Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College | China

Hongjin Liu is a medical oncologist whose research centers on cancer biology, therapeutic resistance, and tumorigenesis. His work spans molecular oncology, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mechanisms of somatic mutagenesis across human tissues. He has contributed to high-impact studies published in Nature and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, including investigations uncovering the landscape of somatic mutations in normal tissues and the critical role of VAV2 in DNA repair and radiotherapy resistance. His research also explores noncoding RNA–mediated regulatory networks in liver cancer, notably identifying the oncogenic function of ELF3-AS1 through its modulation of the miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Collectively, his publications provide important insights into genomic instability, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and potential molecular targets for improving therapeutic outcomes. His translational research aims to bridge molecular mechanisms with clinical oncology to support precision cancer treatment and advance strategies for overcoming therapy resistance.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications: 

1. Ge, P., Niu, S., Fang, M., Xu, Q., Zhang, W., Xu, J., Yang, F., Wang, Y., Shi, T., & Liu, H. (2025). ELF3-AS1 promotes the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids.

2. Zhang, W., Liu, Z., Liu, H., Huang, Z., Huang, X., Xu, L., Che, X., & Zhan, Z. (2025). The impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on prognosis in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TACE and lenvatinib: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology.

3. Liu, W., Miao, C., Zhang, S., Liu, Y., Niu, X., Xi, Y., Guo, W., Chu, J., Lin, A., Liu, H., Yang, X., Chen, X., Zhong, C., Ma, Y., Wang, Y., Zhu, S., Liu, S., Tan, W., Lin, D., & Wu, C. (2021). VAV2 is required for DNA repair and implicated in cancer radiotherapy resistance. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 6(9), 2906–2919.

4. Li, R., Di, L., Li, J., Fan, W., Liu, Y., Guo, W., Liu, W., Liu, L., Li, Q., Chen, L., Chen, Y., Miao, C., Liu, H., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Xu, D., Lin, D., Huang, Y., Wang, J., Bai, F., & Wu, C. (2021). A body map of somatic mutagenesis in morphologically normal human tissues. Nature, 597(7876), 398–403.

5. Chen, Y., Zeng, Q., Liu, X., Fu, J., Zeng, Z., Zhao, Z., Liu, Z., Bai, W., Dong, Z., & Liu, H. (2018). LINE-1 ORF-1p enhances the transcription factor activity of pregnenolone X receptor and promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Management and Research, 10, 6345–6358.

Vaclav Ranc | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vaclav Ranc | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vaclav Ranc | Palacký University in Olomouc | Czech Republic

Dr. Václav Ranc is a distinguished analytical chemist and data analyst with over 15 years of experience in academia and applied research. Based in the Czech Republic, he leads a research group at Palacký University Olomouc, specializing in nanotechnology, plasmonic and electronic nanosensors, and advanced analytical techniques. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and a Habilitation in Physical Chemistry. Dr. Ranc has published over 80 peer-reviewed scientific articles and holds several international patents. He has secured and managed significant EU funding, including Horizon Europe and MSCA projects, showcasing his excellence in both research and project leadership. His expertise spans Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and LC/GC methods, coupled with data analysis in Python, Matlab, and R. He is a regular presenter at international conferences and a recognized innovator in the fields of biosensing and nanomaterials.

Publication Profiles: 

Google Scholar
Orcid
Scopus

Education:

Dr. Václav Ranc earned his MSc. in Analytical Chemistry from Palacký University Olomouc (UPOL) in 2005, where he focused on the discrimination of enantiomers using mass spectrometry techniques such as LC-MS and CE-MS. He continued at UPOL to complete his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, specializing in chiral analysis with HPLC-MS and GC-MS. His academic trajectory culminated in a Habilitation in Physical Chemistry, reflecting his advancements in Raman microscopy, SERS, and mass spectrometry. Dr. Ranc’s education is deeply rooted in analytical and physical chemistry, with a significant emphasis on developing and applying sophisticated separation and detection techniques for complex biological and clinical samples. His academic background is further enriched by international research experiences in Sweden and Switzerland, where he worked on electroanalytical techniques and nanoLC-MS applications for neurotransmitter analysis.

Experience:

Dr. Václav Ranc currently serves as the Head of a Research Group at Palacký University Olomouc, managing a 20-member team focused on cutting-edge nanomaterials and analytical chemistry. He has led the group’s scientific, financial, and personnel management, improving research output by 30%. Previously, he worked as a Research Assistant in Switzerland and at Palacký University, where he developed analytical techniques for clinical and neurological studies using mass spectrometry. His earlier roles include assisting in electrochemical method development at Lund University and clinical toxicology at Faculty Hospital Olomouc. His leadership extends to managing multimillion-CZK budgets and delivering impactful results in EU-funded research projects. Throughout his career, he has seamlessly combined academic excellence with innovation, leading to patented technologies and industrial prototypes, while mentoring young researchers and collaborating with international scientific networks.

Honors & Awards:

Dr. Václav Ranc has received several national and international honors for his scientific excellence. Notable among them is the Golden Medal at the International Invent Arena for the innovative KeyLock authentication system. He also earned the Bronze Prize from MERCK’s Young Analytical Chemists Competition and was a Finalist for the prestigious Shimadzu Prize for Young Analytical Chemists. His awards reflect consistent recognition for his groundbreaking work in analytical chemistry and applied nanotechnology. These accolades underscore his ability to translate complex research into practical applications, particularly in biosensing, authentication systems, and advanced materials. Dr. Ranc’s career is marked by impactful innovations that bridge academic research with industry needs, affirming his role as a thought leader in his field. His awarded projects and patents have contributed significantly to medical diagnostics, material sciences, and anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ranc’s research focuses on analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and biosensing. He specializes in Raman spectroscopy (including SERS), LC/GC-MS, and the development of plasmonic and electronic nanosensors. His work bridges basic science and applied innovation, emphasizing the synthesis of nanoparticles, development of authenticity verification systems, and detection of biomarkers in clinical diagnostics. His contributions to surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy have led to the development of patented methods and tools, including test strips and analytical systems. Dr. Ranc’s interdisciplinary approach combines analytical method development, data analysis using Python, R, and Matlab, and project management of EU-funded research. His current Horizon Europe projects focus on medical applications of nanotechnology, contributing to improved diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and authenticity verification. Through collaborations with European research institutions and industries, Dr. Ranc is pushing the boundaries of next-gen biomedical and analytical technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Magnetic 2D Transition-Metal-Based Nanomaterials in Biomedicine: Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Therapy

  2. Highly Cytotoxic Copper(II) Mixed-Ligand Quinolinonato Complexes: Pharmacokinetic Properties and Interactions with Drug Metabolizing Cytochromes P450

  3. Graphene Oxide Nanoplatforms to Enhance Cisplatin-Based Drug Delivery in Anticancer Therapy

  4. Polymer-Based Graphene Derivatives and Microwave-Assisted Silver Nanoparticles Decoration as a Potential Antibacterial Agent

  5. New Limits for Stability of Supercapacitor Electrode Material Based on Graphene Derivative

  6. Label-free Determination of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen in Human Whole Blood by Magnetically Assisted SERS

  7. Cyanographene and Graphene Acid: Emerging Derivatives Enabling High-Yield and Selective Functionalization of Graphene

  8. Detection of Prosthetic Joint Infection Based on Magnetically Assisted Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

  9. Functional Nanosheet Synthons by Covalent Modification of Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides

  10.  Nanoporous Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Oxide/Nickel Sulfide Composite Sheets for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Václav Ranc is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a rare synergy of academic excellence, applied innovation, and impactful leadership. His contributions to analytical chemistry and nanotechnology have advanced both scientific understanding and practical diagnostic solutions. His impressive publication record, international collaborations, patent portfolio, and success in leading multimillion-euro projects set him apart as a researcher of outstanding merit. With minor expansion into global research programs and commercialization efforts, Dr. Ranc is poised to further amplify his already significant impact. For his sustained contributions to science, his ability to lead and innovate, and his commitment to solving real-world problems through chemistry and nanotechnology, Dr. Václav Ranc is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Chenlong YANG | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Chenlong YANG | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Chenlong YANG, Peking University Third Hospital, China

Dr. Chenlong Yang, M.D., Ph.D., is an accomplished neurosurgeon and research associate professor at the Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital. With over 15 years of clinical and research experience, he specializes in neuro-oncology, spinal neurosurgery, and translational neuroscience. Dr. Yang earned his M.D. from Shandong University and his Ph.D. in Neurological Surgery from Capital Medical University. He has trained and worked in prestigious institutions including Beijing Tiantan Hospital and the State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling. He has contributed significantly to advancements in brain tumor diagnostics, neuroimmunology, and surgical innovations, with numerous high-impact publications. Recognized internationally, he frequently presents at top neurosurgical conferences such as EANS and the Japan-China Neurosurgery Alliance. His research bridges basic science and clinical neurosurgery, aiming to improve surgical precision and therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Yang is also known for his leadership in collaborative, multidisciplinary research teams.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Robust Academic and Clinical Training

    • Earned an M.D. from Shandong University and a Ph.D. in Neurological Surgery from Capital Medical University.

    • Completed clinical training at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, a top-tier neurosurgical institution in China.

  2. 🔬 Multidisciplinary and Translational Research Excellence

    • His research spans neuro-oncology, neuroimmunology, spinal neurosurgery, and advanced neuroimaging.

    • Conducted preclinical work on Alzheimer’s disease models and neuroprotection, along with current research in immune checkpoint therapy and intraoperative imaging.

  3. 📈 High-Impact Publications

    • Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Scientific Reports, J Exp Clin Cancer Res, Neurosurgical Review, and Biophysical Journal.

    • His research on chordomas, gliomas, and spinal tumors has significantly contributed to the field.

  4. 🌍 International Recognition

    • Speaker at major international conferences like EANS 2025 and KSNS 2024.

    • Previously awarded a scholarship by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

  5. 🤝 Leadership in Collaboration

    • Plays a key role at the Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology and the State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across neurosurgery, imaging, and immunotherapy.

  6. 🎯 Focus on Precision and Innovation

    • Pioneering high-resolution MRI techniques, fluorescent intraoperative navigation, and predictive modeling for neurosurgical outcomes.

🔄 Areas for Improvement:

  1. 📊 Independent Research Lead

    • While he has several corresponding author papers, increasing his share of first-author or sole-PI grants would further elevate his research identity.

  2. 🌐 Global Collaborations

    • Though he has spoken at international conferences, expanding collaborative projects with leading global neuroscience centers could amplify impact.

  3. 💡 Technology Commercialization

    • Given his innovation in imaging and diagnostics, pursuing intellectual property rights or translational funding (e.g., for clinical tools or surgical systems) could be a valuable next step.

  4. 📄 Diversification of Research Outputs

    • A few review articles and meta-analyses would strengthen his role as a thought leader and field synthesizer.

📘 Education:

Dr. Yang pursued his foundational medical education at Shandong University, earning an M.D. in Clinical Medicine (2006–2011). This training provided a solid clinical base and early exposure to neurology and internal medicine. He then advanced to a doctoral program at Capital Medical University, Beijing (2011–2017), earning his Ph.D. in Neurological Surgery. During his Ph.D., he received specialized training in neurosurgical techniques and engaged in cutting-edge research, particularly focusing on neuro-oncology and degenerative neural diseases. As part of his early research career, he also worked at the Institute of Neurobiology, Shandong University, investigating neuroprotective agents and Alzheimer’s disease models. Dr. Yang’s academic journey is characterized by rigorous clinical training and scientific inquiry, equipping him with the knowledge and skills essential for bridging the gap between the lab bench and the operating room. His education laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to precision neurosurgery and translational neuroscience.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Yang has over a decade of diversified experience across top medical and research institutions. He currently serves as a Research Associate Professor and Attending Physician at the Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital (2020–present), where he leads several clinical and translational research projects. Prior to this, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship (2017–2020) in the Department of Orthopedics at the same hospital, emphasizing spinal and neuro-oncologic conditions. From 2011 to 2017, he worked as a resident in Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, one of China’s premier neurosurgical centers, gaining extensive experience in surgical treatments and neurovascular procedures. His roles span clinical surgery, research coordination, and academic instruction. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology and the State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, leading initiatives to improve patient outcomes through interdisciplinary innovations in neurosurgical care.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Chenlong Yang’s research integrates neurosurgery, oncology, immunology, and biomedical engineering. His primary focus lies in neuro-oncology, with a strong emphasis on chordoma biology, glioma immunotherapy, and molecular diagnostics. He explores immune checkpoint therapies, tumor microenvironment modulation, and the development of predictive models for neurosurgical complications such as postoperative delirium. Dr. Yang is also deeply involved in technological innovation in neurosurgery, investigating intraoperative fluorescence imaging, high-resolution MRI, and minimally invasive spinal techniques. His work on spatial learning, Alzheimer’s models, and neuroprotection during his early career continues to inform his translational research. He collaborates across disciplines, from molecular biologists to radiologists, aiming to build precision-guided therapeutic frameworks. His research is extensively published in journals like Scientific Reports, J Exp Clin Cancer Res, and Frontiers in Neurology. Through this work, Dr. Yang seeks to advance the standard of care in neurosurgical oncology and promote patient-specific interventions.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 SMARCB1 orchestrates cellular plasticity and oncogenic pathways in typical and chondroid chordomas

  2. 🛡️ Cracking Chordoma’s Conundrum: Immune Checkpoints Provide a Potential Modality

  3. 🌱 From glioma gloom to immune bloom: unveiling novel immunotherapeutic paradigms – a review

  4. 💡 Intraoperative fluorescence redefining neurosurgical precision

  5. 🧠 The evolution and integration of technology in spinal neurosurgery: A scoping review

  6. 👁️ Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of aging macaque ocular outflow tissues

  7. 🧮 Risk stratification and predictive modeling of postoperative delirium in chronic subdural hematoma

  8. 📶 Characteristic fingerprint spectrum of α-synuclein mutants on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

  9. 🐒 Normative profile of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in cynomolgus monkeys

  10. 🌀 Accurate diagnosis and treatment of sacral meningeal cysts using high-resolution MRI

  11. 🧪 Intraspinal hemangioblastomas: analysis of 92 cases in a single institution

🏁 Conclusion:

Dr. Chenlong Yang exemplifies the ideal profile of a cutting-edge clinician-scientist, merging neurosurgical precision with immunological insight and technological innovation. His commitment to patient-centered research, consistent academic output, and recognition on international platforms underscores his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award. With continued growth in independent leadership and global research impact, Dr. Yang is not only a deserving candidate now but is poised to become a prominent global figure in neurosurgical research in the years to come.