Xin Li | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xin Li | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xin Li , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong

Dr. Xin Li is a dynamic and prolific researcher in the field of biomedical polymer materials and nanomedicine. With a Ph.D. from RWTH Aachen University under the mentorship of Prof. Andrij Pich, Dr. Li has carved a niche in responsive nanogels, ultrasound-triggered drug delivery, and smart biosensors. He currently holds a position as a Research Associate at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, following a postdoctoral fellowship at HKUST. Dr. Li has published over 70 SCI-indexed papers, earned 2600+ citations, holds 10 patents, and contributed to one academic book. His research stands out in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Chem, Matter, and Advanced Materials. Recognized globally, he has led several high-impact research projects and received prestigious honors such as the 2024 JPA Prize and the 2021 Young Scientist Award. Dr. Li’s innovative mindset and cross-disciplinary expertise continue to push boundaries in biomedical engineering.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Publication Record 📚
    Dr. Li has authored over 70 SCI-indexed publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Chem, Matter, Advanced Materials, and Angewandte Chemie. With an H-index of 32 and 2600+ citations, he demonstrates a strong impact in his field.

  2. Innovative and Translational Research 💡
    His work focuses on stimuli-responsive nanogels, mechanophore-based drug delivery, and biosensors, directly addressing real-world medical challenges like cancer therapy and infection monitoring.

  3. Leadership in International Projects 🌏
    Dr. Li has served as Principal Investigator and Co-leader of prestigious funding programs, including the Shanghai Overseas High-level Young Talent Program, Pujiang Program, and a Sino-German Research Grant, totaling over ¥1 million and €257,000.

  4. Interdisciplinary Expertise 🔬
    With a background in polymeric materials, biomedical engineering, and biophysics, he bridges the gap between material science and clinical applications, pushing the boundaries of modern nanomedicine.

  5. Recognized Honors and Editorial Roles 🏆
    Awards like the 2024 JPA Prize and the 2021 Young Scientist Award, along with his editorial contributions, highlight both his recognition and thought leadership in the scientific community.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Industry Collaboration
    While Dr. Li has a strong academic and funding track record, increasing collaboration with biotech or pharmaceutical industries could further enhance the translational value of his research.

  2. Public Engagement and Science Communication
    As his work involves complex and novel biomedical technologies, more active engagement in science communication or public-facing platforms could broaden the reach and societal impact of his innovations.

  3. Diversified International Experience
    Though already globally active (Germany, China, Hong Kong), involvement in North American or broader EU collaborative networks might further strengthen his research diversity and global visibility.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Xin Li holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Polymer Materials from RWTH Aachen University, Germany (2018–2023), where he worked under Prof. Andrij Pich, focusing on functional nanogels and stimuli-responsive systems for precise therapy. Prior to this, he earned an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Donghua University (2014–2017), supervised by Prof. Xiangyang Shi, with work centered around nanomaterials for gene and drug delivery. His academic journey began with a B.E. in Polymeric Materials and Engineering from Zhejiang A & F University (2010–2014), mentored by Prof. Pingan Song and Prof. Liang Chen. Across each academic stage, Dr. Li demonstrated an impressive aptitude for interdisciplinary innovation, combining materials science, chemical engineering, and biomedical applications. His strong educational foundation set the stage for his successful research career in developing next-generation nanomedicines and imaging technologies.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Xin Li currently serves as a Research Associate at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2024–present), advancing cutting-edge research in nanomedicine. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2023–2024), where he expanded his expertise in responsive nanomaterials. His earlier research assistant roles at the DWI-Leibniz Institute (2022–2023) and Donghua University (2017) enriched his multidisciplinary experience. During his doctoral training at RWTH Aachen, Dr. Li led multiple collaborations and mentored students, reflecting his leadership potential. He has independently secured and led major grants like the Shanghai Overseas High-level Young Talent Program and the Pujiang Program. Dr. Li’s professional trajectory demonstrates a steady rise marked by impactful research, international collaboration, and continuous innovation in materials for imaging, therapy, and diagnostics.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Xin Li has been consistently recognized for his contributions to biomedical engineering and nanomedicine. In 2024, he received the JPA Prize for his role as an Excellent Young Editorial Board Member. Earlier, in 2021, he was honored with the Young Scientist Award at the 3rd Global Experts Meeting on Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, acknowledging his innovative research in responsive drug delivery systems. He also earned the CSC-RWTH Scholarship in 2017, awarded by the China Scholarship Council for his doctoral studies in Germany, reflecting academic excellence and international research promise. In addition to these accolades, he has been entrusted with leadership roles in competitive grant programs such as the Shanghai Overseas High-level Talent Plan and the Sino-German Center collaborative research grant. These honors highlight Dr. Li’s status as an emerging leader in translational nanomedicine and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Xin Li’s research focuses on the design and development of stimuli-responsive nanogels, ultrasound-activated drug delivery systems, and smart biosensors. He is particularly interested in leveraging physical triggers (e.g., ultrasound, radiotherapy) to enable precise drug activation, offering high specificity and minimal side effects. His work on polymer mechanochemistry and hydrogel-based biosensors has opened new frontiers in non-invasive cancer therapy, infection monitoring, and imaging. With a deep understanding of polymer physics, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology, Dr. Li integrates multiple disciplines to tackle challenges in tumor-targeted delivery, photothermal therapy, and metabolic reprogramming. His future focus includes developing clinically translatable systems for real-time therapy monitoring, immune modulation, and personalized medicine. By combining fundamental research with practical applications, Dr. Li aims to revolutionize how diseases like cancer and infections are diagnosed and treated.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Transvascular transport of nanocarriers for tumor delivery, Nat. Commun., 2024

  2. 🧠 Leukocyte-nanomedicine system for targeted delivery and precise theragnostics, Chem, 2022

  3. 🩹 A wireless and battery-free DNA hydrogel biosensor for wound infection monitoring, Matter, 2022

  4. 💊 Radiotherapy-triggered prodrug activation: A new era in precise chemotherapy, Med, 2022

  5. 🧪 Engineered living hydrogels for robust biocatalysis in pure organic solvents, Cell Rep. Phys. Sci., 2022

  6. ☢️ Radiotherapy activated systems for precise tumor treatment, Nat. Rev. Cancer, 2025

  7. 💧 Sprayed aqueous microdroplets for spontaneous synthesis of functional microgels, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025

  8. 🧬 Functional dendrimer nanogels for DNA delivery and gene therapy of tumors, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025

  9. 🔥 Global cold local photothermal-mediated synergistic metabolic antitumor immunity, Adv. Mater., 2025

  10. 📡 Network topology of nanogels regulates mechanophore activation for ultrasound-mediated therapy, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Xin Li is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional research output, innovative project leadership, and contributions to translational biomedical science place him among the leading young researchers globally. While there is room for expanding industry ties and global engagement, his trajectory, impact, and recognition already demonstrate excellence well above typical benchmarks. Dr. Li exemplifies the future of interdisciplinary research and is a valuable asset to the global scientific community.

Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

    • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

  2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

    • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

    • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

  3. 🌍 International Exposure

    • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

  4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

    • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

    • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

  5. 💡 Research Funding Success

    • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

  6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

    • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

    • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

  2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

    • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

  3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal micePhytomedicine, 2025

  2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regenerationGenes & Diseases, 2025

  3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathwayPhytomedicine, 2024

  4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cellsPhytomedicine, 2024

  5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transferIJMS, 2024

  6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in miceInflammation and Regeneration, 2024

  7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer miceJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

  8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic reviewChinese Medicine, 2023

  9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugsJ. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

  10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical applicationMolecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.

Raveendra Pilli | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Raveendra Pilli | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Raveendra Pilli , National Institute of technology-Silchar , India

Raveendra Pilli, a dedicated research scholar from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering at the National Institute of Technology Silchar, Assam. His research focuses on brain age prediction and early detection of neurological disorders using neuroimaging modalities. With extensive teaching experience, Raveendra has demonstrated excellence in course delivery, student mentoring, and research guidance. He has made significant contributions to his field through various high-impact publications, demonstrating a passion for integrating deep learning with brain health diagnostics. His goal is to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and neuroscience, contributing to advancements in the early detection of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. His research continues to make strides in neuroimaging, deep learning, and medical diagnostics, earning recognition for its impact in both academia and healthcare.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Raveendra Pilli has demonstrated remarkable academic and research achievements in the field of electronics and communication engineering, with a specific focus on brain age prediction and the early detection of neurological disorders through neuroimaging modalities. His extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate level and his current research in leveraging deep learning for brain health diagnostics highlight his strong commitment to both education and innovative research. He has published high-impact articles in renowned journals such as IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, with several more under review. His research is not only advancing the field of neuroimaging but also contributing significantly to healthcare, particularly in early diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Raveendra’s use of deep learning to develop diagnostic biomarkers exemplifies his technical expertise and his ability to integrate complex methodologies into real-world applications.

Areas for Improvement:

While Raveendra has made substantial strides in his research, further collaboration with clinical and healthcare professionals could enhance the practical implementation of his findings. Building interdisciplinary networks with medical experts might provide valuable insights into the clinical validation and adoption of his research. Additionally, expanding the geographical and academic outreach of his research through more international collaborations and conference presentations would help strengthen his visibility and impact within the global research community.

Education:

Raveendra Pilli holds a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Silchar (2021–Present). His thesis focuses on leveraging deep learning techniques to establish the brain age gap as a diagnostic biomarker for neurological disorders. With an outstanding 9 CGPA, his academic journey has been marked by deep commitment to research and excellence. He completed his M.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from JNTU Kakinada in 2011, securing 76%. Prior to that, he earned a B.Tech. in the same discipline from JNTU Hyderabad in 2007, achieving a 65% score. Raveendra also excelled in his secondary and higher secondary education, with notable academic achievements. He qualified for the UGC NET examination as an Assistant Professor in 2019, further cementing his academic credentials and commitment to advancing education in electronics and communication engineering.

Experience:

Raveendra Pilli’s professional experience spans over a decade, with roles as a Senior Research Fellow and Junior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Technology Silchar, Assam, since 2021. He has supported faculty in delivering courses such as Digital Signal Processing and Basic Electronics, alongside mentoring undergraduate research projects. Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor at SRK College of Engineering and Technology, Vijayawada (2012–2021), where he taught courses in Networks Theory, Digital Signal Processing, and Image Processing. He actively mentored students, guiding them toward academic success and research accomplishments. His teaching style includes innovative methods such as active learning to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Raveendra’s combined teaching and research roles reflect his dedication to both educating the next generation of engineers and advancing the frontiers of research in his field, particularly in brain health and deep learning applications.

Research Focus:

Raveendra Pilli’s research focuses on the intersection of electronics, communication, and neuroscience, particularly in brain age prediction and the early detection of neurological disorders through neuroimaging modalities. His work leverages deep learning techniques to analyze brain structures and biomarkers, aiming to identify critical indicators for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He is dedicated to developing advanced methods for brain age estimation using multimodal neuroimaging, such as MRI and PET scans, combined with innovative machine learning models like deep learning and kernel regression networks. His research seeks to create diagnostic biomarkers that can be used in clinical settings for early detection and diagnosis. Raveendra’s contributions aim to improve the accuracy of neurological disorder detection, offering the potential to detect these conditions at earlier, more treatable stages. His expertise in neuroimaging, machine learning, and computational models positions him as a leading researcher in this emerging area.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Association of white matter volume with brain age classification using deep learning network and region-wise analysis” 🧠
  2. “Kernel Ridge Regression-based Randomized Network for Brain Age Classification and Estimation” 🔬
  3. “Brain Age Estimation Using Universum Learning-Based Kernel Random Vector Functional Link Regression Network” 🤖
  4. “Unveiling Alzheimer’s Disease through Brain Age Estimation Using Multi-Kernel Regression Network and MRI” 🧳
  5. “Multimodal neuroimaging based Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis using evolutionary RVFL classifier” 🧩
  6. “Investigating White Matter Abnormalities Associated with Schizophrenia Using Deep Learning Model and Voxel-Based Morphometry” 🧑‍🔬
  7. “Brain Age Estimation of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Affected Individuals Using Self-Attention Based Convolutional Neural Network” 🧠
  8. “Brain Age Estimation Using Universum Learning-Based Kernel Random Vector Functional Link Regression Network” 📚

Conclusion:

Raveendra Pilli is an outstanding researcher with the potential to drive transformative change in the early detection and diagnosis of neurological disorders. His research has already made significant contributions to the application of deep learning in neuroimaging, and his future work promises to continue to push the boundaries of this emerging field. With his exceptional academic background, impressive publication record, and unwavering commitment to research, Raveendra is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.