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.