Rong Zhong | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Rong Zhong | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rong Zhong, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Professor Rong Zhong is an esteemed academic in the field of molecular and cancer epidemiology at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. With a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and postdoctoral training from Harvard Medical School, she has built a distinguished career in investigating genetic and environmental interactions in cancer development. Over the years, she has led 51 research projects, authored 169 peer-reviewed articles, and earned over 3,600 citations. Dr. Zhong’s collaborative work extends across national and international institutions, including Huazhong Agricultural University and the General Hospital of Central Theater Command. Recognized with the Natural Science Award of Hubei Province, she is also actively involved in several national scientific committees. Her commitment to advancing cancer prevention through precision medicine and early detection strategies reflects both her scientific acumen and societal impact, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:ย 

Orcid

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Output

    • 169 SCI/Scopus-indexed publications, many in high-impact journals like Gastroenterology, Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, and Cancer Discovery.

    • Strong citation record with 3,697 citations on Web of Science, reflecting broad scientific influence.

  2. Innovative and Impactful Research

    • Focus on molecular and cancer epidemiology, particularly gene-environment interactions in gastrointestinal cancers, addressing a critical public health challenge.

    • Groundbreaking research on environmental risk factors (e.g., bisphenol A, tobacco smoke) and genetic susceptibility in cancer risk.

  3. Grants and Funding Leadership

    • Principal investigator of major national research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation of China grants and the Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei Province.

  4. Recognition and Service

    • Recipient of the Natural Science Award of Hubei Province.

    • Serves on editorial boards of reputable journals such as Ebiomedicine and American Journal of Gastroenterology.

    • Active member in national scientific committees related to cancer prevention and epidemiology.

  5. Collaboration and Mentorship

    • Strong institutional and cross-disciplinary collaborations, including with Huazhong Agricultural University and military medical research institutions.

    • A demonstrated leader in mentoring young researchers in public health and biomedical science.

โš™๏ธ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Industry Engagement & Technology Transfer

    • Although she holds 2 patents, there is limited mention of industry consultancy or commercialization, which could strengthen real-world impact.

  2. International Policy Influence

    • Expanding her involvement in international advisory boards or global health policy initiatives could further elevate her research visibility and societal contribution.

  3. Science Communication & Public Engagement

    • Enhanced participation in public education, community outreach, or policy translation could help bridge science and society, especially in preventive oncology.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Rong Zhong earned her PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the prestigious Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where she built the foundation for her future research excellence. To further expand her academic perspective, she completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, USAโ€”an experience that enriched her global outlook and enhanced her methodological rigor in public health research. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Zhong has demonstrated a passion for understanding complex interactions between genes and environmental exposures, particularly in relation to cancer epidemiology. Her education, characterized by a blend of rigorous Chinese academic training and Western research exposure, has laid a strong interdisciplinary base. This robust academic background has equipped her with a unique skill set to lead impactful research in molecular epidemiology and precision prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience:

Dr. Rong Zhong currently serves as a Professor at the School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. With extensive experience in cancer epidemiology, she has successfully led national and provincial research initiatives including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei Province. Over the years, she has been instrumental in mentoring young scientists, shaping national health policies, and advancing cancer prevention strategies in China. She also serves on editorial boards of high-impact journals such as Ebiomedicine and American Journal of Gastroenterology. Her experience bridges research, academic leadership, and international collaboration, reflecting her multidimensional contribution to science and public health. Her advisory roles in national committees focused on cancer prevention and epidemiology further underscore her influence and thought leadership in the field.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Professor Zhongโ€™s primary research focus lies in molecular and cancer epidemiology, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers. Her work aims to elucidate the gene-environment interactions that contribute to cancer risk, leveraging large-scale cohort and case-control studies. By integrating genomic data with environmental exposures (e.g., diet, pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals), she develops predictive models that enable early screening and personalized prevention strategies for high-risk populations. Her recent studies investigate interactions between genetic polymorphisms and substances like bisphenol A, tobacco smoke, and gut microbiota, especially in relation to colorectal and breast cancer. These contributions bridge the gap between basic science and clinical translation, offering a pathway toward precision public health. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds tangible implications for national cancer screening guidelines and individualized preventive healthcare strategies.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿ“˜ Western-Style Diet, pks Island-Carrying Escherichia coli, and Colorectal Cancer: Analyses From Two Large Prospective Cohort Studies โ€“ Gastroenterology

  2. ๐Ÿšฌ In Utero and Childhood/Adolescence Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, Genetic Risk and Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Adulthood โ€“ AJRCCM

  3. ๐Ÿงฌ FOXA1 of regulatory variant associated with risk of breast cancer through allele-specific enhancer in the Chinese population โ€“ Breast Cancer

  4. ๐Ÿงช Genome-wide gene-bisphenol A, F and triclosan interaction analyses on urinary oxidative stress markers โ€“ Science of The Total Environment

  5. ๐Ÿงซ Urinary bisphenol A and its interaction with CYP17A1 rs743572 are associated with breast cancer risk โ€“ Chemosphere

  6. ๐Ÿง  Animal-eRNAdb: a comprehensive animal enhancer RNA database โ€“ Nucleic Acids Research

  7. ๐Ÿ”ฌ Hepatocellular carcinoma risk variant modulates lncRNA HLA-DQB1-AS1 expression via a long-range enhancerโ€“promoter interaction โ€“ Carcinogenesis

  8. ๐Ÿงโ€โ™€๏ธ Bisphenol A exposure, interaction with genetic variants and colorectal cancer via mediating oxidative stress biomarkers โ€“ Environmental Pollution

  9. ๐Ÿงพ Discovery and Features of an Alkylating Signature in Colorectal Cancer โ€“ Cancer Discovery

  10. ๐Ÿšจ Rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer โ€” a call to action โ€“ Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion:

Professor Rong Zhong is an outstanding and highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her prolific output, innovative approaches to cancer risk assessment, and leadership in national scientific research firmly position her among the top-tier researchers in her field. Her contributions have laid the groundwork for precision public health, with real potential to transform early cancer detection and prevention strategies in China and globally.

Nives Jonjiฤ‡ | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ | Department of Pathology and Citology, CHC Rijeka | Croatia

Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡, MD, is a Full Professor Emeritus at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia. With a distinguished academic and clinical career spanning decades, Prof. Jonjiฤ‡ has made significant contributions to oncologic and molecular pathology. Her work focuses on understanding molecular markers in tumor progression and their diagnostic and prognostic relevance. As a prolific researcher and author, she has published extensively in high-impact international journals and collaborated with leading experts in pathology and oncology. Known for her diagnostic precision and dedication to academic mentorship, she has guided numerous medical students, residents, and doctoral candidates. Her legacy includes groundbreaking studies on biomarkers like Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 and rare pathologic entities. Prof. Jonjiฤ‡’s leadership and scientific rigor make her a prominent figure in Croatian medical science and a respected name in international pathology circles.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Clinical Experience
    Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ is a Full Professor Emeritus in pathology with decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, making her a veteran in her field.

  2. Strong Research Track Record

    • Multiple first and co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals such as Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Pathology Research and Practice, and Clinical Pathology.

    • A clear focus on oncologic pathology, including biomarkers (e.g., Nectin-2 and Nectin-4), angiogenesis, lymphomas, and myelomas.

  3. Mentorship and Academic Leadership
    She has played a key role in mentoring junior scientists, guiding doctoral research, and shaping curriculum and teaching in pathology at the University of Rijeka.

  4. Work on Rare and Challenging Diagnoses
    Her research includes diagnostic dilemmas and rare malignancies, showing depth and clinical relevance, such as CD20-negative B-cell lymphomas and extranodal Hodgkin lymphomas.

  5. Contribution to Women in Science
    As a senior female figure in medicine, her position as a full professor and mentor has made her a role model in advancing womenโ€™s participation in scientific leadership roles.

๐Ÿ“‰ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Visibility
    While her research is of high quality, greater engagement in global collaborative projects, EU-funded consortia, or as a keynote speaker in international forums could enhance her visibility outside Croatia.

  2. Higher Citation Metrics and Impact Index
    Although several of her publications are impactful, a few are recent and not yet widely cited. Participation in meta-analyses or review articles might help amplify her citation footprint.

  3. Digital and Social Research Presence
    A more proactive presence on platforms like ResearchGate, ORCID, or Google Scholar and involvement in open-access science movements could increase accessibility to her work.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ completed her Medical Degree (MD) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also pursued her postgraduate education and specialization in pathology. Her academic excellence was evident early in her medical training, leading to her progression into research and teaching. She earned her doctoral degree (PhD) with a focus on tumor biology and pathology. Over the years, she attended various advanced courses and workshops in Europe related to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and oncologic diagnostics. Her commitment to continuous learning kept her updated with evolving trends in cancer research and molecular pathology. Through rigorous training and international collaborations, she established herself as a scholar deeply engaged with both clinical and experimental pathology. Her educational path reflects a deep integration of medical knowledge, critical inquiry, and a lifelong dedication to academic excellence.

๐Ÿงช Professional Experience:

Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ has over 35 years of experience in academic medicine and pathology. Beginning as a junior lecturer and advancing through roles of Associate Professor and Full Professor, she served at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also led the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy. Her clinical practice included diagnostic histopathology with subspecialty interests in hematopathology, soft tissue tumors, and gynecologic oncology. She played a key role in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and postgraduate training. As an expert pathologist, she consulted on complex diagnostic cases nationally and internationally. Beyond clinical and teaching roles, she has been a principal investigator and co-investigator in multiple research projects and has evaluated numerous PhD theses. Her rich experience spans clinical excellence, research leadership, and educational mentorship, making her a pillar in Croatian medical academia.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors:

Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career for her contributions to medical research, education, and clinical pathology. Among her honors are institutional recognition for excellence in teaching from the University of Rijeka, national awards for research contributions, and commendations from Croatian medical societies. She has also been invited to deliver keynote lectures at international conferences and served as a peer reviewer for esteemed pathology journals. Her election as Full Professor Emeritus reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers and institution. Prof. Jonjiฤ‡ has been actively involved in academic boards and ethical committees and received acknowledgments for advancing womenโ€™s leadership in medicine. Her work continues to inspire future generations of medical researchers and clinicians, and her accolades affirm her dedication to science, education, and healthcare.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Prof. Jonjiฤ‡โ€™s research primarily focuses on tumor pathology, with special emphasis on the expression and role of molecular biomarkers such as Nectin-2, Nectin-4, osteopontin, and NF-ฮบB in cancer progression, diagnosis, and prognosis. Her studies span various malignancies including squamous cell carcinomas, glial tumors, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. She is also engaged in investigating rare and diagnostically challenging pathological conditions, contributing to more accurate clinical-pathologic correlations. Her recent research has emphasized angiogenesis, immune profiling, and the tumor microenvironment. She employs advanced histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques to support translational applications in pathology. Through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, her work bridges laboratory findings with clinical decision-making. Her research is widely cited, reflecting its importance in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment stratification in oncology. Prof. Jonjiฤ‡โ€™s academic leadership and focus on innovative diagnostic markers make her a central figure in Croatian cancer research.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Characterized by a Stronger Expression of Nectin-4 Compared to Nectin-2

  2. ๐Ÿง  The Prognostic Significance of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 Expression in Glial Tumors

  3. ๐Ÿ’‰ Anti-angiogenic Effect of Bortezomib Treatment in Multiple Myeloma Associated with Lower NF-ฮบB and OPN Expression

  4. ๐Ÿ”ฌ Primary Nodal Unclassifiable CD20 Negative Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With Dual IgK and TCR Gene Rearrangement

  5. ๐Ÿฆด Angiogenesis and Osteopontin Expression in Paraskeletal Myeloma With Plasmablastic Morphology

  6. ๐Ÿงช Diagnostic Challenge of Soft Tissue Extranodal Hodgkin Lymphoma in Core-Needle Biopsy

  7. ๐Ÿ’Š Lichen Planus Pigmentosus-like Reaction to Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

  8. ๐Ÿฆท Recurrent Adamantinoma With Fibrous Dysplasia-like Feature

  9. ๐Ÿ’‰ Adalimumab as a Risk Factor for Development of Melanocytic Lesions

  10. ๐Ÿงฌ Expression Profiles of Metallothionein-I/II and Megalin/LRP-2 in Uterine Cervical Lesions

๐Ÿ Conclusion:

Prof. Nives Jonjiฤ‡ is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her scholarly contributions in pathology, especially tumor diagnostics and molecular markers, are significant and clinically relevant. Her work is anchored in academic integrity and mentorship, fostering the next generation of medical scientists. While global visibility could be enhanced, her regional impact, sustained productivity, and role as a senior academic make her a strong and deserving nominee.

 

Raul Valenzuela | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Raul Valenzuela | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Raul Valenzuela , MD Anderson Cancer Center , United States

Dr. Raul F. Valenzuela Perez is a highly accomplished Assistant Professor of Musculoskeletal Imaging at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. With over two decades of medical experience, he combines expertise in radiology, oncology, and advanced imaging techniques. Originating from Chile, Dr. Valenzuela earned his MD from Universidad de Chile and pursued advanced training in health administration and imaging sciences. His global perspective and collaborative research efforts have made him a prominent figure in musculoskeletal tumor imaging. He is board-certified in radiology in both the U.S. and Chile and is actively licensed in Texas and Florida. Dr. Valenzuelaโ€™s dedication to oncologic imaging, radiomics, and MRI innovations has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, especially in the field of sarcoma imaging. Through ongoing work in developing and validating novel imaging biomarkers, he continues to shape the future of cancer diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.

Publication Profile:ย 

Scopus

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. Prolific Research Output ๐Ÿ“š
    Dr. Valenzuela has published extensively in high-impact journals like Scientific Reports, JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, and Journal of Radiology & Oncology, with recent work in 2023โ€“2025 focusing on radiomics, MRI biomarkers, and musculoskeletal oncology.

  2. Innovation in Imaging Techniques ๐Ÿ’ก
    He has pioneered the use of contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (CE-SWI) and quantitative diffusion-weighted MRI to evaluate soft tissue sarcomas and treatment response โ€” advancing imaging beyond traditional RECIST criteria.

  3. Collaborative Multidisciplinary Work ๐Ÿค
    Dr. Valenzuela consistently co-authors with surgical oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, highlighting his collaborative research approach that bridges disciplines.

  4. International Clinical Credibility ๐ŸŒŽ
    He is licensed in the U.S. (Texas & Florida) and Chile, and board-certified in both American and Chilean radiology boards, reflecting his global expertise and trust in varied medical systems.

  5. Academic Leadership at MD Anderson ๐ŸŽ“
    As an Assistant Professor at one of the world’s top cancer centers, he contributes to education, clinical care, and high-level cancer imaging research.

โš™๏ธ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Recognition and Awards Disclosure ๐Ÿ…
    While the publication record is impressive, public listing of prior individual awards, fellowships, or grants would strengthen his profile further for award consideration.

  2. Principal Investigator Roles ๐Ÿงช
    Although highly involved in collaborative projects, leading major multi-center trials or imaging consortia as principal investigator would elevate his leadership status.

  3. Expanded Public Science Communication ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
    Increasing outreach via conferences, keynote talks, or educational platforms (like webinars or radiology workshops) could enhance his visibility in the broader scientific community.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Raul F. Valenzuela Perez holds an MD from Universidad de Chile (1993), where he laid the foundation for his distinguished medical and academic career. Alongside his medical training, he pursued further specialization in healthcare management, earning two certificates from the University of Chile Business School: one in Business and Health Administration (2003) and another in Process Management and Health Administration (2005). This unique blend of medical and administrative education empowers Dr. Valenzuela with a strategic understanding of healthcare systems and leadership. His academic journey highlights a commitment to continuous learning and cross-disciplinary excellence. As a thought leader in radiologic sciences, Dr. Valenzuela has integrated his business knowledge with clinical expertise to enhance imaging workflows and patient-centered care, especially in high-impact cancer institutions like MD Anderson. His education reflects both clinical proficiency and managerial insight, laying the groundwork for his contributions to musculoskeletal oncology imaging.

๐Ÿฅ Experience:

Since September 2019, Dr. Valenzuela has served as an Assistant Professor in Musculoskeletal Imaging at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the worldโ€™s leading cancer research institutions. Prior to his tenure in the U.S., he developed a robust clinical background in Chile, where he practiced and taught radiology. With licenses from the Texas Medical Board, Florida Medical Board, and Chilean Medical Association, his clinical credentials span internationally. He is also certified by the American Board of Radiology and the Chilean Radiology Board. At MD Anderson, Dr. Valenzuela plays a key role in advancing diagnostic imaging for musculoskeletal tumors, particularly soft tissue sarcomas. His responsibilities include patient care, teaching, research, and contributing to the development of advanced imaging protocols. Known for his collaborative style and interdisciplinary approach, he is a respected mentor and a valued contributor in the field of cancer imaging.

๐Ÿ… Awards and Honors:

While specific named awards are not detailed in the provided data, Dr. Raul F. Valenzuela Perezโ€™s growing publication record, leading research in radiomics, and collaborative work at MD Anderson suggest a strong reputation in his field. His continuous publication in high-impact journals, such as Scientific Reports, JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, and Journal of Radiology & Oncology, indicate recognition by peers and ongoing contributions to advancing cancer imaging. His role in multidisciplinary research teams and innovative use of advanced MRI techniques position him as a strong candidate for awards like Best Researcher. His efforts in improving imaging criteria beyond RECIST and validating AI-based radiomic frameworks show both vision and leadership. Though a detailed list of awards isn’t cited, his contributions to musculoskeletal oncology, particularly in sarcoma treatment response evaluation, reflect a track record of academic excellence and clinical impact, meriting honor and distinction in his specialty.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Dr. Valenzuela’s primary research focus lies in advanced imaging for musculoskeletal oncology, particularly the integration of radiomics, perfusion-weighted MRI, and contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (CE-SWI) for tumor characterization and treatment monitoring. His work is centered on improving diagnosis and predicting response in soft-tissue sarcomas, such as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and desmoid fibromatosis. He actively collaborates on multi-institutional studies, applying quantitative imaging biomarkers and AI-driven radiomic models to identify tumor behavior patterns and personalize therapy. A key aspect of his research is the evaluation of multiparametric MRI features, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. His publications reveal a commitment to pushing boundaries in functional imaging and improving imaging response criteria beyond traditional RECIST methods. Through his research, Dr. Valenzuela aims to contribute to precision medicine in oncology, bridging radiology and data science to enhance patient outcomes and streamline therapeutic decision-making.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿง  Perfusion-weighted imaging features predicting UPS treatment response โ€“ Sci Rep, 2024

  2. ๐Ÿงฌ Radiomics by diffusion-weighted MRI for extremity UPS prediction โ€“ J Radiol Oncol, 2024

  3. ๐Ÿงฒ Contrast-enhanced SWI for musculoskeletal oncologic pathology โ€“ J Radiol Oncol, 2024

  4. ๐Ÿ’‰ Perfusion imaging of the musculoskeletal system โ€“ Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am, 2024

  5. ๐Ÿค– Cancer radiomic and perfusion imaging automated framework โ€“ JCO Clin Cancer Inform, 2024

  6. ๐Ÿง  Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: MRI vs venous sinus pressure โ€“ Rev Chil Radiol, 2023

  7. ๐Ÿ“Š CE-SWI in desmoid fibromatosis response assessment โ€“ Tumor Discov, 2023

  8. ๐Ÿ“ˆ Multiparametric MRI for treatment and recurrence in sarcoma โ€“ J Radiol Oncol, 2023

  9. ๐Ÿ” ADC map-based radiomics for sacral tumor differentiation โ€“ JCO Precis Oncol, 2023

  10. ๐Ÿ“ Advanced imaging in musculoskeletal oncology (ABASTI Part I) โ€“ Semin Ultrasound CT MR, 2021

  11. ๐Ÿงช Radiomic features of CE-SWI in UPS treatment response โ€“ JCO Clin Cancer Inform, 2025

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion:

Dr. Raul F. Valenzuela Perez is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative contributions to musculoskeletal oncologic imaging, especially in applying radiomic models and advanced MRI techniques, place him at the forefront of translational cancer imaging. His interdisciplinary collaborations and growing body of work have strong clinical impact, particularly for sarcoma management.

With additional visibility through PI roles and recognition through formal honors, Dr. Valenzuelaโ€™s already impressive profile is on a trajectory toward international distinction. Based on the current accomplishments and ongoing impactful research, he is highly recommended for this award.