Luminita Paraoan | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Luminita Paraoan | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom

Professor Luminita Paraoan is a leading molecular and ocular cell biologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function, degeneration, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her pioneering work integrates omics-based analyses, molecular genetics, and cell biology to uncover how cellular stress responses, proteostasis, and intercellular communication contribute to retinal aging and disease. Paraoan has made significant discoveries on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, particularly the PERK/EIF2AK3 axis, and the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy in RPE cells. Her studies have also revealed novel insights into p53/p63 effector PERP, Cystatin C, and visual cycle gene regulation in aging and disease contexts. Through collaborative research, she has explored stem cell protection mechanisms, PI3K/AKT signaling inhibition, and multi-omic signatures of aging across cancers and ocular tissues. Supported by over £4 million in external funding, her work has advanced understanding of molecular targets for retinal and neurodegenerative diseases. Professor Paraoan leads the Ocular Molecular Biology and Mechanisms of Disease Group, mentoring numerous postdoctoral and doctoral researchers internationally, and continues to shape the field of vision science and molecular ophthalmology.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Suwanmanee, G., Kheolamai, P., Tantrawatpan, C., Grimes, D., Matei, I. V., Paraoan, L., & Manochantr, S. (2025). Fucoxanthin protects placenta-derived human mesenchymal stem cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by modulating genes involved in DNA damage repair, ER stress response, and p53-induced apoptosis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 16(1), 497.

Jantalika, T., Manochantr, S., Kheolamai, P., Tantikanlayaporn, D., Pinlaor, S., Saijuntha, W., Paraoan, L., & Tantrawatpan, C. (2025). Human chorion and placental mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media suppress cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway in cholangiocarcinoma. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 31472.

Matei, I. V., & Paraoan, L. (2024). Aging retinal pigmented epithelium: Omics-based insights into vision decline. Aging (Albany NY), 16(12), 10201–10202.

Carlsson, E., Sharif, U., Supharattanasitthi, W., & Paraoan, L. (2023). Analysis of wild type and variant B cystatin C interactome in retinal pigment epithelium cells reveals variant B. Cells, 12(5), 713.

Dhirachaikulpanich, D., Lagger, C., Chatsirisupachai, K., de Magalhães, J. P., & Paraoan, L. (2022). Intercellular communication analysis of the human retinal pigment epithelial and choroidal cells predicts pathways associated with aging, cellular senescence, and age-related macular degeneration. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, 1016293.

Saptarshi, N., Porter, L. F., & Paraoan, L. (2022). PERK/EIF2AK3 integrates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy responses in immortalised retinal pigment epithelial cells. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 13324.

Chenlong YANG | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień , Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute , Poland

Iwona Kwiecień, PhD, is an expert in clinical immunology and laboratory medicine. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in medical research, she has dedicated her career to exploring immunological mechanisms in various diseases. She is currently working at the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, where she serves as a lab specialist and lecturer. Dr. Kwiecień holds a PhD in Medical Science with a specialization in immunology from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her research focuses on the immune response in lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and other inflammatory diseases, employing advanced techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry. Her scientific contributions have been recognized globally, and she continues to shape the field of immunology through her research and teaching.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień possesses an impressive academic background and a consistent record of significant contributions to the field of immunology and medical research. With a Ph.D. in Medical Science and immunology, along with expertise in laboratory medicine, hematology, and flow cytometry, Dr. Kwiecień has shown remarkable skill in investigating the immune system’s role in lung cancer and other diseases. Her work on antigenic profiles in the lung cancer microenvironment, macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer, and immune responses in systemic inflammation highlights her strong research abilities. The 2024 habilitation diploma is a testament to her research excellence. Furthermore, Dr. Kwiecień has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles with significant citations and impact, indicating her strong presence in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Kwiecień has demonstrated significant strength in immunological research, expanding her focus to include other cancer types or diseases beyond lung cancer may broaden the scope of her impact. Additionally, fostering greater international collaboration could further enhance the dissemination of her research globally.

Education:

Iwona Kwiecień earned her Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine from the Medical University of Warsaw in 2012. Later, she completed her PhD at the same university’s First Faculty of Medicine, specializing in immunology, with a thesis on regulatory mechanisms of the immune response, which she defended in 2017. She further pursued a specialization in Laboratory Medical Hematology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, completing it in 2021. Dr. Kwiecień is also set to receive her habilitation diploma from the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in 2024, based on her scientific achievements in lung cancer immunology. Throughout her academic journey, she has developed expertise in clinical cytology, flow cytometry, and immunological assays, contributing significantly to the scientific community.

Experience:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has accumulated substantial experience in the field of laboratory medicine and immunology, working at several prestigious institutions. Since 2017, she has been a laboratory specialist and lecturer at the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in Warsaw, focusing on flow cytometry and hematology. Her role involves designing, performing, and analyzing complex experiments, as well as providing education and training to students. Prior to her current position, Dr. Kwiecień worked as a research coordinator assistant at BioVirtus Research Site and Clinical Research Group in Warsaw. Her academic career also includes time spent at the University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, where she collaborated on various pathology and immunology projects. Dr. Kwiecień’s professional experience extends to overseeing numerous grants and research projects, including her work on macrophage subpopulations and lung cancer.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has received several accolades in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science and research. Among her awards is the prestigious “Gold Laurel Graduate” medal for being the best graduate of Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2013. She also received the 2nd award from the Polish Archives of Internal Medicine for her student research on macrophage subpopulations in sarcoidosis in 2014. Additionally, Dr. Kwiecień has been the recipient of numerous research grants, including the 2014-2015 Grant for Young Scientific Researcher from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her work on macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer earned her a statutory grant at the Military Institute of Medicine in 2018-2019. These awards reflect her exceptional research contributions and commitment to advancing the field of clinical immunology and laboratory medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień’s research focus lies primarily in the immunology of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory diseases. Her studies have explored immune responses, particularly the role of macrophages, regulatory T cells, and other immune cell populations in disease progression. A key area of her research involves the use of multicolor flow cytometry to assess antigenic profiles of cells in cancer microenvironments. She has contributed to the understanding of how immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, interact with tumor cells in the context of lung cancer and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Kwiecień has also researched the impact of systemic inflammation on diseases like obstructive sleep apnea. Her work aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets and provide insights into the immune mechanisms driving various pathologies. Through her research, Dr. Kwiecień continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the fields of clinical immunology and hematology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Frequency and spontaneous cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in healthy children: preliminary results 🧬🧒
  2. Association between M1 and M2 macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tobacco smoking in patients with sarcoidosis 💨🫁
  3. Cytometric analysis of perforin expression in NK cells, CD8+, and CD4+ lymphocytes in children with autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 👶🦠
  4. T, B, and NKT Cells in Systemic Inflammation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea 😴🩺
  5. Macrophage polarization in interstitial lung diseases 💔🫁
  6. D4+/CD25high/FoxP3+/CD127- regulatory T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of lung cancer patients 🫀💉
  7. Elevated regulatory T cells, surface and intracellular CTLA‐4 expression and interleukin‐17 in the lung cancer microenvironment in humans 🫀🧪
  8. Elevated Foxp3/CD8 ratio in lung adenocarcinoma metastatic lymph nodes resected by transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy 🔬💊
  9. Immunophenotype of t cells expressing programmed death-1 and cytotoxic T cell antigen-4 in early lung cancer: local vs. systemic immune response 🎗️🫁
  10. Fas-positive lymphocytes are associated with systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep Apnea syndrome 🛏️🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień is a highly capable researcher whose work has made substantial contributions to clinical immunology. Her ongoing focus on the immune responses in cancer offers significant potential for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. With a strong academic and research background, she is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.