Lei Shi | Tumorigenesis | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Mr. Lei Shi | Tumorigenesis | Distinguished Scientist Award

Mr. Lei Shi, Lanzhou University, China

Dr. Lei Shi is a distinguished cancer biologist and molecular pathologist, currently serving as a Professor and Group Leader at the School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, China. With an international career spanning Germany, the UK, and China, Dr. Shi has significantly contributed to our understanding of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), KRAS-mediated tumorigenesis, and lung cancer biology. He earned his Ph.D. from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and completed postdoctoral training at the CRUK Manchester Institute, one of the world’s premier cancer research centers. His interdisciplinary research bridges cancer signaling, immunotherapy, and molecular genetics. Dr. Shi has been the recipient of multiple national and international grants and has authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, and Cell Death & Differentiation. His research plays a pivotal role in advancing personalized cancer therapy and diagnostics, making him a strong contender for the Distinguished Scientist Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Expertise in Tumorigenesis
    Dr. Shi has built a deep and consistent research track record in lung cancer biology, KRAS signaling, and non-coding RNAs—critical areas in modern tumorigenesis research. His work spans oncogene-driven pathways, epigenetics, and RNA biology, which are all highly relevant to the theme of this award.

  2. Strong International Training and Collaborations
    His academic path includes a Ph.D. in Germany (LMU Munich), a postdoctoral fellowship in the UK (University of Manchester/Cancer Research UK), and leadership in China—demonstrating international impact and collaboration.

  3. Proven Research Leadership
    As a Group Leader and Professor at Lanzhou University, Dr. Shi has led grants from both national and provincial Chinese funding bodies, showcasing strong institutional leadership and research independence.

  4. High-Impact Publications
    Dr. Shi has multiple first-author and corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Cell Death & Differentiation, Cancer Research, and others. This indicates a sustained contribution to scientific knowledge with measurable impact.

  5. Focus on Translational Relevance
    His work on KRAS-mediated tumorigenesis, lncRNAs in cancer, microRNA regulation, and drug resistance directly contributes to potential cancer therapies and diagnostics, aligning with the translational emphasis of many distinguished awards.

  6. Mentorship and Emerging Talent Development
    Multiple publications list junior co-authors under his supervision, showing that he actively mentors young scientists and builds collaborative research teams.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Recognition in Global Awards
    While Dr. Shi has an impressive research footprint, there is limited mention of international awards, editorial roles, or keynote presentations, which are often considered markers of distinguished global leadership.

  2. Clinical Translation or Patents
    The profile would benefit from stronger clinical application indicators, such as patents, clinical trials, or biotechnology translation, to further demonstrate real-world impact.

  3. Broader Research Diversification
    Although his expertise is deep in KRAS and RNA biology, engaging with emerging areas like AI in cancer research, organoid modeling, or immune-oncology interfaces could amplify his multidisciplinary influence.

Education:

Dr. Lei Shi’s academic journey is deeply rooted in life sciences and molecular pathology. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine (2003–2007) from Heibei North University, China, followed by a Master’s degree (2007–2010) in Agricultural Microbiology at Huazhong Agricultural University, where he developed his early interest in pathogenic mechanisms. He then pursued his Ph.D. (Dr.rer.nat) in Molecular Pathology (2011–2014) at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Heiko Hermeking. His doctoral research explored the transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes. This academic progression built a solid foundation in molecular oncology, leading to a postdoctoral fellowship (2015–2021) at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UK. Dr. Shi’s diverse education has provided him with a global and translational perspective on cancer biology, strengthening his leadership in molecular oncology research today.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Lei Shi is a Professor and Group Leader (2021–present) at Lanzhou University, where he heads translational cancer biology research within the School of Public Health. Prior to this, he held a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellow role (2015–2021) at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, affiliated with The University of Manchester. There, he conducted cutting-edge research on KRAS-driven lung cancers, drug resistance mechanisms, and RNA therapeutics. Earlier, he was a Ph.D. researcher (2011–2014) at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, delving into the regulatory roles of p53 and lncRNAs. His professional experience reflects a continuum of cancer research from fundamental science to translational applications. Dr. Shi’s team at Lanzhou University is now exploring new therapeutic targets for non-small cell lung cancer and virus-associated cancers. He has secured multiple prestigious national and international grants and is actively mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers in China.

Research Focus:

Dr. Lei Shi’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and progression, with a primary focus on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), KRAS oncogene signaling, and RNA-based therapeutic strategies. His lab investigates how lncRNAs modulate gene expression, interact with microRNAs, and influence tumor microenvironment and immune response, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and virus-related malignancies. Dr. Shi is also exploring transcriptional feedback loops, including interactions between HIF1A-AS2 and MYC, to unravel how oncogenic pathways fuel metastasis. His postdoctoral work revealed KRAS-induced microRNA regulation, significantly advancing the understanding of RNA biology in cancer. Dr. Shi’s research integrates bioinformatics, functional genomics, and clinical samples to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. His contributions are paving the way for precision oncology, making a significant impact on early diagnosis, patient stratification, and drug resistance profiling in solid tumors, especially lung cancer.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. The roles of KRAS in cancer metabolism, tumor microenvironment and clinical therapy – Molecular Cancer (2025)

  2. Long non-coding RNA-encoded micropeptides: functions, mechanisms and implications – Cell Death & Discovery (2024)

  3. p53-regulated lncRNAs in cancers: from proliferation and metastasis to therapy – Cancer Gene Therapy (2023)

  4. Long non-coding RNA HIF1A-As2 and MYC form a double positive feedback loop in NSCLC – Cell Death & Differentiation (2023)

  5. Long non-coding RNAs in virus-related cancers – Reviews in Medical Virology (2022)

  6. Prognostic and immunotherapeutic roles of KRAS in Pan-Cancer – Cells (2022)

  7. A KRAS-responsive long non-coding RNA controls microRNA processing – Nature Communications (2021)

  8. Diverse roles of long non-coding RNA in viral diseases – Reviews in Medical Virology (2020)

  9. Vulnerability of drug-resistant EML4-ALK lung cancer to transcriptional inhibition – EMBO Mol Med (2020)

  10. KRAS induces lung tumorigenesis through microRNAs modulation – Cell Death & Disease (2018)

  11. The immunological and prognostic landscape of TFAP4 in cancer (scRNA-seq study) – Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics (2025)

Conclusion:

Dr. Lei Shi is highly suitable for the Distinguished Scientist Award in Tumorigenesis Research. His exceptional publication record, international training, leadership in cancer biology, and dedication to translational science make him a standout candidate. With ongoing contributions and future expansion into cross-disciplinary domains, his research trajectory is aligned with the highest standards of scientific distinction.

Tao Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Tao Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tao Zhang, South China Normal University, China

Dr. Tao Zhang is a distinguished Professor at the College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, where he has been advancing the frontiers of chemical biology and phototheranostics. With a keen focus on developing innovative optical probes and imaging techniques for tumor diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Zhang has made significant contributions to the field of lanthanide chemistry and biomedical imaging. His academic journey spans from Ningbo University (MPhil) to earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Hong Kong Baptist University. As a corresponding author on numerous high-impact publications and a recipient of multiple prestigious provincial awards, Dr. Zhang has earned recognition for both research excellence and academic leadership. He is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations, producing over 40 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Nature Communications, PNAS, JACS, and Advanced Science. His ongoing work addresses critical challenges in imaging-guided therapies for cancer under hypoxic and complex microenvironment conditions.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📈 Outstanding Research Output
    Dr. Zhang has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, JACS, ACS Nano, and PNAS. These works cover cutting-edge topics in photodynamic therapy, tumor imaging, and nanotechnology—key areas in modern biomedical research.

  2. 🧪 Innovation in Biomedical Chemistry
    He has demonstrated consistent originality by designing oxygen-independent Type I pro-photosensitizers, reversible ratiometric photoacoustic probes, and multimodal imaging nanoplatforms, all of which target real-world challenges in hypoxic tumor environments.

  3. 🌏 National Recognition
    His research excellence has been recognized by prestigious awards such as the Special Support Program for Young Top-notch Talents of Guangdong Province and the Pearl River Science and Technology Rising Star of Guangzhou, both in 2018.

  4. 🎯 Multidisciplinary Expertise
    With a strong background in lanthanide chemistry, chemical biology, and optical imaging, Dr. Zhang successfully bridges multiple fields, demonstrating a holistic approach to solving biomedical challenges.

  5. 📚 Leadership Role
    As a corresponding author on many publications, he plays a leading role in both research direction and execution. His progression from Assistant to Full Professor between 2014 and 2021 further reflects his capability as a research leader.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🌐 International Collaborations & Visibility
    While Dr. Zhang has co-authored with international researchers, expanding his global collaborative network through joint grants, keynote talks, or leadership in international consortia could further enhance his profile.

  2. 👨‍🏫 Public Outreach & Technology Transfer
    Increasing efforts in public science communication, patenting innovations, or transitioning lab technologies into clinical trials could strengthen his case for broader societal impact.

  3. 📢 Social & Digital Engagement
    A higher digital or social media presence (e.g., ResearchGate, Google Scholar metrics, professional website updates) would make his research more visible to the global community and potential collaborators.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Tao Zhang embarked on his academic career with an MPhil in Inorganic Chemistry from Ningbo University (2006–2009), where he conducted research under Professor Hongze Liang. He furthered his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University (2009–2013), mentored by Professors Wai-Kwok Wong and Ka-Leung Wong. His doctoral research focused on lanthanide coordination chemistry and bioimaging, setting a strong foundation for his future innovations in photodynamic therapy and tumor diagnostics. These formative years not only shaped his technical expertise in spectroscopy and nanomaterials but also cultivated a rigorous research ethic that has carried through his academic trajectory. His education was marked by cross-disciplinary training in synthetic chemistry, photophysics, and biological applications, providing him with a broad and robust skill set that continues to support his ongoing exploration in chemical biology and optical probes for clinical imaging and therapeutic interventions.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Zhang’s academic career at South China Normal University’s College of Biophotonics began in 2014 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017 and then to full Professor in 2021. Throughout his academic appointments, Dr. Zhang has led innovative research in tumor imaging, photothermal therapy, and optical diagnostics, establishing a productive research group known for creative nanoprobe design and translational research. His lab has secured multiple research grants and frequently collaborates with international researchers, combining chemical innovation with biomedical applications. Dr. Zhang has mentored graduate students and postdocs, many of whom have gone on to prestigious research positions. His steady academic progression reflects both his research productivity and leadership in the field of phototheranostics. Over the years, his expertise has positioned him at the forefront of integrating nanotechnology and chemistry into next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic platforms for treating cancer and understanding tumor microenvironments.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Tao Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards that underscore his exceptional research contributions and scientific leadership. In 2018, he was honored with the Special Support Program for Young Top-notch Talents of Guangdong Province, recognizing his pioneering work in optical molecular probes for cancer imaging. That same year, he also received the Pearl River Science and Technology Rising Star of Guangzhou, further validating the impact and innovation of his interdisciplinary research in chemical biology. These accolades highlight his rising prominence as a researcher capable of translating basic chemical discoveries into practical medical technologies. He is consistently invited to contribute as a corresponding author in top-tier journals, reflecting the high regard his peers have for his scientific insight and rigor. These honors not only reflect personal achievement but also enhance the prestige of the College of Biophotonics at South China Normal University, where he continues to lead cutting-edge research.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Tao Zhang’s research focuses on the convergence of Chemical Biology, Lanthanide Chemistry, and Optical Imaging Technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. His main interest lies in developing smart, light-activated nanomaterials and photosensitizers that enable precise imaging and phototherapy, particularly in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. His team is advancing Type I photodynamic therapy agents and oxygen-independent systems, addressing critical limitations in current cancer treatment modalities. Another core area of his research is the creation of upconversion nanoparticles and ratiometric probes for real-time, non-invasive imaging—capable of dual-modality functionality (fluorescence and photoacoustic). Leveraging lanthanide chemistry, Dr. Zhang also contributes to MRI contrast agent innovation and multimodal diagnostics. His cross-disciplinary work integrates synthetic chemistry, molecular design, and biological application, offering new avenues for theranostics. His cutting-edge research is published in leading journals, pushing the boundaries of tumor imaging, molecular sensing, and personalized cancer therapy with minimal invasiveness and enhanced specificity.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Totally Caged Type I Pro-Photosensitizer for Oxygen-Independent Synergistic Phototherapy of Hypoxic Tumors – Advanced Science, 2024

  2. 🔁 Switching the NIR Upconversion of Nanoparticles for Orthogonal Activation of Photoacoustic Imaging and Phototherapy – Nature Communications, 2022

  3. 🧪 Dynamic-Reversible Photoacoustic Probe for Continuous Ratiometric Sensing and Imaging of Redox Status In Vivo – JACS, 2019

  4. 🎯 In Vivo Imaging-Guided Photothermal/Photoacoustic Synergistic Therapy with Tumor-Targeting Nanoparticles – ACS Nano, 2017

  5. 💥 In Vivo Selective Cancer-Tracking Gadolinium Eradicator as New-Generation Photodynamic Therapy Agent – PNAS, 2014

  6. 🧫 ROS-Catalytic Self-Amplifying Benzothiophenazine-Based Photosensitive Conjugates for Photodynamic-Immuno Therapy – Biomaterials, 2025

  7. 🧬 A Self-Catalytic UCNP-Based Nanomachine for Highly Sensitive Detection of CTCs – Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2025

  8. 🔍 An AND-Gate Photoacoustic Probe for Cys and H2S Precise Photoacoustic Sensing in Tumors – Anal. Chem., 2024

  9. 🎨 Single Side-Chain-Modulatory of Hemicyanine for Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Dual-Modality Imaging – Small Methods, 2024

  10. 🌫️ High-Contrast Photoacoustic Imaging of Localized Cysteine in Breast Cancer – Chem. Eur. J., 2024

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Tao Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional scholarly output, innovative biomedical applications, and proven academic leadership. His work addresses some of the most critical challenges in cancer diagnostics and therapy using chemical tools and photonic technology.