Kimberly Gilmour | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Kimberly Gilmour | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Great Ormond Street Hospital | United Kingdom

Kimberly Coughlan Gilmour is a leading expert in immunology, molecular diagnostics, and cell-based therapeutic development. Her early academic work contributed foundational insights into cytokine signaling, particularly the regulation of the Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 (IRF-1) gene and the signal transduction pathways activated by prolactin and interleukin-2. During her postdoctoral research, she investigated mechanisms governing thymocyte proliferation and differentiation using retroviral manipulation of murine thymic organ cultures, advancing understanding of T-cell development.

Gilmour has played a pivotal role in the evolution of clinical immunology diagnostics, leading the development of national services for the molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disorders. She has been instrumental in translating complex research methodologies—including gene expression analysis, retroviral and lentiviral transduction, and thymus tissue culture—into routine clinical tools that directly inform patient management. Her work supports post-treatment monitoring for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and targeted antibody-based interventions.

As a leader in cell therapy, she has overseen the implementation of advanced cellular manufacturing processes and supervised the clinical authorization of personalized therapeutic products. Her career integrates immunogenetics, translational science, and cellular therapy innovation, significantly shaping clinical practice for paediatric patients with rare and complex immune disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Maimaris, J., Roa-Bautista, A., Sohail, M., et al. (2025). Griscelli Syndrome Type 2: Comprehensive analysis of 149 new and previously described patients with RAB27A deficiency. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 45(50).

  • Author(s) Unknown. (2025). Safety and diagnostic utility of brain biopsy and metagenomics in decision-making for patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and unexplained neurological manifestations. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 45, 86.

  • Booth, C., Masiuk, K., Vazouras, K., Fernandes, A., Xu-Bayford, J., Campo Fernandez, B., Roy, S., Curio-Penny, B., Arnold, J., Terrazas, D., Reid, J., Gilmour, K. C., Adams, S., Mediavilla, E. A., Mhaldien, L., O’Toole, G., Ahmed, R., Garabedian, E., Malech, H., De Ravin, S. S., Moore, T. B., De Oliveira, S., Pellin, D., Lin, T.-Y., Dang, T. T., Cornetta, K., Hershfield, M. S., Hara, H., Thrasher, A. J., Gaspar, H. B., & Kohn, D. B. (2025). Long-term safety and efficacy of gene therapy for adenosine deaminase deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 393(15), 1486–1497.

  • Guardo, D., Mishra, A. K., Rashed, H., Gilmour, K. C., Adams, S., Pinner, D., Sauer, M., Vora, A., Veys, P., Pavasovic, V., Rao, K., & Qasim, W. (2025). Long-term outcomes of genome-edited “universal” CAR19 T cells for relapsed/refractory B-ALL at a single pediatric center. Blood Advances, 9(18), 4750–4754.

 

An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. An Dai Tran, Walailak University, Vietnam

Dr. An Dai Tran is a dedicated medical doctor and emerging public health researcher from Vietnam, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Walailak University, Thailand. He works at the CDC Dong Thap, focusing on vaccination programs and infectious disease control, including dengue fever, COVID-19, and measles. With several years of hands-on experience in clinical trials and epidemiological research, Dr. Tran has made significant contributions to community health. His published work on vaccination adherence among minority groups in Vietnam has had real-world impact on public health campaigns. Additionally, he has co-developed innovative tools for behavioral science and contributed to machine learning applications in mental health. Collaborating with global institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, Dr. Tran’s work reflects a commitment to translational research, public health equity, and data-driven health interventions. His profile is marked by scientific rigor, international collaboration, and service to underserved populations.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
    Dr. Tran’s research spans infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health—demonstrating versatility and innovation in addressing modern public health challenges.

  2. Practical and Policy-Relevant Impact
    His work on vaccination adherence in minority communities has real-world implications for national health policy and outreach programs, especially in underserved populations.

  3. Strong Clinical Trial Experience
    He has held critical roles in major vaccine trials (COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth disease), showing competence in trial design, blinding, and coordination—essential for translational health research.

  4. Collaborative Global Network
    Dr. Tran has established collaborations with renowned institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, boosting the credibility and scalability of his research.

  5. Innovation in Mental Health Analytics
    His application of AI and machine learning to post-COVID mental health challenges shows forward-thinking research methodology with future potential.

  6. Published and Cited
    With publications in peer-reviewed journals like Jornal de Pediatria and Journal of Human, Earth, and Future, and a growing citation index, he is building a solid academic foundation.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Indexing and Citations
    While promising, most of his current publications are in emerging or interdisciplinary journals. Publishing in higher-impact, SCI-indexed journals could enhance academic visibility.

  2. Editorial and Peer Review Roles
    Taking on editorial appointments or peer-review duties would strengthen his professional profile and leadership in research.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching Contribution
    Engaging in formal mentorship or academic teaching roles would reflect his potential as a knowledge disseminator and academic influencer.

  4. Expanded Public Health Policy Impact
    Future work that integrates direct contributions to policy development or national programs would further validate his applied research strengths.

🎓 Education:

Dr. An Dai Tran holds a medical degree and is currently completing a Master’s in Public Health at the School of Public Health, Walailak University, Thailand. He was awarded a full scholarship for his postgraduate studies in recognition of his academic excellence and commitment to public health. His education bridges clinical medicine with population-level health sciences, equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise to tackle emerging global health challenges. At Walailak University, Dr. Tran has deepened his knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health policy, and digital health technologies. His academic training is complemented by a strong foundation in research methodology and ethics, allowing him to conduct high-impact studies and clinical trials. His exposure to both theoretical and practical facets of public health, along with mentorship from international experts, positions him as a future leader in healthcare innovation, with special focus on vaccine-preventable diseases and mental health research in Southeast Asia.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Tran brings valuable on-ground experience through his work at the CDC Dong Thap in Vietnam, where he has led and supported various national vaccination campaigns and infectious disease monitoring systems. He has been actively involved in both the operational and research aspects of public health interventions. His clinical trial roles include coordinating blinded and double-blinded studies on COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth vaccines. Notably, he served as a research coordinator in large-scale, placebo-controlled trials with rigorous ethical and methodological frameworks. His consultancy record includes four projects in collaboration with governmental and academic institutions, such as the University of Queensland (E-Dengue Project) and the Pasteur Institute (Vietnam-based vaccine research). Dr. Tran’s experience spans public health research, disease surveillance, behavioral analysis, and machine learning for mental health prediction. His combined roles as physician, coordinator, and academic researcher highlight his versatility, responsibility, and drive for impactful health innovations that reach marginalized communities.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Tran’s research lies at the intersection of infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health. His primary interest is understanding the behavioral and sociocultural factors affecting vaccine uptake, particularly among ethnic minority populations. His first-author publication on this topic has already contributed to improved regional strategies for vaccine delivery. Expanding into digital health, Dr. Tran has co-developed psychological assessment tools and applied machine learning to detect mental health issues in post-COVID patients. His work in computational psychiatry includes Reddit-based community sentiment analysis and comparative modeling for long COVID mental health prediction. By merging AI with public health, he aims to enhance early detection and intervention systems. His approach reflects a holistic vision—bridging clinical practice, community outreach, and technology—with a commitment to healthcare equity. Dr. Tran’s research is not only academically sound but also practically applicable, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health and well-being.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Parental predictors of childhood vaccination adherence in border areas of Southern Vietnam – Jornal de Pediatria.

  2. 🏃‍♂️ Initial Construction of the Exercise Maintenance Motivation Scale: A Mixed Method Study – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  3. 🤖 An Analysis of Machine Learning for Detecting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Recovered COVID-19 Patients – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  4. 🧠 Exploring Mental Stress Expressions in Online Communities: A Subreddit Analysis – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  5. 🧪 Mental health and long COVID status prediction among recovered COVID-19 patients: A comparison of machine learning methods – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. An Dai Tran is a highly promising early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary work in public health is both scientifically rigorous and socially impactful. His blend of clinical trial expertise, digital health innovation, and public health behavior research makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is room to grow in areas like journal prestige and academic leadership, his current trajectory, achievements, and commitment to health equity clearly demonstrate award-worthy excellence.

Yimin Zhu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

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.