013.9–2017.6), one of China’s elite institutions under the National “985 Project” and “Double First-Class” initiative. Continuing at the same university, he pursued a Master’s and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2022. Shandong University, renowned for its Ministry of Education Class A-rated disciplines, provided Dr. Liang with a rigorous scientific environment and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. During his academic training, he developed a strong foundation in chemical biology, natural product synthesis, and drug development. His educational journey has been marked by consistent excellence, earning him accolades like National Scholarships and Outstanding Graduate awards. His academic credentials and extensive research during his Ph.D. have positioned him as a leading young researcher in the field of medicinal chemistry in China.

💼 Work Experience:

Since August 2022, Dr. Tao Liang has been serving as an Assistant Researcher at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College. His research focuses on the structural design, chemical synthesis, and pharmacological activity evaluation of small molecule drugs, particularly targeting HDAC isoforms and apoptotic regulators like Bax. He currently leads two key projects: one on HDAC6-selective inhibitors and another on Bax agonists for cervical cancer therapy, funded by the Anhui Provincial Higher Education and Health Commission respectively. Previously, he participated in several high-impact national research projects, including two funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, focusing on anti-cancer drug discovery. His roles have involved both independent project leadership and critical collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Liang’s work experience showcases his capabilities in translational medicinal chemistry research and positions him as a promising talent in pharmaceutical innovation.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Tao Liang has received more than a dozen honors for his outstanding academic and research contributions. These include the prestigious National Scholarship (2021), Outstanding Doctoral Graduate of Shandong University (2022), and multiple first-class scholarships throughout his postgraduate studies. He was a special guest speaker at prominent forums like the “Haiyou Doctoral Forum” and “Lao Xu Talks about High Strategies.” His undergraduate years were equally distinguished, earning the first prize in the ‘Challenge Cup’ and honors like “Outstanding Graduate” and “Excellent Communist Youth League Member”. His early career was also decorated with international recognitions such as the First Prize for Innovation Results at the World University Students’ Pharmaceutical Garden Forum. These awards highlight both his academic brilliance and commitment to scientific advancement, affirming his eligibility and strength as a nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Tao Liang’s research centers on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small molecule inhibitors with a primary focus on histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) isoform-selective inhibitors and Bax agonists for cancer therapy. His work integrates computational modeling, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacodynamics to create targeted therapies aimed at epigenetic modulation and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. He has actively contributed to national-level projects exploring dual-target inhibitors (MMP/HDAC) and small molecule interventions for Mcl-1 and striatal enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) targets. Dr. Liang is particularly recognized for his innovation in optimizing chemical scaffolds for selective inhibition and minimizing off-target effects. Through collaborative and independent research, he aims to address challenges in chemotherapeutic resistance and toxicity. His scientific pursuits align with current global trends in precision oncology, making significant strides in targeted therapy development and laying a foundation for future clinical translation.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Design, synthesis and evaluation of structural optimization derived HDAC6 isoform-selective inhibitor – Bioorganic Chemistry, 2025

  2. 📗 Targeting histone deacetylases for cancer therapy: Trends and challenges – Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, 2023

  3. 📙 Potential applications of BPFP1 in Bcl-2 protein quantification, carcinoma cell visualization, cell sorting and early cancer diagnosis – European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  4. 📕 Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,4-disubstituted-imidazolidine-2,5-dione derivatives as HDAC6 selective inhibitors – European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  5. 📘 Recent Development of Novel HDAC6 Isoform-selective Inhibitors – Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  6. 📗 HDAC–Bax Multiple Ligands Enhance Bax-Dependent Apoptosis in HeLa Cells – Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2020

  7. 📙 Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2,4-Imidazolinedione Derivatives as HDAC6 Isoform-Selective Inhibitors – ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2019

  8. 📕 Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Thiadiazole Peptidomimetic Derivatives – Chinese Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2016

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Tao Liang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early- to mid-career researcher category. His extensive publication record, innovative medicinal chemistry work, leadership in funded projects, and impressive academic recognitions make him an exemplary candidate.

yu chen | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. yu chen | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Prof. yu chen , Chengdu University of Technology , China

Prof. Yu Chen is a leading researcher in the field of perovskite solar cells, with a particular emphasis on interfacial engineering and charge transport materials. He is currently a Principal Investigator at the Chengdu University of Technology, College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering. His academic journey spans top institutions in China, culminating in a Ph.D. from Nanjing University of Science and Technology under the guidance of Prof. Shenli Zhang and Prof. Wenhua Zhang. Prof. Chen has co-authored numerous high-impact journal articles, including in Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Chemical Engineering Journal, significantly contributing to the field of renewable energy. His innovative approaches to improving stability and efficiency in perovskite photovoltaics have earned him national recognition. Prof. Chen’s work blends academic rigor with practical innovation, aiming to push the boundaries of solar cell technologies toward commercial viability and sustainability.

Publication Profile: 

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✅ Strengths for the Award:

  • High-impact Publications: Prof. Chen has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie, and Advanced Functional Materials, indicating global recognition and scientific rigor.

  • Cutting-edge Research Focus: His work on perovskite solar cells, especially on buried interface engineering, inorganic transport layers, and molecular self-assembly, addresses fundamental and applied challenges in next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

  • Innovation & Application: Techniques like guanylation reaction for MACl removal and ion compensation strategies demonstrate a deep understanding of material-device interplay and have direct implications for industrial application.

  • Leadership & Funding: As a Principal Investigator at Chengdu University of Technology, leading national-level projects (e.g., Qomolangma Talent Program), Prof. Chen has proven both scientific leadership and funding competitiveness.

  • International Collaboration: His co-authorship with global leaders such as Prof. Shengzhong Liu and Prof. Wenhua Zhang strengthens his international research presence.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  • Broader Research Diversification: While his specialization in perovskites is a clear strength, expanding into hybrid systems (e.g., tandem solar cells with silicon or organic-inorganic integration) could elevate his interdisciplinary impact.

  • Industry Partnership: Greater collaboration with industrial partners or startups could accelerate the commercial translation of his innovations.

  • International Fellowships or Visiting Positions: Engaging in international academic exchanges or fellowships (e.g., Marie Curie, Humboldt) could further enhance global visibility.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Yu Chen completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Nanjing University of Science and Technology (2019–2023) under the supervision of Prof. Shenli Zhang and Prof. Wenhua Zhang. During this period, he focused on advanced interfacial design and ion migration in perovskite solar cells. He earned his M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Changzhou University (2016–2019), mentored by Prof. Ningyi Yuan and Prof. Wenhua Zhang, where he laid the foundation for his research on inorganic materials. His academic journey began with a B.Eng. in Materials Science from Pujiang University (2012–2016), under the supervision of Prof. Jian Huang. This strong and progressive academic background empowered Prof. Chen with a multi-scale understanding of materials synthesis, structural engineering, and device-level optimization — skills now central to his research on high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies.

💼 Experience:

Since 2023, Prof. Yu Chen has been serving as a Principal Investigator at Chengdu University of Technology’s College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering. He leads a research group focused on developing next-generation perovskite solar cells, emphasizing stable, efficient, and scalable photovoltaic systems. Prof. Chen has developed several novel techniques involving inorganic hole/electron transport layers and interfacial dipole engineering. His experience spans fundamental research, technology translation, and academic collaboration with prestigious researchers such as Prof. Shengzhong Liu and Prof. Yihui Wu. He is also the recipient and presiding investigator of projects like the “Qomolangma Talent Introduction Program” and the Youth Foundation of Sichuan Natural Science Foundation. His role combines leadership, mentorship, and high-level experimental research, making him an influential figure in China’s renewable energy academic landscape.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Prof. Yu Chen has received several prestigious accolades for his outstanding contributions to solar cell research. In 2019, he was honored with the “Excellent Wall Poster Award” at the China Material Conference, recognizing his innovative visualization of research. In 2023, he earned the title of “Outstanding Graduate” from the China Academy of Engineering Physics, showcasing both his academic excellence and research impact. As the Principal Investigator of prominent research programs such as the Qomolangma Talent Introduction Program, he has demonstrated leadership and vision. His work has been continuously supported by competitive grants, including the Youth Foundation of the Sichuan Natural Science Foundation. These honors reflect not only Prof. Chen’s personal achievements but also his potential to lead transformative advancements in solar energy technologies, particularly in high-efficiency, stable, and scalable perovskite solar cells.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Yu Chen’s research focuses on the design and development of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, with specific expertise in buried interface engineering, inorganic charge transport materials, and defect passivation strategies. His work emphasizes inverted perovskite solar architectures, which promise better long-term stability and commercial adaptability. A key aspect of his research is understanding how molecular self-assembly and interfacial dipole regulation can enhance charge extraction and minimize recombination losses. He has developed novel methods to remove residuals, such as MACl, and form stable 2D perovskite structures in situ, improving device performance. By integrating materials chemistry, device physics, and advanced fabrication, Prof. Chen addresses critical bottlenecks in the field. His research not only advances academic understanding but also aligns with industrial needs for reliable and sustainable photovoltaic technologies.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧪 Enlarging moment and regulating orientation of buried interfacial dipole for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells – Nature Communications, 2025

  2. ⚗️ High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Guanylation Reaction for Removing MACl Residual – Angewandte Chemie Int. Ed., 2025

  3. 🧬 Tailoring Buried Interface and Minimizing Energy Loss by Aluminum Glycinate Molecules – Advanced Materials, 2025

  4. 🧫 A regulation strategy of self-assembly molecules for achieving efficient inverted perovskite solar cells – PCCP, 2024

  5. 🧠 A Comprehensive Review of Organic Hole‐Transporting Materials for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells – Advanced Functional Materials, 2024

  6. 🔍 Elimination of Buried Interface Defects for Efficient Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells – Chinese Journal of Chemical Physics, 2023

  7. 🧱 Research Progress of Inorganic Hole Transport Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells – Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023

  8. 🔋 Ion Compensation of Buried Interface Enables Efficient MA‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells – Advanced Functional Materials, 2022

  9. 💊 Defect mitigation using d-penicillamine for stable MA-free perovskite solar cells – Chemical Science, 2021

  10. ⚙️ Reducing carrier transport barrier in anode interface enables stable inverted mesoscopic perovskite solar cells – Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021

🔚 Conclusion:

Prof. Yu Chen stands out as a highly promising and already accomplished materials scientist. His strong academic record, innovative research on energy materials, leadership in national research programs, and consistent output in prestigious journals make him exceptionally qualified for the Best Researcher Award. While early in his career, his trajectory shows the hallmark of a future leader in clean energy research. With minor expansions in scope and outreach, Prof. Chen is poised to become a central figure in advancing sustainable photovoltaic technologies.