Xiaozhi Liu | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaozhi Liu | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xiaozhi Liu, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, China

Dr. Xiaozhi Liu, born on December 10, 1979, is a distinguished medical researcher and Director of the Central Laboratory at Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital. With over two decades of experience in neurosurgery and translational research, he has made substantial contributions in neural regeneration and SUMOylation-related mechanisms. Dr. Liu is a prolific academic with numerous publications in top-tier journals and active involvement in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects. His international exposure as a visiting scholar at Duke University Medical Center (2012–2013) enhanced his global scientific perspective. Dedicated to neuroscience innovation, he combines advanced molecular biology techniques with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes in neurological disorders. Recognized for his scientific rigor, leadership, and innovative research approach, Dr. Liu is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Dr. Liu’s expertise in SUMOylation, neural regeneration, and gene regulation presents a cutting-edge approach to treating cerebral ischemia, glioblastoma, and cardiac injury.

  2. Strong Grant History: He has led multiple prestigious National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects as both PI and co-investigator, with substantial funding and scientific merit.

  3. Impressive Publication Record: Over 15 peer-reviewed publications in impactful journals (Stroke, Aging, Neuroscience, etc.), with topics ranging from brain ischemia to cardiac injury, illustrate interdisciplinary strength.

  4. Leadership Role: As Director of the Central Laboratory, he demonstrates strong research management, mentoring, and institutional collaboration capabilities.

  5. Global Perspective: His time as a visiting scholar at Duke University Medical Center enhanced his academic and cross-cultural research competencies.

  6. Clinical & Basic Science Integration: Combines bench-to-bedside applications, especially in neurosurgery and molecular biology.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Outreach: While academically robust in China, Dr. Liu could benefit from increased global collaboration, co-authorship with foreign institutes, or keynote speaking roles at international conferences.

  2. Patent & Innovation Translation: There’s potential to strengthen the translational commercialization of his research findings through patents or biotech partnerships.

  3. Public Engagement: Increasing public science communication and media presence could enhance his visibility in broader scientific and policy-making communities.

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Xiaozhi Liu began his academic journey at Zhangjiakou Medical College, completing a degree in Clinical Medicine in 2003. He pursued his passion for neurosurgery at Tianjin Medical University, where he earned a master’s degree in 2007 and later a Ph.D. in 2017. His academic pursuit extended internationally with a one-year research fellowship at the Duke University Medical Center in the United States (2012–2013), where he specialized in neurosurgical studies. Throughout his academic training, Dr. Liu has demonstrated a deep commitment to the integration of clinical knowledge with cutting-edge biomedical research, particularly in the areas of neuroregeneration and molecular neuroscience. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his contributions to neurobiology, clinical translation, and innovative research in SUMOylation, gene expression regulation, and therapeutic interventions for neurological diseases.

🏥 Work Experience:

Dr. Liu began his clinical career as a Neurosurgery Resident at the Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force Medical College from 2007 to 2009. He then served as a physician in the Department of Neurosurgery at Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital until 2012. Since December 2013, he has been serving as the Director of the Central Laboratory at the same institution. In this role, he has spearheaded major research initiatives and supervised clinical translational projects in neurobiology. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing a multidisciplinary research environment that bridges clinical neuroscience and molecular biology. His extensive experience in both hospital-based patient care and laboratory-based scientific discovery places him at the intersection of clinical excellence and research innovation. His career trajectory reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient care.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Xiaozhi Liu’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of neuroregeneration, focusing particularly on SUMOylation, gene expression modulation, and neural stem cell therapy. His work explores the protective roles of SUMO-modified proteins in ischemic stroke, glioblastoma suppression, and spinal cord injury recovery. Dr. Liu investigates the role of small RNAs, mitochondrial dynamics, and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative conditions and cardiovascular diseases. His approach combines genomic, proteomic, and cell-based assays to understand the therapeutic potential of modulating cellular stress responses. Ongoing collaborations on stem cell transplantation, chromatin remodeling in cardiac diseases, and translational neuroscience further exemplify his dedication to interdisciplinary science. With an extensive list of national research grants and peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Liu remains at the forefront of biomedical innovations aimed at reversing tissue damage and enhancing neuroplasticity.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Small ubiquitin-like modifier 3-modified proteome regulated by brain ischemia in transgenic mice – Stroke, 2014

  2. 🧬 Interactions of connexin 43 and aquaporin-4 in glioma-induced brain edema – Mol Med Rep, 2015

  3. 🧠 Neuron-specific SUMO knockdown worsens outcome after brain ischemia in mice – Neuroscience, 2017

  4. 🦴 Silencing Ubc9 suppresses osteosarcoma and enhances chemosensitivity via Connexin 43 SUMOylation – Int J Oncol, 2018

  5. ❤️ SERCA2a: a key protein in the calcium cycle of heart failure – Heart Fail Rev, 2019

  6. 💓 Zinc-induced SUMOylation of Drp1 protects heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury – Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2019

  7. 🧠 Genetic polymorphisms and transcription in intracranial aneurysm involving NOTCH3 – Aging (Albany NY), 2019

  8. 🧪 Saikosaponin-d inhibits hepatoma and enhances chemosensitivity via SENP5-dependent Gli1 SUMOylation – Front Pharmacol, 2019

  9. 🧬 Parkin and Nrf2 prevent apoptosis in endplate chondrocytes via mitophagy – Life Sci, 2019

  10. 🧫 MitoQ protects against disc degeneration by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction – Cell Prolif, 2020

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaozhi Liu stands out as a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His blend of clinical neurosurgery, translational laboratory research, and molecular innovation, particularly in SUMOylation and neuroprotection, positions him at the forefront of modern biomedical science in China. With a leadership role in a major hospital, strong national research recognition, and a substantial academic footprint, he exemplifies excellence in research and mentorship.

Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik , Karadeniz Technical University , Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik, born on April 18, 1984, is a distinguished academic with an extensive background in chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. Later, she pursued a doctorate in Chemistry, specializing in Organic Chemistry, from KTU, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. With an h-index of 12, she has made significant contributions to scientific research, including 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. Dr. Çelik is also recognized for her involvement in various research projects, particularly in enzyme inhibition, molecular docking studies, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Fluent in both Turkish and English, she actively collaborates internationally and has authored several impactful publications related to drug development and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, contributing to fields such as medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry, particularly in drug development and biological evaluations. Her significant contributions to the field are reflected in her 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. She has demonstrated expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, investigating their biological activities, and applying molecular modeling techniques, including molecular docking and ADMET studies. Her work on the synthesis of flavonol derivatives, which are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, underscores her impact on global health research. Dr. Çelik has also been an active participant in multiple national and international research projects, including Tubitak-funded projects, focusing on enzyme inhibition and molecular modeling for disease treatment. Her leadership in scientific research, combined with a solid academic background, positions her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Çelik’s research is impressive, there is room for greater visibility and dissemination of her findings to broader interdisciplinary audiences. Increased collaboration with researchers from other scientific fields, such as pharmacology and clinical medicine, could enhance the real-world application of her work, particularly in the development of drug therapies. Expanding her research focus to include more clinical trials or translational research could help bridge the gap between laboratory findings and practical medical applications. Additionally, increasing her involvement in scientific outreach or mentorship programs could further contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers in chemistry and pharmacology.

Education:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. She then pursued postgraduate studies, enrolling directly in the doctoral program in Chemistry at KTU, where she specialized in Organic Chemistry, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on developing bioactive organic compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Çelik has also gained international exposure during her Master’s studies, spending time at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany in 2014, which broadened her academic perspective and research experience. Over the years, her educational background and research expertise have provided a solid foundation for her ongoing contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in medicinal chemistry, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. This strong academic base supports her continued success as an academic and researcher in the field of chemistry.

Experience:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic and professional journey spans over a decade. She began her career as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2010, where she worked until 2017. During her time at KTU, she contributed to several research projects in the field of chemistry, including organic synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds. Her academic work has led her to publish multiple papers in international and national journals. In 2014, she expanded her research horizons by spending time as a Master Student at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany, further strengthening her academic profile. Dr. Çelik has also been involved in various Tubitak and KTU-supported research projects, particularly focusing on enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and bioactive compound synthesis. She has held roles in multiple projects, such as the synthesis of flavonol derivatives for drug development and the study of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of organic compounds.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s primary research interests lie in the field of organic chemistry, with a particular focus on bioactive compound synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. Her research aims to discover and develop novel organic molecules with potential therapeutic applications, especially in drug development for diseases such as COVID-19. She has worked extensively on synthesizing flavonol derivatives and other bioactive compounds, investigating their enzyme inhibition efficiencies and biological activities. Dr. Çelik’s work in molecular modeling and computational studies (e.g., ADMET and molecular docking) complements her experimental research, helping to predict the behavior of synthesized compounds at the molecular level. Her research has contributed to the development of potential inhibitors for viruses and other diseases, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry and pharmacology. She has been involved in several national and international projects, contributing to the scientific community through her publications and innovative research efforts.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Flavonol-3-O-β-D-glycoside as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (3CLpro) in Drug Development for COVID-19 🧬💊
  2. Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR and UV–Vis), NLO, in silico (ADMET and molecular docking) and DFT investigations of a flavonol derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one 🧪🔬
  3. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral effects, and spectroscopic characterization of metabolites produced by fusarium oxysporum yp9b 🦠💉
  4. Biological activity, and volatile and phenolic compounds from five Lamiaceae species 🌱🧴
  5. Synthesis, spectroscopic, and photophysicochemical behavior of Zn(II) and Mg(II) phthalocyanine–chalcone conjugates ⚙️🧑‍🔬
  6. New chalcone-3-O-glycoside derivatives: Synthesis and characterization 🧪🔬
  7. Synthesis and characterization of some new pyrazolines and their inhibitory potencies against carbonic anhydrases 🧫💥

Conclusion:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic achievements, extensive publication record, and leadership in research make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has made substantial contributions to drug development, specifically in the context of COVID-19 treatment, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling. With a solid foundation in chemistry and a forward-looking approach to interdisciplinary research, she continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Enhancing her outreach efforts and fostering collaborations with clinical researchers will further amplify the impact of her work on global health. Therefore, Dr. Çelik’s research excellence, combined with her potential for future advancements, makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

 

Xi Yao | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Xi Yao | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xi Yao , Yunnan University , China

Xi Yao is a prominent researcher in the field of vertebrate evolutionary biology, specializing in dinosaur studies. Currently based at Yunnan University, Kunming, China, he is affiliated with the Center for Vertebrate Evolutionary Biology. With a background in Geology (Bachelor’s from Northwest University, China), Yao further honed his expertise in Vertebrate Paleontology through his Master’s and Ph.D. from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has actively participated in several fossil excavation projects across China, particularly in Xinjiang, Neimongol, and Yunnan, focusing on Jurassic and Cretaceous dinosaur species. His research contributions have garnered recognition in the scientific community with numerous publications in prestigious journals and an active collaboration with international experts.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Xi Yao is a highly accomplished paleontologist with a strong background in dinosaur research, specifically focusing on vertebrate evolution and systematics. His educational journey, from a Geology degree to a Master’s and Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleontology, reflects his deep-rooted expertise in the field. His active role at Yunnan University has allowed him to contribute significantly to understanding the evolution of dinosaur species, particularly in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Notably, his groundbreaking studies on early Jurassic ornithischian dinosaurs and tyrannosauroid locomotion, coupled with his extensive fieldwork across China, position him as a leading expert in dinosaur paleontology. His collaborations with international researchers, such as Prof. John Hutchinson from the Royal Veterinary College and Prof. Corwin Sullivan from the University of Alberta, strengthen his global presence in the scientific community. His publications in well-regarded journals like iScience, Cretaceous Research, and Elife highlight his impactful contributions.

Areas for Improvement:

While Xi Yao has made substantial contributions to dinosaur paleontology, an area for improvement would be expanding his outreach and professional memberships. Engaging more actively with larger paleontological communities and taking editorial roles in academic journals could further boost his visibility and influence. In addition, he has not published books or patents, which are often essential for showcasing a comprehensive body of work in paleontology.

Education:

Xi Yao completed his Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Northwest University, China, laying a foundation in earth sciences. He furthered his academic career at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, earning both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleontology. During his graduate studies, Yao focused on dinosaur evolution and systematics, particularly the study of fossil evidence and ancient ecosystems. His educational journey reflects a blend of geological and paleontological expertise, which supports his comprehensive research on prehistoric life, including the evolutionary trends in dinosaur species. His work at Yunnan University allows him to continue applying his interdisciplinary knowledge to the study of dinosaur fossils, emphasizing both anatomical and ecological perspectives. His academic achievements also include collaborating with other renowned researchers globally, broadening his scientific impact.

Experience:

Xi Yao has accumulated extensive experience in the field of paleontology through both research and fieldwork. After completing his higher education, he became an integral member of the research community at Yunnan University, where he specializes in vertebrate evolutionary biology, particularly dinosaurs. His fieldwork has taken him to several notable excavation sites across China, including Xinjiang, Neimongol, and Yunnan Province, where he has contributed significantly to discovering and analyzing dinosaur fossils. His ongoing research on tyrannosauroid locomotion and dinosaur evolution is supported by grants from prestigious agencies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has also forged collaborations with leading paleontologists, such as Prof. John Hutchinson from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, and Prof. Corwin Sullivan from the University of Alberta, Canada. Xi Yao’s extensive hands-on experience in excavations, along with his academic contributions, make him a valuable figure in his field.

Research Focus:

Xi Yao’s primary research interest lies in dinosaur evolution, with a focus on both Jurassic and Cretaceous species. His work has contributed to the understanding of dinosaur phylogeny, anatomy, and locomotion, particularly through his studies on theropods and ornithischians. One of his significant projects involves studying the locomotion of tyrannosauroids through digital modeling, which explores how these iconic predators moved and interacted with their environment. Additionally, he has reported groundbreaking findings on rare early Jurassic ornithischians in Southern China, making important contributions to the understanding of dinosaur diversity during this period. His studies also extend to the description of new dinosaur species, including oviraptorosaurians, therizinosaurians, and ornithomimosaurians, primarily in the Cretaceous of northern China. This focus on dinosaur systematics not only enriches the scientific community’s understanding of dinosaur lineage but also sheds light on broader evolutionary patterns of life on Earth.

Publications Top Notes:

  • “New evidence for the earliest ornithischian dinosaurs from Asia” 📜 (iScience, 2024)
  • “A new ankylosaurid dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Jiangxi Province, southern China” 🦕 (Historical Biology, 2024)
  • “New ornithomimosaurian pelvis from the Upper Cretaceous Erlian Formation of Nei Mongol, North China” 🦖 (Cretaceous Research, 2022)
  • “A new early branching armored dinosaur from the Lower Jurassic of southwestern China” 🛡️ (Elife, 2022)
  • “A new transitional therizinosaurian theropod from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China” 🦖 (Scientific Reports, 2019)
  • “Caenagnathasia sp. from the Iren Dabasu Formation of Erenhot, Nei Mongol, China” 🦕 (Vertebrata PalAsiatica, 2015)

Conclusion:

Xi Yao is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of dinosaur evolution and systematics. His research has not only expanded our understanding of dinosaur diversity but has also provided new insights into locomotion and dinosaur phylogeny. His dedication to fieldwork and collaboration with international researchers adds value to his research endeavors. Despite some areas for improvement, such as increased professional memberships and diversification of publications, his overall achievements place him among the top researchers in the field. Therefore, Xi Yao deserves strong consideration for this prestigious award.