Alejandro Rojas | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rojas | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rojas | Austral University of Chile | Germany

Dr. Alejandro Alfredo Rojas Fernández is a distinguished Chilean molecular biotechnologist and neuroscientist, currently serving as CEO of Berking Theranostics UG in Hamburg, Germany, and Assistant Professor at the Universidad Austral de Chile. With over two decades of research spanning neurodegeneration, immunology, and viral pathogenesis, Dr. Rojas-Fernández has emerged as a leading expert in molecular diagnostics and theranostics. His innovative work has significantly impacted global health, notably through his contributions to SARS-CoV-2 research and senolytic therapies. A dual academic and entrepreneur, he bridges fundamental science and clinical application, actively publishing in top-tier journals such as Nature Aging, Molecular Psychiatry, and Journal of Cell Biology. Fluent in interdisciplinary collaboration, his efforts have been internationally recognized with multiple honors. With a passion for translational science, Dr. Rojas-Fernández continues to inspire the next generation of biomedical innovators through mentorship and leadership in biotechnology and neuroscience.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Alejandro Rojas-Fernández earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Konstanz, Germany (2006–2010), where his research focused on the regulation of Hdm2/HdmX-mediated ubiquitination and neddylation—mechanisms central to protein stability and cancer biology. Prior to his doctorate, he completed his engineering degree in Molecular Biotechnology (2004–2005) and his B.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering (2000–2004) at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile—one of Latin America’s leading research institutions. His multidisciplinary education integrates molecular biology, neurobiology, immunology, and translational medicine, equipping him with the foundational and advanced tools to tackle complex biomedical challenges. Dr. Rojas-Fernández’s academic training has been marked by academic excellence and international mobility, enabling him to collaborate and lead research projects across Europe and Latin America.

Experience:

Dr. Rojas-Fernández brings over 20 years of experience in translational biomedical research, academia, and biotech innovation. As CEO of Berking Theranostics UG, he spearheads the development of personalized diagnostic platforms and therapeutics, with a focus on neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. In his role as Assistant Professor at Universidad Austral de Chile (20% appointment), he leads the Medical Biotechnology Laboratory within the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), contributing to scientific training and cutting-edge research. He previously trained and collaborated at institutions such as the University of Dundee, University of Queensland, and University of Constance, advancing molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation, proteostasis, inflammasome biology, and viral-host interactions. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to translate complex cellular insights into tangible clinical applications, and his leadership has resulted in high-impact publications, product pipelines, and strategic biotech partnerships in Europe and Latin America.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Rojas-Fernández has received multiple prestigious honors recognizing his innovative biomedical research. In February 2025, he was named “Innovator of the Month” by Hamburg Invest for groundbreaking biotech contributions in Germany. He was awarded the Medal of the City of Valdivia for his vital role in controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, one of the highest local honors in Chile. Additionally, he received the 2nd of October Medal for Science and Innovation, recognizing his scientific leadership in Chile’s Los Ríos region. These accolades underscore his impact on global public health, neurodegenerative research, and biotechnology entrepreneurship. His consistent recognition reflects a career dedicated to translational excellence, fostering international collaboration, and advancing science for the benefit of society. His scientific achievements continue to inspire innovation and interdisciplinary approaches within the global scientific community.

Research Focus:

Dr. Alejandro Rojas-Fernández’s research centers on cellular stress responses, ubiquitin/SUMO signaling, neurodegeneration, and host-pathogen interactions. A core focus is the molecular crosstalk between autophagy, protein quality control, and inflammasome activation in brain and immune cells. He has made significant advances in understanding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on microglia, mechanisms of senescence in aging brains, and nanobody-based viral neutralization. His studies also explore the intersection of endoplasmic reticulum stress and neurodegenerative pathways, using high-content screening and proteomics to uncover therapeutic targets. He actively translates molecular insights into diagnostics and theranostic tools, positioning him at the forefront of personalized medicine. As CEO of a biotech startup, he is developing platforms that integrate biomarker discovery with AI for neuroinflammation profiling. His research bridges fundamental biology and clinical applications, promoting innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and viral infections.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Negative Modulation of Macroautophagy by Stabilized HERPUD1… – Front Cell Dev Biol, 2022

  2. SARS-CoV-2 drives NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human microglia… – Mol Psychiatry, 2022

  3. The p97/VCP segregase is essential for arsenic-induced degradation of PML… – J Cell Biol, 2023

  4. Lack of Parkinsonian Pathology after Proteasome Inhibitor Injection… – Front Aging Neurosci, 2021

  5. NSPA modulates postsynaptic NMDAR stability… – BMC Biol, 2020

  6. Role of PSMD14 in Golgi-to-ER transport and APP processing – Cells, 2020

  7. WDR90 in NLRC4 inflammasome and Salmonella resistance – Dev Comp Immunol, 2019

  8. Proteomic identification of APC interaction partners – Mol Cancer Res, 2019

  9. DHX15 regulates CMTR1-dependent gene expression – Life Sci Alliance, 2018

  10.  Membrane ruffling by polarized stim1 and orai1 – Sci Reports, 2017

Conclusion:

Dr. Alejandro Alfredo Rojas Fernández stands out as a pioneering researcher who consistently delivers scientifically rigorous, socially impactful, and clinically relevant work. His career spans critical sectors—basic research, applied biotechnology, and public health—making him a model example of the translational scientist. With accolades from both European and Latin American institutions and a track record of high-impact publications, Dr. Rojas exemplifies what it means to be a globally relevant and community-driven scientist. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic, innovations in molecular neuroscience, and leadership in therapeutic biotechnology underscore his immense value to the global research community. In conclusion, he is not only a suitable but a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award.

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang, Fudan University, China

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University with a strong foundation in both clinical and basic cardiovascular research. She holds a PhD in Cardiology from Fudan University and is currently advancing her expertise through the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard Medical School. Her academic journey spans over a decade of progressive education and clinical experience, complemented by multiple high-impact publications. She actively contributes to scholarly communities as an editor for AME Clinical Trials Review and the organizer of an academic communication club. Dr. Wang’s work bridges immunology and cardiology, particularly in understanding immune mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases. She has received several prestigious fellowships and awards, reflecting her strong scientific rigor and leadership. With her multidisciplinary research background and international exposure, Dr. Wang is an emerging leader in cardiovascular translational research and a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Academic Foundation

    • Trained at top-tier institutions including Fudan University and currently enrolled at Harvard Medical School for global clinical research training.

    • Holds a PhD in Cardiology with a solid foundation in both clinical and basic research.

  2. Extensive Research Experience

    • Over a decade of research with a focus on ventricular remodeling, immune mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases, and non-coding RNAs.

    • Published in high-impact journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Annals of Translational Medicine, and Heliyon.

  3. Recognized Expertise and Leadership

    • Awarded Postdoctoral Fellowship by CPSF and Super Postdoctoral Fellowship by Fudan University in 2023.

    • Section Editor at AME Clinical Trials Review and organizer of the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club”.

  4. Interdisciplinary and Translational Focus

    • Combines clinical cardiology with molecular immunology, enhancing the translational potential of her research.

  5. Global Perspective

    • Active participation in international research forums like the Japanese Circulation Society, which reflects global relevance.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  • Broader Collaboration: While her core work is well-recognized, expanding interdisciplinary and international collaborations could amplify her visibility.

  • Clinical Trial Leadership: Leading a multi-center clinical trial would significantly strengthen her clinical research credentials.

  • Grant Acquisition: More information on independently secured competitive research grants could further demonstrate leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is currently enrolled in the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program (2024–2025) at Harvard Medical School, combining online and on-site learning. She earned her PhD in Cardiology at Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2016–2019), where she conducted basic research on ventricular remodeling under Prof. Yunzeng Zou, supported by national-level research funds. Earlier, she obtained her Master’s degree in clinical cardiology from Dalian Medical University (2013–2016), supervised by the esteemed Prof. Yaling Han. Her undergraduate training was completed at Fujian Medical University (2007–2012), where she laid the foundation for her clinical and academic career. Her education reflects a steady progression toward excellence in cardiovascular research, integrating both laboratory and patient-based studies. Dr. Wang’s cross-disciplinary and global educational background equips her with a unique perspective in translational medicine and scientific innovation.

🩺 Experience:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University (2023–present), where she continues her cardiovascular research under Prof. Yunzeng Zou and fosters academic exchange as the organizer of the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club.” She also serves as a section editor for AME Clinical Trials Review (2024–present). Previously, she worked as a cardiologist at Shanghai Jiaotong University’s Ruijin Hospital (2022–2023) and as a cardiovascular specialist at Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2019–2022). Her clinical practice is complemented by a strong research portfolio and academic leadership. Dr. Wang’s diverse roles reflect her commitment to integrating clinical insight with research innovation. Her responsibilities span research coordination, patient care, publishing, and mentoring, positioning her as a clinician-scientist deeply embedded in academic medicine.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang has been recognized with several competitive awards that underscore her research excellence. In 2023, she received the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF and was named a Super Postdoctoral Fellow at Fudan University—both high honors recognizing scientific innovation and impact. Her clinical insights and writing skills earned her third prize in the 8th “Buchang Cup” Young Physician Essay Contest (2019). She was also selected to present at the Late-Breaking Cohort Studies session at the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) Annual Meeting in 2019, an indication of her work’s international relevance. These awards demonstrate her ability to balance rigorous clinical practice with pioneering research, making her a standout candidate for accolades like the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research centers on the intersection of cardiology and immunology, with a special focus on ventricular remodeling, cGAS-STING signaling pathways, immune responses in myocardial infarction, and non-coding RNAs. Her work spans both basic and translational research, investigating the molecular mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease progression while aiming to identify therapeutic targets. She has explored the roles of Akt, β-arrestin-2, CaMKII, and immune gene signatures in heart failure and myocardial infarction. Dr. Wang’s research has practical clinical implications, informing diagnosis and prognosis in cardiovascular medicine. Through international collaborations and cutting-edge methodologies, she contributes to a deeper understanding of immune-cardiovascular crosstalk. Her publication track record and editorial roles affirm her impact in shaping current and future directions in cardiovascular research.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

1️⃣ 🧬 The immune system in cardiovascular diseases: from basic mechanisms to therapeutic implications – Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025)
2️⃣ 🧠 The connection of immune response and cGAS-STING pathway in cardiovascular disease – International Journal of Biological Sciences (Revised)
3️⃣ 🧪 Left ventricular response in the transition from hypertrophy to failure… in mice with aortic regurgitation – Annals of Translational Medicine (2020)
4️⃣ 🩸 The diagnostic values of circulating miRNAs for hypertension and bioinformatics analysis – Bioscience Reports (2018)
5️⃣ 🚬 Galectin-3 inhibition alleviates cigarette smoke extract-induced EPC dysfunction by downregulating autophagy – Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2019)
6️⃣ 🔁 Circular RNA in cardiovascular disease – Non-coding RNA Investigation (2017)
7️⃣ ❤️‍🔥 An Integrated Signature of Clinical Metrics and Immune-Related Genes as a Prognostic Indicator for STEMI Patient Survival – Heliyon (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her research blends clinical relevance with molecular depth, showing a clear trajectory toward academic leadership in cardiovascular immunology. With a combination of high-impact publications, clinical acumen, and global training, she exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honor. Minor expansions in clinical trial leadership and collaborative reach could further elevate her profile. Nevertheless, her current accomplishments already distinguish her as a top-tier emerging researcher.

Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Paper Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Paper Award

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Fudan University | China

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a dedicated cardiologist and postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University with a strong background in both clinical practice and cardiovascular research. With over a decade of academic training and medical experience, she has built expertise in ventricular remodeling, percutaneous coronary interventions, and immune responses in heart diseases. Under the mentorship of esteemed scholars such as Dr. Yunzeng Zou and Academician Yaling Han, she has published extensively in high-impact journals, reflecting her commitment to scientific advancement. Dr. Wang is currently a scholar in Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program and also serves as a section editor for the AME Clinical Trials Review. She actively contributes to academic communities, notably by organizing the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club.” Her work bridges translational medicine and clinical application, aiming to improve cardiovascular patient outcomes through innovative, evidence-based approaches.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Credentials: Dr. Wang has earned her PhD from the prestigious Fudan University and is currently in the Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program, signaling a top-tier academic and global research profile.

  2. Dual Research Strength in Basic and Clinical Sciences: She demonstrates an exceptional ability to bridge molecular mechanisms (e.g., immune pathways, cGAS-STING, miRNAs, circular RNAs) with clinical relevance (e.g., myocardial infarction prognosis, anemia impact in PCI), making her work highly translational.

  3. High-Impact Publications: First-author or co-first-author in peer-reviewed journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Angiology, and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, with publications tackling cutting-edge cardiovascular topics.

  4. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Focus: Contributions across institutions and disciplines—partnering with bioinformaticians, clinicians, and molecular scientists—demonstrate strong collaboration skills.

  5. Recognition & Editorial Role: Multiple awards (CPSF Fellowship, Super Postdoc at Fudan) and an editorial position at AME Clinical Trials Review show leadership and peer acknowledgment.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More First-Author Lead on Recent Papers: Although she holds strong co-first authorships and collaborative contributions, maintaining or increasing sole first-author outputs on impactful papers would further strengthen individual scholarly identity.

  2. Increased International Conference Visibility: While she has presented at JCS, continued or expanded visibility in global cardiovascular congresses (e.g., AHA, ESC, ACC) would enhance recognition.

  3. Grant Leadership: Future grant applications as a principal investigator (rather than team member) could affirm her leadership in project design and execution.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang holds a Ph.D. from Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2016–2019), where she conducted fundamental research on ventricular remodeling under Dr. Yunzeng Zou’s mentorship, supported by prestigious national fellowships. She earned her Master’s degree from Dalian Medical University (2013–2016), focusing on clinical research in percutaneous coronary intervention, under Academician Yaling Han. Her academic foundation was laid with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from Fujian Medical University (2007–2012). Currently, she is advancing her research and clinical skills in the prestigious Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard Medical School (2024–2025), blending in-person and online modules. Her multi-tiered education reflects a deep integration of basic science, translational medicine, and clinical practice in cardiovascular health, equipping her to lead high-impact research and patient care initiatives.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Wang is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Fudan University (since 09/2023), working under Prof. Yunzeng Zou. She is also the organizer of the Excellent Academic Research Communication Club, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue. From 07/2022 to 07/2023, she served as a cardiologist at Shanghai Jiaotong University’s Ruijin Hospital, and from 2019 to 2022, as a resident in internal medicine at Zhongshan Hospital. In 2024, she began contributing as a section editor for AME Clinical Trials Review, enhancing the quality and visibility of clinical trial research. Her experience spans clinical cardiology, postdoctoral research, editorial responsibilities, and academic leadership. These roles have solidified her ability to translate scientific knowledge into medical practice, particularly in the cardiovascular field.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Wang has received numerous accolades recognizing her academic excellence and research impact. In 2023, she was awarded both the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (CPSF) and the prestigious Super Postdoctoral Fellowship of Fudan University, underscoring her leadership in postdoctoral research. Her communication and writing skills were acknowledged with the Third Prize in the 8th “Buchang Cup” Young Physician Essay Contest (2019). She also presented Late Breaking Cohort Studies at the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) Annual Meeting 2019, reflecting international recognition of her scientific contributions. These honors reflect her potential as a rising leader in cardiovascular medicine and support her suitability for the Best Paper Award.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Wang’s research focuses on cardiovascular disease mechanisms, particularly immune system regulation, ventricular remodeling, and the molecular basis of heart failure. Her Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies have addressed the cGAS-STING pathway, miRNA biomarkers, circular RNAs, and inflammation-related signaling in cardiovascular dysfunction. She has also explored clinical prognostic models, such as CHA2DS2-VASc scoring, and interventions including left atrial appendage occlusion and shock wave therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Her dual interest in basic science and clinical outcomes allows her to design translational research that bridges laboratory findings and therapeutic advancements. With a strong publication record and ongoing involvement in global research training at Harvard Medical School, her work aims to inform precision medicine strategies in cardiology.

📚 Publication Titles Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 The immune system in cardiovascular diseases: from basic mechanisms to therapeutic implications

  2. 🔗 The connection of immune response and cGAS-STING pathway in cardiovascular disease

  3. 🐭 Left ventricular response in hypertrophy-to-failure transition: roles of Akt, β-arrestin-2, and CaMKII

  4. 💉 Circulating miRNAs in hypertension: diagnostic value and bioinformatics analysis

  5. 🧪 Galectin-3 inhibition improves endothelial progenitor function via autophagy suppression

  6. 🔄 Circular RNA in cardiovascular disease

📌 Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is highly suitable for the Research for Best Paper Award. Her profile reflects a rare and valuable integration of basic cardiovascular science and clinical innovation, with high-impact, well-cited publications and ongoing international training. Her trajectory, marked by excellence, discipline, and collaborative leadership, meets and exceeds the criteria for this award.