Alexander Tsankov | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Tsankov | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai | United States

Alexander Tsankov is a leading researcher in computational biology and cancer genomics, known for his contributions to single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Plan II Honors and Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and tissue remodeling, with an emphasis on glioblastoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. Dr. Tsankov has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Cancer Discovery, Nature Genetics, and Immunity. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with an h-index of 36 and more than 15,000 citations according to Google Scholar. His work has earned him several prestigious honors, including the NIH NRSA postdoctoral fellowship and the NSF graduate fellowship. Dr. Tsankov frequently serves as a senior or corresponding author, highlighting his leadership in the field of computational oncology and single-cell genomics.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • “Learning the cellular origins across cancers using single-cell chromatin landscapes”

  • “Cellular and spatial atlas of TP53-associated tissue remodeling defines a multicellular tumor ecosystem in lung adenocarcinoma”

  • “Single cell profiling of human airway identifies tuft-ionocyte progenitor cells displaying cytokine-dependent differentiation bias in vitro”

  • “Single-cell dissection of the genotype-immunophenotype relationship in glioblastoma”

  • “Glioblastoma shift from bulk to infiltrative growth is guided by plexin-B2-mediated microglia alignment in invasive niches”

  • “Oncofetal reprogramming drives phenotypic plasticity in WNT-dependent colorectal cancer”

  • “NOTCH1 drives sexually dimorphic immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma”

  • “Microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages drive progression of pediatric high-grade gliomas and are transcriptionally shaped by histone mutations”

  • “Single cell view of tumor microenvironment gradients in pleural mesothelioma”

  • “Hypoxia drives shared and distinct transcriptomic changes in two invasive glioma stem cell lines”

wenhao chen | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. wenhao chen | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. wenhao chen , Zhejiang University School of Medicine Children’s Hospital National Clinical Research Center for Child Health , China

Dr. Wenhao Chen, a leading orthopedic surgeon and researcher, currently serves as the Head of the Department of Orthopedics at the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. At 38, he has made substantial contributions to pediatric orthopedics, bone oncology, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Chen obtained his MD from Peking University and completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Known for integrating clinical expertise with biomedical research, he has authored over 17 high-impact papers, applying advanced techniques such as machine learning, gene profiling, and CRISPR screening in orthopedic studies. His work spans rare skeletal diseases, cancer metastasis, and spinal cord repair. Recognized internationally, he continues to mentor young researchers and lead translational projects. With a vision toward improving musculoskeletal health in children, his multidisciplinary approach positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Productivity:
    Dr. Chen has authored over 18 high-impact, peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as FASEB Journal, QJM, Journal of Translational Medicine, and Journal of Orthopaedic Research. His work spans orthopedics, oncology, regenerative medicine, and computational biology.

  2. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
    He integrates molecular biology, AI, proteomics, CRISPR screening, and clinical research, particularly in osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, spinal cord repair, and rare pediatric skeletal diseases.

  3. Clinical and Academic Leadership:
    As Head of the Department of Orthopedics at a leading children’s hospital and faculty member at Zhejiang University, he demonstrates clinical leadership and research excellence.

  4. International Experience:
    His postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, reflects global research exposure and cross-cultural collaboration.

  5. Translational Impact:
    Dr. Chen’s research shows a clear clinical application, such as prognosis prediction models, radiotherapy effectiveness evaluation, and gene therapy strategies for rare disorders and cancer.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Visibility in Global Academic Forums:
    While his research is impactful, increased participation in international conferences, workshops, and symposiums could enhance visibility and networking.

  2. First-/Last-Author Publications:
    While present, a greater proportion of senior authorship could strengthen his recognition as a principal investigator or thought leader in major studies.

  3. Grant Leadership & Patent Output:
    There’s limited publicly shared information on research grants led or intellectual property (e.g., patents), which could further validate his innovation and translational output.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Wenhao Chen began his medical journey in 2004 at Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, where he completed his MD program over eight years (2004–2012). This comprehensive training gave him a robust foundation in clinical medicine and surgical practice. As part of his pursuit of global excellence, Dr. Chen was selected for a postdoctoral research position at Massachusetts General Hospital (2019–2020), affiliated with Harvard Medical School. During this international fellowship, he engaged in advanced research in orthopedics, including joint reconstruction, stem cell applications, and musculoskeletal oncology. His education reflects not only academic brilliance but also an openness to cross-border scientific collaboration. Dr. Chen’s diverse educational background enables him to merge Eastern clinical insights with Western research innovations, which he continues to apply in developing pediatric orthopedic interventions and understanding skeletal disorders on a molecular level.

💼 Experience:

With over a decade of experience in clinical orthopedics and research, Dr. Wenhao Chen leads the Department of Orthopedics at the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. His career began in top-tier clinical hospitals in China and expanded to the U.S. during his postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he worked on joint reconstruction and bone oncology. In his current leadership role, he spearheads surgical treatment strategies, oversees translational research projects, and mentors medical trainees. Dr. Chen’s experience spans pediatric orthopedic deformities, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and regenerative therapies. He’s an expert in the application of genomics, CRISPR screens, and AI in musculoskeletal disorders. His multidisciplinary projects have led to multiple grants and collaborations. Dr. Chen’s leadership extends beyond the hospital into academia, where he regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals and reviews manuscripts. His balance of surgical excellence and innovation defines his professional experience.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wenhao Chen’s research centers on pediatric orthopedics, bone tumors (especially osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma), regenerative medicine, and translational oncology. He focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders through multi-omics profiling, CRISPR screening, and machine learning. A significant part of his work addresses prognostic modeling using genomic and metabolic markers. He has also pioneered studies on gene therapy using viral vectors for spinal cord repair and the application of stem cells in congenital skeletal diseases like mucopolysaccharidosis IVA. Additionally, he investigates inflammation and autophagy signaling pathways, notably the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β axis in bone homeostasis. His translational research aims to convert biological findings into targeted clinical therapies. Dr. Chen’s work is consistently published in top-tier journals and has influenced diagnostic and therapeutic protocols in orthopedics. His blend of computational biology, clinical acumen, and lab innovation defines his impactful and forward-looking research portfolio.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Diminished GALNS activity in iPSCs of MPS IVA caused by compound mutations – QJM, 2024

  2. 🧪 LARS as essential gene for osteosarcoma proliferation via CRISPR screening – J Transl Med, 2022

  3. 🌬️ Itraconazole mitigates lung fibrosis via SPP1/C3 signaling – J Transl Med, 2024

  4. 🔬 Chaperone-mediated autophagy protects bone formation via PI3K/AKT pathway – FASEB J, 2024

  5. 🧠 Predicting metastasis and radiotherapy effectiveness in metastatic osteosarcoma – J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 2023

  6. 🤖 Machine learning predicts prognosis in Ewing sarcoma patients – J Orthop Res, 2021

  7. ⚡ Glycolysis-related gene score predicts osteosarcoma survival – J Orthop Res, 2022

  8. 🧫 Candidate proteins for astrocyte-to-neuron conversion via proteomics – Neural Regen Res, 2021

  9. 🦴 Surgery ± radiotherapy for malignant giant cell tumor of bone/soft tissue – J Orthop Res, 2020

  10. 🧠 NeuroD1 gene promotes glial-to-neuron conversion post-spinal cord injury – Brain Res Bull, 2017

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Wenhao Chen is a highly accomplished orthopedic surgeon-scientist whose interdisciplinary research portfolio, leadership in pediatric musculoskeletal science, and international collaborations make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive body of work, blending molecular biology with clinical application, showcases both depth and innovation, especially in addressing complex skeletal disorders and musculoskeletal oncology. With a few enhancements in international visibility and grant leadership, he is well on the path to becoming a global leader in orthopedic research.

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.