Zu-Chian Chiang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang , Fujian Normal University , China

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang is a highly accomplished postdoctoral fellow at the Biomedical Research Center of Southern China, Fujian Normal University, specializing in cancer research and regenerative medicine. With extensive experience in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), peptide synthesis, and tissue engineering, his work focuses on the development of targeted therapies and innovative biomaterials for medical applications. Dr. Chiang’s expertise includes both academic research and real-world clinical applications, and he has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Over the years, his research has received recognition from prestigious institutions such as the National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica. He also plays an active role in academic societies, providing his expertise as a peer reviewer for various scientific journals and as a key member of multiple international organizations. Dr. Chiang continues to make significant strides in biomedical engineering and cancer therapy.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Education and Experience:

    • Dr. Chiang has a robust academic background, with a Ph.D. in Materials and Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Chemistry, both from reputable institutions in Taiwan. His postdoctoral experience spans multiple prestigious institutions, such as Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University Hospital, and his ongoing postdoc at the Biomedical Research Center of Southern China showcases his continued dedication to scientific progress.

  2. Research Excellence:

    • Dr. Chiang has made significant contributions to the field of cancer research, particularly in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), functional peptides for cancer research, and the development of specific aptamers as targeted therapies for cancer.

    • He has authored numerous high-quality peer-reviewed publications (with recent impactful papers), contributing to advancing understanding in immunotherapy, ADCs, and cancer therapeutics. His research has garnered attention in journals like Frontiers in Oncology and PLOS ONE.

  3. Awards and Recognition:

    • Dr. Chiang’s receipt of multiple prestigious awards, such as the 3rd Biotech Elite Training Reserve Program award, highlights his excellence in both academic and professional research. His achievements have earned recognition from both Taiwanese and Chinese scientific communities.

  4. Active Contribution to the Scientific Community:

    • Serving as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, as well as being involved in numerous scientific societies, demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field and his active engagement with the wider scientific community.

  5. Research Support and Funding:

    • Dr. Chiang has successfully secured research funding from prominent sources, such as the Department of Human Resources and Social Security, Fujian Province, showcasing his ability to lead and manage significant research projects. His ongoing research projects reflect a focus on cancer therapies and therapeutic advancements, further cementing his relevance in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Public Engagement and Outreach:

    • While Dr. Chiang has impressive research achievements, further expanding his presence in broader public engagement, such as science communication, could help make his findings accessible to a larger audience, especially in cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.

  2. Collaboration and Networking:

    • Dr. Chiang’s research has been highly productive, but future collaboration with other interdisciplinary teams could increase the breadth of his work and facilitate the development of novel, cross-disciplinary solutions.

  3. Increasing Citation Impact:

    • Although Dr. Chiang has 91 citations, his h-index of 5 suggests there may be room to increase the visibility and citation impact of his work. Strategic publishing in highly-cited journals or working with larger collaborative projects could elevate this metric.

  4. Mentorship and Training:

    • While his extensive postdoctoral training is impressive, Dr. Chiang’s experience in mentorship or leading research teams could be enhanced further. Serving as a mentor for students and junior researchers could help strengthen his leadership in the scientific community.

Education:

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang earned his Ph.D. in Materials and Chemical Engineering from National United University, Taiwan (2008-2014), where he specialized in biomedical engineering under the mentorship of Professor An-Chong Chao and Dr. Guo-Chung Dong. Prior to that, he completed his M.S. in Chemistry from Tunghai University, Taiwan (2005-2007), under the guidance of Professor Feng-Di Lung. His doctoral research focused on creating innovative materials for biomedical applications, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Chiang was awarded scholarships and fellowships recognizing his excellence in research, such as the First Outstanding Doctoral Scholarship at National United University and the Master’s Program Scholarship from the Hunan Fellow Association of Taiwan. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his cutting-edge contributions to cancer research, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, ensuring his continued impact in the field.

Experience:

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang has accumulated a wealth of research experience, serving as a postdoctoral fellow at various prestigious institutions. Since September 2019, he has been working at the Biomedical Research Center of Southern China, Fujian Normal University, focusing on cancer therapies and advanced drug delivery systems. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral positions at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica (2016-2019), and National Taiwan University Hospital’s Clinical Trial Center (2015-2016), where he worked on pioneering biotechnological projects, including the Taiwan Protein Project. Dr. Chiang’s expertise extends to developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), functional peptides, and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. His involvement in various research groups has strengthened his interdisciplinary knowledge in both molecular and clinical aspects of cancer therapy. Dr. Chiang also gained valuable teaching experience while completing his degrees, serving as a teaching assistant in organic chemistry and chemical engineering courses throughout his academic career.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of biomedical research. Notable honors include the “Science and Technology Commissioner” title in Quanzhou, Fujian Province (2020), and the “Miaoli Southeastern Xindong Satellite Rotary Club Chairman Award” (2017). In 2016, he was honored as an awardee of the “3rd Biotech Elite Training Reserve Program” by National Taiwan University and Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology. His academic achievements were further recognized with the Chung Hwa Rotary Annual Doctoral Program Award (2012), and he received the First Outstanding Doctoral Scholarship at National United University (2010). Additionally, Dr. Chiang was awarded the Master’s Program Scholarship from the Hunan Fellow Association of Taiwan (2007). These accolades reflect his outstanding dedication to scientific research, education, and professional development in the fields of cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang’s primary research interests lie in the development of functional peptides for cancer therapy and tissue engineering, as well as the design of advanced biomolecular materials for regenerative medicine. His work focuses on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), targeting specific cancer cells for more effective therapies. One of his key research areas is developing specific aptamers as blockers, agonists, or antagonists for cancer treatment, aiming to enhance therapeutic outcomes. He is also dedicated to the synthesis of peptides that can aid in the regeneration of bone tissue and the creation of biomaterials that combine bioactive molecules for regenerative medicine. Through his research, Dr. Chiang aims to improve cancer treatments by targeting tumors more precisely, reduce side effects, and contribute to breakthroughs in drug delivery. His work also explores innovative methods of using biomaterials for enhancing regenerative medicine, thus bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Generation and characterization of 7DC-DM1: a non-cleavable CD47-targeting antibody-drug conjugates with antitumor effects” 🧬💉

  2. “Strengthening effect of thalidomide combined with anti-PD1 antibody on enhancing immunity for lung cancer therapy” 🫁💪

  3. “Development of Novel CD47-Specific ADCs Possessing High Potency Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in vitro and in vivo” 🫀⚛️

  4. “Preparation and characterization of antibody-drug conjugates acting on HER2-positive cancer cells” 🧪🧫

  5. “Preparation and characterization of dexamethasone-immobilized chitosan scaffold” 💊🧵

  6. “Characterization of the morphology and hydrophilicity of chitosan/caffeic acid hybrid scaffolds” 🧫🌿

  7. “Preparation and characterization of caffeic acid grafted chitosan/CPTMS hybrid scaffolds” 🍄🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Zu-Chian Chiang is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher, with a strong track record in cancer research and therapeutic innovation. His work in developing antibody-drug conjugates, functional peptides, and aptamers demonstrates great promise in transforming cancer therapy. His academic credentials, publications, awards, and research funding solidify his standing as a top candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Further expansion into public engagement, interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentorship could further enhance his contributions to the field and his overall impact. Therefore, Dr. Chiang is certainly a strong contender for the award, with potential for even greater influence moving forward.

Yimin Zhu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Yimin Zhu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Yimin Zhu , Suzhou Institute of Nanotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , China

Prof. Yimin Zhu is a distinguished researcher in bioengineering, specializing in cancer therapies, biomaterials, and peptide screening platforms. With a background in both clinical medicine and biotechnology, she bridges the gap between medical applications and cutting-edge biotechnological innovations. Prof. Zhu completed her master’s in Clinical Medicine from Tianjin Medical University in 1996 and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the National University of Singapore in 2005. She has made significant contributions to cancer immunotherapy, drug delivery systems, and biomarker identification. Prof. Zhu’s work has led to over 30 first-author/co-corresponding publications in leading scientific journals, and she holds more than 20 patents. She currently holds a professorship at Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, CAS, where her research continues to advance cancer treatments through novel molecular mechanisms and drug delivery platforms.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise: Prof. Yimin Zhu has a unique blend of clinical medicine and advanced biotechnology expertise, making her well-suited to bridge the gap between medical practice and cutting-edge cancer research. Her background in both the clinical and research fields allows her to tackle cancer therapies from multiple angles.
  2. Impactful Research: Prof. Zhu’s research focuses on critical areas in cancer therapy, such as peptide-based immunotherapy, tumor mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and biomarker discovery. She has published over 30 high-impact papers in leading journals, showcasing her leadership in the field.
  3. Innovative Contributions: She has made substantial contributions to developing peptide-based bispecific CAR T cells and innovative drug delivery systems, with several patents granted. These innovations hold great promise for advancing cancer therapy and improving patient outcomes.
  4. Support and Funding: Prof. Zhu has successfully secured substantial research funding, including multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, supporting her groundbreaking research in cancer immunotherapy and biomaterial development.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Outreach: Although Prof. Zhu has made impressive advancements in cancer research, expanding her work’s visibility to a broader audience in the medical and biotechnology communities, as well as among the general public, could increase the impact of her innovations.
  2. Collaboration and Mentorship: Further expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with social scientists or clinicians in oncology, could strengthen the practical application of her research and increase its translation into clinical practice. Additionally, mentoring young women in STEM could increase her contribution to fostering diversity in the field.
  3. Public Engagement: Enhancing communication efforts to present her research in a more accessible format for non-experts could be a significant avenue for impact, particularly in terms of attracting additional funding and public interest in her cancer-focused work.

Education:

Prof. Yimin Zhu’s educational journey reflects her interdisciplinary approach to bioengineering and medical science. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Tianjin Medical University in 1996, where she initially focused on medical practice, gaining hands-on experience as a resident and consultant in Neurology. Her passion for scientific research led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the National University of Singapore, completed in 2005. This transition to biochemistry allowed her to explore molecular biology, cancer research, and biotechnology. Prof. Zhu’s postdoctoral work at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in Chemical Engineering, further honed her expertise in nanotechnology, bioengineering, and therapeutic innovations. This broad educational foundation, combining clinical experience with cutting-edge research, has uniquely positioned her as a leader in cancer bioengineering and drug delivery systems.

Experience:

Prof. Yimin Zhu’s diverse experience spans both clinical medicine and high-impact research. Between 1996 and 2000, she worked as a resident and consultant doctor in Neurology, which provided a strong foundation in patient care and medical science. Transitioning to research, she served as a research fellow at the National University of Singapore from 2003 to 2005, focusing on biochemistry and cancer-related molecular mechanisms. Prof. Zhu further developed her expertise during her postdoctoral training in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she explored the intersection of chemical engineering, nanotechnology, and therapeutic interventions. Since joining the Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics in 2008, she has been a professor, where she leads innovative research in peptide-based cancer therapies, immunotherapy, and drug delivery systems. Her extensive academic background and practical experience have earned her numerous patents and substantial research funding.

Research Focus:

Prof. Yimin Zhu’s research primarily focuses on bioengineering for cancer treatment, peptide screening platforms, and targeted drug delivery systems. Her work involves identifying molecular mechanisms behind tumor cell behavior and developing innovative methods for cancer diagnosis and therapy. She is dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapy, particularly through the development of peptide-based bispecific CAR T cells targeting key proteins like EGFR and tumor stroma. Prof. Zhu’s research aims to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing side effects. Her studies also explore the development of smart delivery systems, such as extracellular vesicle-based nanodrugs, to improve the precision and effectiveness of drug delivery to tumor sites. Additionally, her work delves into the identification of cancer biomarkers, offering new ways to predict tumor metastasis and optimize treatment regimens. By combining molecular biology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, Prof. Zhu’s research holds great promise for advancing personalized cancer care.

Publications Top Notes:

  • The peptide-based bispecific CAR T cells target EGFR and tumor stroma for effective cancer therapy 🧬
  • Develop a PD-1-blockade peptide to reinvigorate T-cell activity and inhibit tumor progress 💉
  • Natural killer cells contribute to ‘hot’ tumor regression in the allergic inflammatory environment 🦠
  • Identification of cancer protein biomarker based on cell specific peptide and its potential role in predicting tumor metastasis 🔬
  • Extracellular Vesicle‐Based Nanodrug Delivery 💊
  • Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes the Elimination of Liver Cancer Stem Cells by CD133 Aptamer-Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin 🧫
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen Der p 22: Cloning, expression, IgE-binding in asthmatic children, and immunogenicity 🌿
  • Reforming the Chimeric Antigen Receptor by Peptide Towards Optimized CAR T Cells With Enhanced Anti-Cancer Potency and Safety 🦠
  • Smart delivery of poly-peptide composite for effective cancer therapy 💡
  • The inhibition of ABCB1/MDR1 or ABCG2/BCRP enables doxorubicin to eliminate liver cancer stem cells ⚙️

Conclusion:

Prof. Yimin Zhu’s research excellence, particularly in cancer therapy, peptide-based immunotherapy, and novel drug delivery systems, positions her as a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary approach, groundbreaking innovations, and leadership in publishing high-impact scientific papers make her a trailblazer in the field of bioengineering. By addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in outreach and mentorship, Prof. Zhu could amplify her contributions even further, inspiring the next generation of women scientists and advancing the fight against cancer.

 

 

 

Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wei Mu | Immunotherapy and Molecular Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Mu , Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , China

Mu Wei, born in October 1989, is an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. With a solid foundation in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, Mu Wei has consistently contributed to the advancement of CAR-T cell therapy, particularly in the context of hematological diseases. His research blends molecular biology with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques to tackle complex issues like T-cell exhaustion and immunotherapy resistance. With multiple principal investigator roles and ongoing projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, his expertise is shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy. Mu Wei is also an active author with publications in top-tier scientific journals, contributing valuable insights into CAR-T cell dynamics and the molecular mechanisms underlying immune responses in hematological malignancies.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Mu Wei’s research on CAR-T cell therapy demonstrates significant potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy. His work on precise molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling and T-cell exhaustion mechanisms in CAR-T therapies is cutting-edge and addresses key challenges in the field of hematological malignancies.
  2. Leadership and Impact: As the principal investigator for several National Natural Science Foundation projects, Mu Wei has shown leadership in guiding important research initiatives aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapies. His work is already showing potential to directly influence clinical outcomes in blood cancers.
  3. Publication Record: His consistent publication in high-impact journals (e.g., Blood Cancer Journal, Cell Reports) and contributions to collaborative studies further solidify his recognition as a leader in his research area.
  4. Ongoing Funding and Collaboration: The fact that Mu Wei is a key participant in ongoing large-scale national research projects demonstrates his ability to collaborate and contribute to high-impact, multi-year scientific endeavors. These projects reflect both the trust placed in him by funding bodies and the relevance of his expertise.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Exposure: While Mu Wei has made impressive strides in national research, expanding his collaborations and visibility in international scientific communities could further boost the global impact of his research.
  2. Broader Public Engagement: As his research has direct implications for patient care, more efforts in translating his work into publicly accessible formats—such as public outreach, media engagement, or policy advisory—could amplify the societal impact of his discoveries.
  3. Expansion into Related Fields: His focus is currently tightly centered on CAR-T therapy in hematology. Branching into additional related areas, such as solid tumor immunotherapy or alternative immunotherapy strategies, could diversify his research portfolio and increase its relevance to a broader range of cancers.

 

Education:

Mu Wei completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Anhui Medical University in 2011, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. His doctoral research focused on the molecular biology of regenerative therapies, laying the foundation for his current expertise in hematology and immunology. During his Ph.D., Mu Wei developed a strong interest in immunotherapy, particularly in how cell therapies like CAR-T could be used to treat cancer and other blood disorders. Building on his academic achievements, he continued his training as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tongji Hospital, where he expanded his research to explore the genetic and immune mechanisms involved in T-cell therapies. His robust educational background is complemented by his continuous pursuit of knowledge in cutting-edge immunotherapy technologies and regenerative medicine.

Experience: 

Mu Wei has extensive experience in hematology and cellular therapy, with a career spanning over a decade. Since December 2021, he has served as an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Tongji Hospital, where he leads innovative research projects on CAR-T cell therapy and immunotherapy. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the same institution from October 2018 to October 2021, focusing on T-cell engineering and cell exhaustion mechanisms in cancer therapies. His academic and professional journey began at Anhui Medical University, where he earned his B.S. in Biotechnology, followed by a Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mu Wei’s work integrates laboratory research with clinical applications, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of cellular therapies in treating hematological malignancies. He is also actively involved in national-level research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Research Focus:

Mu Wei’s research focuses on advancing CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of hematological cancers, with a particular emphasis on improving the precision and efficacy of these therapies. His work explores several critical areas: the molecular regulation of IL2Rβ/IL2Rγ signaling in CAR-T cells, the role of T-cell exhaustion in immunotherapy, and novel strategies to overcome resistance in lymphoma CAR-T cell therapies. By investigating the extracellular vesicle-based regulation of CAR-T cells, Mu Wei aims to develop more effective, targeted immunotherapies with fewer side effects. His current projects also delve into the molecular mechanisms of immune cell exhaustion, which can limit the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in certain patients. Mu Wei is passionate about translating his laboratory findings into clinical applications, improving the outcomes of patients with blood cancers through enhanced CAR-T cell designs and immunotherapeutic approaches. His research promises to contribute to the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Correction to: Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  2. Anti-CD5 CAR-T cells with a tEGFR safety switch exhibit potent toxicity control 🧬🛡️ Blood Cancer Journal (2024)
  3. Antigen escape in CAR-T cell therapy: Mechanisms and overcoming strategies 🚫🧬 Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (2024)
  4. Correlation analysis of polyclonal plasma cell proportion in the bone marrow with clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma 🩸📊 Chinese Journal of Hematology (2024)
  5. Novel heterozygous mutations of TNFRSF13B in EBV-associated T/NK lymphoproliferative diseases 🧬💉 Blood Science (2024)
  6. Functional diversification and dynamics of CAR-T cells in patients with B-ALL 🔬🧑‍🔬 Cell Reports (2023)
  7. Preclinical development and evaluation of nanobody-based CD70-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia ⚕️💡 Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2023)
  8. Case report: Differential diagnosis of highly amplified anti-CD5 CAR T cells and relapsed lymphoma cells in a patient with refractory ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma 📑🩸 Frontiers in Immunology (2023)
  9. CD137 deficiency because of two novel biallelic TNFRSF9 mutations in a patient presenting with severe EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease 🧬💉 Clinical and Translational Immunology (2023)
  10. Genetic lesions and targeted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma 🧬💊 Therapeutic Advances in Hematology (2023)

Conclusion:

Mu Wei is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His research is not only advancing CAR-T cell therapy but is addressing key obstacles in the field, such as T-cell exhaustion and immune resistance. His leadership in national research projects and consistent publication in top-tier journals demonstrate his strong research capabilities. With his clear focus on improving cancer immunotherapy, Mu Wei is poised to make lasting contributions to the field, and his work holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Expanding his international collaborations and broadening his research scope could further amplify his impact in the global scientific and clinical communities.