Miriam Gรถtte | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Miriam Gรถtte | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Miriam Gรถtte , Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Universitรคtsklinikum Essen , Germany

Dr. Miriam Gรถtte is a leading expert in exercise and movement science in oncology, currently affiliated with the University Hospital Essen. With a dedicated focus on pediatric and young adult cancer care, she has led numerous interdisciplinary initiatives combining sports science, immunology, and oncology. As head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy at the West German Tumor Center, she has pioneered therapeutic interventions improving the quality of life in cancer patients. Dr. Gรถtte holds a habilitation in Movement Science in Oncology and has been a postdoctoral researcher since 2014. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally through prestigious awards. Passionate about improving survivorship care, she integrates clinical research, physical rehabilitation, and academic leadership. Alongside her academic career, she balances motherhood, having taken two parental leaves, which reflects her ability to manage demanding roles in both personal and professional spheres.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. ๐ŸŒ Leading Expertise in Exercise Oncology: Dr. Gรถtte has made outstanding contributions to the field of exercise-based interventions in pediatric and adolescent oncology, a highly impactful and emerging research domain.

  2. ๐Ÿ“Š Rich and Relevant Research Output: With over 10 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (2023โ€“2024 alone), she is actively contributing novel data, especially around HIIT, immune response, stem cell transplantation, and survivorship care.

  3. ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Translational Focus with Real-World Impact: Her work bridges clinical research and applied therapy, ensuring that findings benefit patient quality of life and recovery during and after cancer treatment.

  4. ๐Ÿค National Leadership and Collaborations: As Head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy and a core member of the ActiveOncoKids Network, she leads national initiatives and cross-border collaborations.

  5. ๐Ÿ† Recognized with Prestigious Awards: Awards such as the MASCC Young Investigator Award (2015) and Best Abstract at ASORS (2017) reflect her high academic standing and the relevance of her research.

  6. ๐Ÿ“š Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining sports science, immunology, pediatrics, and education, she exemplifies a multidisciplinary perspective that advances both research and therapeutic care.

โš™๏ธ Areas for Improvement:

  1. ๐Ÿ“ฃ Global Visibility: While well-known in German-speaking countries and European forums, increasing participation in global oncology or exercise medicine symposia (e.g., ASCO, ACSM) would raise international recognition.

  2. ๐Ÿ’ผ Expanded Mentorship: Publishing with more junior researchers as first authors could further support the next generation and solidify her legacy as a mentor in her field.

  3. ๐ŸŒ Broader Public Engagement: Developing online modules, webinars, or patient-facing tools (especially for young survivors) could enhance public awareness and dissemination of her impactful work.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Miriam Gรถtte has a solid academic background in sports and medical sciences. She began her academic journey studying Sports Science with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation at the University of Cologne from 2006 to 2010. During this period, she also pursued studies in Educational Sciences. She advanced to a doctoral program in Medical Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen, completing it between 2010 and 2014 under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Dirk Reinhardt. Her academic accomplishments culminated in a habilitation in “Movement Science in Oncology” at the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2022. This advanced qualification marks her as an expert in the interplay of exercise and oncology, particularly for pediatric and adolescent populations. Her academic path has been underpinned by a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining sports science, oncology, and education to support patients holistically.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience:

Dr. Gรถtte’s professional journey began at the Department of Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, where she worked from 2010 to 2014 during her doctoral training. She later became head of Sports and Exercise Therapy at the West German Tumor Center (2014โ€“2017) and continued in leadership roles at the same institution until July 2023. Since January 2023, she has served as head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy in Oncology, playing a pivotal role in the ActiveOncoKids Center Ruhr. Dr. Gรถtte also coordinated teacher training modules in Spanish and led national collaborations to develop exercise strategies during cancer treatment. She has taken two parental leaves (2017โ€“2018 and 2023โ€“2024), highlighting her balance between research and personal life. Her hands-on leadership in multi-center projects and her dedication to integrating physical activity into oncology care make her a driving force in supportive cancer therapy.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors:

Dr. Miriam Gรถtte has received numerous awards recognizing her impactful research and leadership. She was honored with the Young Investigator Award of the Year at the MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer in 2015. Her work on adolescent cancer care earned the Best Abstract Award at the 5th ASORS Congress in 2017. She was selected for the prestigious Josepha and Charlotte von Siebold Habilitation Support Program (2018โ€“2019), and later received support from the Corona Care in Medicine Program (2020โ€“2021) by the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen. These accolades underline her academic excellence and leadership in movement science and oncology. Dr. Gรถtteโ€™s pioneering research continues to shape exercise-based cancer therapy, especially for children and adolescents, earning her national and international recognition as a forward-thinking clinician-scientist.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Dr. Miriam Gรถtteโ€™s research revolves around exercise oncology, with a strong emphasis on pediatric and adolescent cancer patients. Her primary interest lies in exploring how physical activity interventions, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), influence immune function, physical fitness, and quality of life during and after cancer therapy. She investigates the physiological and psychological impacts of exercise throughout different treatment phases, including stem cell transplantation. Her work contributes significantly to the emerging field of supportive oncology, where movement-based interventions are tailored to patient needs. Dr. Gรถtte is also a central figure in the ActiveOncoKids network, enhancing access to structured physical activity across German-speaking countries. With a translational approach, her research bridges clinical care, immunological assessments, and rehabilitative exercise programs. Her focus is not only scientific but also deeply patient-centered, advocating for movement as a form of healing and empowerment in cancer survivorship.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ High-Intensity Interval Training Boosts Immune Cells in Advanced Cancer Patients and Healthy Controls โ€“ Cancer Medicine (submitted)

  2. ๐Ÿงฌ Impact of a Single HIIT Session on NK Cells and ILCs in Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment โ€“ BMC Cancer (minor revision)

  3. ๐ŸŒŸ YOUEX: Longitudinal Effects on Quality of Life in Young Adults with Cancer โ€“ JAYAO (submitted)

  4. ๐Ÿ’ช Low vs. Moderate Intensity Exercise in Pediatric Allo-HSCT Recovery โ€“ ANIMAL โ€“ Pediatric Blood & Cancer (submitted)

  5. ๐Ÿ‘ถ Physical Activity Behaviors in Childhood Cancer Survivors โ€“ J Cancer Survivorship (2024)

  6. ๐Ÿง’ ActiveOncoKids: Centralized Physical Activity Counseling During Oncology โ€“ Klinische Pรคdiatrie (2024)

  7. ๐Ÿƒ Severely Reduced Physical Performance at Stem Cell Transplant Admission โ€“ BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med (2024)

  8. ๐Ÿง˜ P-move: RCT of Exercise in Pancreatic or Biliary Tract Cancer โ€“ Supportive Care in Cancer (2024)

  9. ๐ŸŒฟ Exercise Therapy in Oncology: Impact on Quality of Life and Side Effects โ€“ Dtsch Arztebl Int (2024)

  10. ๐Ÿง‘โ€โš•๏ธ Adaptation of Pediatric Exercise Programs During COVID-19 in Germany โ€“ Frontiers in Pediatrics (2024)

๐Ÿงพ Conclusion:

Dr. Miriam Gรถtte is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her focused and prolific research on the role of physical activity in pediatric and adolescent oncology, combined with her leadership in clinical and academic settings, sets her apart as a pioneer in supportive cancer care. She demonstrates a rare combination of scientific rigor, patient-centeredness, and organizational leadership. With strategic expansion of her international visibility and mentoring activities, she is positioned to become one of the global leaders in exercise oncology.

Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng , Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery , China

Lijuan Deng is a passionate graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery in China, specializing in the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases. Her scientific curiosity centers on gene regulation, signaling pathways, and metabolic dysregulation in disease progression, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Her translational approach blends experimental models and bioinformatics to bridge basic science and therapeutic innovation. Lijuan has already co-authored a publication in The FASEB Journal, identifying CDKN1A as a key regulator in MASLD. She is also the inventor of a patent-pending technique for nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles. Through collaborations with clinical researchers and a solid foundation in molecular biology techniques, she is positioning herself as a rising talent in cell biology. Her work promises to advance understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research: Lijuan Deng has significantly contributed to the understanding of MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) by identifying CDKN1A as a key regulatory gene through integrated transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation.

  2. Translational Focus: Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical application, enhancing its impact in drug discovery and disease diagnostics.

  3. Publication Record: She is the first author of a peer-reviewed article published in The FASEB Journal (SCI-indexed), showcasing her ability to conduct and communicate high-quality research.

  4. Patent Innovation: She holds a pending patent for a novel method involving nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles, showing her drive toward technological advancement and biomedical innovation.

  5. Collaborative Approach: Active collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital reflects strong interdisciplinary and clinical integration.

๐Ÿงฉ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded Publication Portfolio: Increasing the number of peer-reviewed articles will strengthen her academic visibility and impact.

  2. Professional Networking: Engagement in international cell biology societies or conferences and obtaining professional memberships can support broader recognition and growth.

  3. Editorial/Leadership Roles: Participation in editorial boards, review panels, or student leadership roles can enrich her professional development profile.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Lijuan Deng is currently pursuing her graduate studies in molecular biology at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, where she focuses on translational biomedical research. Her academic foundation includes advanced coursework in biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cellular signaling. Through structured academic training, she has acquired proficiency in modern laboratory methods, including RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, and exosome analysis. Her education emphasizes critical thinking and scientific rigor, enabling her to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret biological outcomes. She regularly participates in academic seminars, journal clubs, and collaborative workshops to refine her scientific acumen. Her thesis research is centered around identifying novel molecular targets in MASLD, a field gaining global relevance. Lijuan’s education is not only shaping her technical capabilities but also nurturing her ambition to contribute to impactful, real-world medical solutions through cell biology research.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience:

Lijuan Deng has gained extensive laboratory experience as a graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. Her hands-on work includes both cellular and animal models, with a strong focus on metabolic disease mechanisms. She played a key role in identifying CDKN1A as a potential MASLD progression factor, combining transcriptomic data analysis with molecular validation. Additionally, she has worked on exosome-based biomarker discovery and developed a patent-pending method for nascent RNA labeling. She collaborates with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, providing a clinical dimension to her work. Though early in her career, her contributions to translational research are already making an impact. She is skilled in molecular biology, gene expression profiling, and therapeutic target screening. Her research experience has been shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific publications, and the ambition to innovate within the field of molecular cell biology.

๐Ÿงฌ Research Focus:

Lijuan Deng’s research is primarily focused on the molecular underpinnings of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a key manifestation of metabolic syndrome. She investigates how dysregulated genes, signaling networks, and lipid metabolism contribute to disease initiation and progression. A major highlight of her work is identifying CDKN1A as a potential risk factor in MASLD using integrated bioinformatics and experimental techniques. Additionally, she explores the utility of extracellular vesicles as carriers of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules. Her patent-pending work involves a novel method for labeling nascent RNA within exosomes, opening possibilities for tracking dynamic RNA communication in disease contexts. Her research strategy merges molecular biology with disease modeling, aiming to bridge laboratory discoveries with potential therapeutic strategies. Through strong collaborations and a translational research outlook, Lijuan is dedicated to uncovering actionable insights that can inform drug development for complex metabolic disorders.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  • ๐Ÿงพ “Identification of CDKN1A as a potential key risk factor in MASLD progression.” โ€“ The FASEB Journal, 2025. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402942R

๐Ÿงพ Conclusion:

Lijuan Deng stands out as an emerging researcher with strong foundations in molecular cell biology and a clear orientation toward translational science. Her innovative work in MASLD, combined with an SCI publication and a pending patent, make her a highly suitable and promising candidate for the Molecular Cell Biology Award. While she is in the early stages of her career, her achievements thus far indicate substantial potential for future contributions to the field.

qingwei lu | Cell Differentiation Processes | Innovative Research Award

Mr. qingwei lu | Cell Differentiation Processes | Innovative Research Award

Mr. qingwei lu , Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences , China

Qingwei Lu is a student at the Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, China, specializing in animal genetics, breeding, and reproduction. His research focuses on the genetic improvement of wool and meat sheep, specifically through quantitative genetics, population genetic analysis, and genomic selection for key traits. Qingwei also explores the molecular mechanisms behind hair follicle development in cashmere goats, applying transcriptomics and proteomics to understand hair follicle cycling and its relationship with production traits. His studies aim to provide scientific foundations for breeding and industrial development in the livestock sector. Qingwei is actively involved in national and international research collaborations and has published multiple academic papers in prominent journals. His work contributes significantly to the field of animal genetics and breeding, making him a promising researcher with a growing impact in the industry.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Qingwei Lu’s work demonstrates remarkable innovation in the field of animal genetics, with a particular emphasis on sheep and cashmere goats. His integration of transcriptomics and proteomics techniques to study the genetic and molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development, especially in cashmere goats, is groundbreaking. The focus on secondary hair follicle cycling and the role of PLIN2 in regulating this cycle offers important insights for enhancing wool and meat production traits. Furthermore, his research is supported by substantial funding, such as the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underlining the relevance and impact of his work. His numerous published journal articles, including in high-impact journals, also reflect his contributions to advancing the scientific understanding of animal breeding and genetics.

Areas for Improvements:

While Qingwei Lu’s research is highly innovative and impactful, expanding his collaborative network further to include industry partners could enhance the translational aspect of his research. Additionally, more engagement with public-facing scientific communication and outreach could make his discoveries more accessible to a broader audience, including agricultural industries and farmers.

Education:

Qingwei Lu is currently pursuing advanced studies at the Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences in China. He holds a bachelorโ€™s degree in animal science, followed by graduate studies focused on animal genetics and breeding. His academic journey is heavily centered on animal genetics, specifically in the context of wool and meat sheep, as well as the genetic improvement of cashmere goats. Qingweiโ€™s research includes the application of quantitative genetics, genomic selection, and molecular techniques to unravel complex genetic traits in livestock. His education equips him with strong foundations in both the theoretical and practical aspects of animal breeding, enabling him to work effectively on high-impact national research projects. Qingweiโ€™s academic achievements reflect his dedication to the scientific advancement of animal science, particularly in genetic evaluation and breeding program optimization.

Experience:

Qingwei Luโ€™s research experience spans multiple projects in the field of animal genetics and breeding. His primary research focuses on the genetic enhancement of sheep and goats, particularly wool and meat sheep, and cashmere goats, through innovative approaches in genomics and molecular biology. Qingweiโ€™s work includes estimating genetic parameters, analyzing population genetic structures, and implementing genomic selection to improve economic traits in livestock. He is currently involved in key national research programs in China, including the National Key R&D Program (2021YFD1200902) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China Regional Science Fund (32360814). His collaborative research efforts have resulted in numerous journal publications. Qingwei also collaborates on industry-sponsored projects, contributing his expertise to practical breeding solutions for livestock farmers. His expertise in combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and genomic techniques is making a significant impact on livestock breeding and industrial development.

Research Focus:

Qingwei Luโ€™s research focus revolves around the genetic improvement of livestock, with particular emphasis on wool and meat sheep, and cashmere goats. His research involves the use of quantitative genetics to estimate genetic parameters, analyze population genetic structures, and implement genomic selection for important economic traits such as early growth and reproductive traits. Additionally, Qingwei studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development in cashmere goats, aiming to uncover the regulatory pathways behind hair follicle cycling. His work integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, and genomic sequencing techniques to explore how these molecular processes influence the production of wool and cashmere. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, Qingwei seeks to develop breeding strategies that can enhance productivity and economic outcomes in the livestock industry. His work provides valuable insights for improving livestock breeding programs and contributes to the scientific foundation for the development of more sustainable and profitable animal farming.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Screening of CircRNA Related to Secondary Hair Follicle Cycling in Southern Xinjiang Cashmere Goats
    ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“š Chinese Journal of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, 2024 | DOI: 10.19556/j.0258-7033.20230117-04

  2. Effects of Non-genetic Factors on Early Growth Traits in Southern Xinjiang Cashmere Goats
    ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“– Chinese Journal of Animal Science, 2024 | DOI: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2024.05.001

  3. Research on the Cyclical Patterns of Different Types of Hair Follicles in Southern Xinjiang Cashmere Goats
    ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”ฌ Chinese Journal of Animal Science, 2025 | DOI: 10.19556/j.0258-7033.20240422-10

  4. Comparison of Different Animal Models for Estimating Genetic Parameters for Early Growth Traits and Reproductive Traits in Tianmu Sainuo Sheep
    ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ“„ Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024 | DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024

  5. Proteomics Reveals the Role of PLIN2 in Regulating the Secondary Hair Follicle Cycle in Cashmere Goats
    ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/ijms26062710

Conclusion:

Qingwei Lu’s innovative approach to genetic improvement in sheep and goats, particularly his exploration of hair follicle regulation mechanisms and their relation to production traits, makes him an excellent candidate for the Innovative Research Award. His contributions to advancing genetic evaluation and breeding programs have the potential to greatly impact agricultural industries, aligning well with the goals of the award.