Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Wake Forest School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Waldemar Debinski, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neuroscientist and cancer researcher recognized for his pioneering work in brain tumor biology and targeted molecular therapies. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive the development and progression of malignant brain tumors, with a particular emphasis on gliomas. Dr. Debinski has significantly contributed to the development of novel targeted therapeutics, including receptor-directed cytotoxins and biologics designed to selectively eliminate tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. His investigations bridge molecular oncology, translational science, and clinical application, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with brain cancers. Throughout his career, he has integrated insights from physiology, molecular biology, and pharmacology to develop translational approaches that move from laboratory discovery to clinical implementation. His extensive research has advanced the understanding of tumor-specific receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, contributing to innovative strategies in cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine. Dr. Debinski’s work exemplifies the integration of basic and clinical research toward the development of next-generation treatments for central nervous system malignancies, positioning him as a leading figure in neuro-oncology and translational cancer research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Wocial, B., Januszewicz, W., Siedlecki, J., Feltynowski, T., & Debinski, W. (1982). Alterations in plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase and catecholamine concentrations during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma. Endocrinologie, 79, 131–139.

Debinski, W., & Wocial, B. (1982). Various aspects of sodium metabolism in hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 37, 1339–1342.

Ignatowska-Świtalska, H., Debinski, W., & Chojnowski, K. (1983). The role of certain hormonal factors in arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Materia Medica Polona, 15, 74–86.

Wasawska, T., Feltynowski, T., Majewska, Z., Januszewicz, W., Sobolewska-Karwowska, A., Wocial, B., & Debinski, W. (1984). Pheochromocytoma: Description of two cases with an unusual clinical picture [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 39, 261–263.

Czarkowski, M., & Debinski, W. (1984). Sodium and primary arterial hypertension [in Polish] (Review). Kardiologia Polska, 27, 967–976.

Wocial, B., Debinski, W., Jablonska-Skwicinska, E., Feltynowski, T., Chodakowska, J., Kozakowska, E., & Januszewicz, W. (1984). Sodium content of erythrocytes in patients with arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej, 72, 167–174.

Garcia, R., Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Thibault, G., Genest, J., & Cantin, M. (1985). Gluco- and mineralocorticoids may regulate the natriuretic effect and the synthesis and release of atrial natriuretic factor by the rat atria in vivo. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 131, 806–814.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Garcia, R., Buu, N. T., Racz, K., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits sympathetic activity in one-kidney, one-clip hypertension in the rat. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 173–177.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Buu, N. T., Garcia, R., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Involvement of the adrenal glands in the action of the atrial natriuretic factor. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 318–324.

Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Racz, K., Buu, N. T., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). ANF-like peptide(s) in the peripheral autonomic nervous system. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 134, 279–284.

Dukagjin Blakaj | Radiation Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dukagjin Blakaj | Radiation Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dukagjin Blakaj, The Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Dukagjin M. Blakaj, MD, PhD, is a distinguished physician-scientist and academic leader in radiation oncology, specializing in proton therapy. Currently serving as the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and holding the prestigious Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Endowed Professorship at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital, he brings visionary leadership in patient-centered oncology care. With dual degrees in medicine and biochemistry, Dr. Blakaj integrates clinical expertise with advanced translational research. He is renowned for developing innovative radiotherapy protocols, advancing artificial intelligence applications in oncology, and mentoring future clinician-scientists. His work significantly influences treatment outcomes for head and neck cancers, including HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, and is published in top-tier journals. A respected thought leader and collaborative partner, Dr. Blakaj embodies excellence in academic medicine, multidisciplinary team leadership, and compassionate patient care.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Blakaj’s educational path is both extensive and interdisciplinary. He earned his MD, PhD, and MS in Biochemistry from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he focused on molecular interactions in biological systems. Before that, he completed both a BA in Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biophysics and an MA in Chemistry from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. His doctoral work explored protein-RNA interactions, laying the groundwork for his scientific rigor and precision. This strong biochemical foundation supports his innovative clinical research in radiation oncology and immunotherapy. His education highlights a consistent pattern of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, equipping him with a rare blend of clinical insight and research acumen that continues to impact cancer treatment paradigms worldwide.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj is the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations in Radiation Oncology and Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Endowed Professor in Proton Therapy at OSUCCC – James Cancer Hospital. As a senior faculty member, he has led transformative improvements in clinical care, quality assurance, and translational oncology research. His multidisciplinary collaboration extends across surgery, radiology, oncology, and data science, driving innovations such as AI-guided treatment protocols and digital health integration. Dr. Blakaj has also played a critical role in operationalizing proton therapy and implementing personalized cancer therapies. His background spans high-impact clinical trials, program development, and mentorship. The combination of clinical leadership and academic scholarship positions him as a strategic thinker with practical, evidence-driven execution. His commitment to precision medicine and patient-centered care distinguishes him among modern radiation oncologists.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Blakaj has received numerous accolades that reflect his clinical excellence, research innovation, and service to the academic community. Notably, he was awarded the Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Endowed Professorship in Radiation Oncology – Proton Therapy (effective June 2025), the highest honor granted by Ohio State University. His ABR Volunteer Service Award (July 2025) highlights his contributions to professional standards and education. He was selected for the James Outstanding Physician Peer Award for exemplary leadership, professionalism, and collaboration (August 2024). Additionally, his abstract ranked in the Top 7 of 146 presentations at ACRO, underscoring his research’s national impact. Dr. Blakaj’s consistent recognition across service, research, and teaching is a testament to his dedication, integrity, and influence in the field of oncology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Blakaj’s research is centered on optimizing cancer treatment outcomes through precision radiation therapy, immunotherapy integration, and the application of artificial intelligence in oncology. He focuses primarily on head and neck cancers, with additional emphasis on HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma, FLASH radiotherapy, and treatment response prediction using circulating tumor DNA and inflammatory indices. He co-leads interdisciplinary studies leveraging machine learning, big data, and digital health tools to personalize care and reduce treatment toxicity. His research is both translational and clinically grounded, often influencing national clinical practice guidelines and multi-center trials. As a key contributor to high-impact publications, Dr. Blakaj has established himself as a thought leader in adaptive radiotherapy and survivorship outcomes. His pioneering work in proton therapy protocols and patient-reported outcomes continues to bridge the gap between innovative science and practical oncology care.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. An integrated ML-based prognostic model in head and neck cancer using inflammatory markers and financial toxicity

  2. Vertebral endplate disruption and compression fracture risk: Expanded radiotherapy analysis

  3. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in nonendemic regions: Characteristics and treatment outcomes

  4. Emerging paradigms in radiation oncology: Evolution and patient-centric care

  5. FLASH radiotherapy: From in vivo data to clinical translation

  6. Digital health tools in radiation oncology: Development and implementation review

  7. ctDNA as a response marker in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma: A pilot study

  8. AI, machine learning, and big data in radiation oncology

  9. Predicting cisplatin tolerability in elderly head and neck cancer patients

  10.  Tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use impact on survival in metastatic head and neck cancer

Conclusion:

Dr. Dukagjin M. Blakaj is a highly qualified, forward-thinking researcher whose body of work exemplifies excellence in translational oncology. He brings together advanced clinical practice, cutting-edge research, and visionary leadership to improve cancer care outcomes and drive future innovations in radiation therapy.

Given his sustained productivity, multidisciplinary leadership, and contributions to patient-centered care models, Dr. Blakaj is a deserving and outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Rong Zhong | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Rong Zhong | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rong Zhong, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Professor Rong Zhong is an esteemed academic in the field of molecular and cancer epidemiology at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. With a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and postdoctoral training from Harvard Medical School, she has built a distinguished career in investigating genetic and environmental interactions in cancer development. Over the years, she has led 51 research projects, authored 169 peer-reviewed articles, and earned over 3,600 citations. Dr. Zhong’s collaborative work extends across national and international institutions, including Huazhong Agricultural University and the General Hospital of Central Theater Command. Recognized with the Natural Science Award of Hubei Province, she is also actively involved in several national scientific committees. Her commitment to advancing cancer prevention through precision medicine and early detection strategies reflects both her scientific acumen and societal impact, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Output

    • 169 SCI/Scopus-indexed publications, many in high-impact journals like Gastroenterology, Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, and Cancer Discovery.

    • Strong citation record with 3,697 citations on Web of Science, reflecting broad scientific influence.

  2. Innovative and Impactful Research

    • Focus on molecular and cancer epidemiology, particularly gene-environment interactions in gastrointestinal cancers, addressing a critical public health challenge.

    • Groundbreaking research on environmental risk factors (e.g., bisphenol A, tobacco smoke) and genetic susceptibility in cancer risk.

  3. Grants and Funding Leadership

    • Principal investigator of major national research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation of China grants and the Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei Province.

  4. Recognition and Service

    • Recipient of the Natural Science Award of Hubei Province.

    • Serves on editorial boards of reputable journals such as Ebiomedicine and American Journal of Gastroenterology.

    • Active member in national scientific committees related to cancer prevention and epidemiology.

  5. Collaboration and Mentorship

    • Strong institutional and cross-disciplinary collaborations, including with Huazhong Agricultural University and military medical research institutions.

    • A demonstrated leader in mentoring young researchers in public health and biomedical science.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Industry Engagement & Technology Transfer

    • Although she holds 2 patents, there is limited mention of industry consultancy or commercialization, which could strengthen real-world impact.

  2. International Policy Influence

    • Expanding her involvement in international advisory boards or global health policy initiatives could further elevate her research visibility and societal contribution.

  3. Science Communication & Public Engagement

    • Enhanced participation in public education, community outreach, or policy translation could help bridge science and society, especially in preventive oncology.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Rong Zhong earned her PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the prestigious Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where she built the foundation for her future research excellence. To further expand her academic perspective, she completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, USA—an experience that enriched her global outlook and enhanced her methodological rigor in public health research. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Zhong has demonstrated a passion for understanding complex interactions between genes and environmental exposures, particularly in relation to cancer epidemiology. Her education, characterized by a blend of rigorous Chinese academic training and Western research exposure, has laid a strong interdisciplinary base. This robust academic background has equipped her with a unique skill set to lead impactful research in molecular epidemiology and precision prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Rong Zhong currently serves as a Professor at the School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. With extensive experience in cancer epidemiology, she has successfully led national and provincial research initiatives including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Young Top-notch Talent Cultivation Program of Hubei Province. Over the years, she has been instrumental in mentoring young scientists, shaping national health policies, and advancing cancer prevention strategies in China. She also serves on editorial boards of high-impact journals such as Ebiomedicine and American Journal of Gastroenterology. Her experience bridges research, academic leadership, and international collaboration, reflecting her multidimensional contribution to science and public health. Her advisory roles in national committees focused on cancer prevention and epidemiology further underscore her influence and thought leadership in the field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Zhong’s primary research focus lies in molecular and cancer epidemiology, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers. Her work aims to elucidate the gene-environment interactions that contribute to cancer risk, leveraging large-scale cohort and case-control studies. By integrating genomic data with environmental exposures (e.g., diet, pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals), she develops predictive models that enable early screening and personalized prevention strategies for high-risk populations. Her recent studies investigate interactions between genetic polymorphisms and substances like bisphenol A, tobacco smoke, and gut microbiota, especially in relation to colorectal and breast cancer. These contributions bridge the gap between basic science and clinical translation, offering a pathway toward precision public health. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds tangible implications for national cancer screening guidelines and individualized preventive healthcare strategies.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Western-Style Diet, pks Island-Carrying Escherichia coli, and Colorectal Cancer: Analyses From Two Large Prospective Cohort Studies – Gastroenterology

  2. 🚬 In Utero and Childhood/Adolescence Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, Genetic Risk and Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Adulthood – AJRCCM

  3. 🧬 FOXA1 of regulatory variant associated with risk of breast cancer through allele-specific enhancer in the Chinese population – Breast Cancer

  4. 🧪 Genome-wide gene-bisphenol A, F and triclosan interaction analyses on urinary oxidative stress markers – Science of The Total Environment

  5. 🧫 Urinary bisphenol A and its interaction with CYP17A1 rs743572 are associated with breast cancer risk – Chemosphere

  6. 🧠 Animal-eRNAdb: a comprehensive animal enhancer RNA database – Nucleic Acids Research

  7. 🔬 Hepatocellular carcinoma risk variant modulates lncRNA HLA-DQB1-AS1 expression via a long-range enhancer–promoter interaction – Carcinogenesis

  8. 🧍‍♀️ Bisphenol A exposure, interaction with genetic variants and colorectal cancer via mediating oxidative stress biomarkers – Environmental Pollution

  9. 🧾 Discovery and Features of an Alkylating Signature in Colorectal Cancer – Cancer Discovery

  10. 🚨 Rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer — a call to action – Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

📌 Conclusion:

Professor Rong Zhong is an outstanding and highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her prolific output, innovative approaches to cancer risk assessment, and leadership in national scientific research firmly position her among the top-tier researchers in her field. Her contributions have laid the groundwork for precision public health, with real potential to transform early cancer detection and prevention strategies in China and globally.