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.

Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang , South China Agricultural University , China

Huicong Wang is a Professor of Pomology and the Director of the Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center at South China Agricultural University. With expertise in fruit physiology, Wang has significantly contributed to the research and development of litchi fruit cultivation, focusing on the quality formation and maturation processes. Wang is internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of fruit growth, pigmentation, and metabolic regulation, with particular attention to litchi, a key agricultural product of China. Through a combination of teaching, research, and field-oriented approaches, Wang has improved fruit quality and plant productivity, offering valuable insights into orchard management practices. His works have influenced both academic circles and agricultural practices globally.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Huicong Wang is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of pomology, with a specific focus on fruit crop physiology, particularly litchi. His extensive body of research covers key areas such as fruit maturation, biochemical processes, pericarp pigmentation, and sugar metabolism in litchi. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of fruit quality formation and the physiological mechanisms governing fruit development. Wang’s contributions extend to the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality, stress physiology, and the application of field management practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a substantial publication record, he has demonstrated leadership in both academic and research communities. His ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving fruit yield and quality highlights his potential for making meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Wang’s research is comprehensive and influential, further international collaboration with researchers in other horticultural fields could enhance the global applicability of his findings. Additionally, expanding his focus on the climate change impacts on fruit crops could be beneficial, as this remains a critical area of concern for global agriculture.

Education:

Huicong Wang received his Bachelor’s degree in Pomology from South China Agricultural University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Pomology in 1998. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pomology in 2001 from the same institution, where he also completed postdoctoral research. In 2007, Wang was a visiting fellow at Cornell University for one year, expanding his academic and research horizons. His doctoral research focused on litchi fruit maturation, pigmentation, and hormonal regulation under the supervision of Professor Huibai Huang. Wang’s academic foundation has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate various aspects of fruit physiology, particularly in evergreen fruit trees.

Experience:

Professor Huicong Wang has extensive teaching experience at South China Agricultural University, where he lectures on “Physiology of Fruit Trees” and “Fruit Tree Research Methods” to graduate students. He also teaches undergraduate courses such as “Aromatic Plants” and “Fruit Nutrition and Healthcare.” Wang’s research experience is centered around fruit crop physiology, particularly focusing on evergreen fruit trees like litchi. His expertise lies in studying fruit maturation, pigmentation, and biochemical composition changes during ripening. Additionally, he investigates the impact of environmental stress, orchard management practices, and genetic regulation on fruit quality and yield. Wang’s work has contributed to improvements in fruit production and quality through scientific advancements and practical applications.

Research Focus:

Huicong Wang’s primary research focuses on fruit physiology, particularly in the growth, maturation, and quality formation of fruit crops such as litchi. His work investigates the biochemical and hormonal processes involved in the pigmentation of pericarps, sugar accumulation in arils, and changes in the fruit’s physical and chemical properties during ripening. He explores key factors like source-sink relationships, fruit abscission, and the influence of environmental conditions on fruit quality and productivity. Wang also conducts research on stress physiology, flower induction, and the impacts of field management practices on fruit trees. His work aims to optimize production and enhance the quality of fruit crops, ensuring sustainability and increasing agricultural output.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Zeng RF, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2024. ROS- and CBF- mediated pathways in ripening litchi fruits. Postharvest Biology and Technology 🥭🍃
  2. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Chen RY, Abbas F, Hu GB, Huang XM, Guang WS, Xu YS, Wang HC*. 2023. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing in litchi floral transition. Journal of Experimental Botany 🌱📚
  3. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2023. LcNAC002 transcription factor in litchi anthocyanin biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 🌸🧬
  4. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Huang LL, Abbas F, Wang HC*. 2022. Isolation of high purity nuclei from plants. Cells 🧫🔬
  5. Yi JW, Ge HT, Abbas F, Zhao JT, Huang XM, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2022. LcHXK1 in regulating fruit abscission in litchi. Tree Physiology 🍊🌿
  6. Abbas F, O’Neill Rothenberg D, Zhou Y, Ke Y*, Wang HC*. 2022. Volatile organic compounds in plant communication. Physiologia Plantarum 🌸🌿
  7. Yi JW, Wang Y, Ma XS, Zhang JQ, Zhao ML, Huang XM, Li JG, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2021. LcERF2 in regulating litchi fruit abscission. The Plant Journal 🍇📚
  8. Lai B, Du LN, Wang D, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*, Hu GB*. 2019. Litchi MYB transcription factor and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MBC Plant Biology 🌺🎨
  9. Xie DR, Ma XS, Rahman MZ, Yang MC, Huang XM, Li JG, Wang HC*. 2019. Thermo-sensitive sterility in litchi. Scientia Horticulturae 🍃🌞
  10. Zhang JQ, Wu ZC, Hu FC, Liu L, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*. 2018. Seed development in Litchi chinensis. Horticulture Research 🌱🍇

Conclusion:

Professor Huicong Wang’s robust research, substantial teaching experience, and contributions to the pomology field make him an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His work in improving fruit productivity and quality, particularly for litchi, aligns with current agricultural needs, positioning him as a leading scientist in his field. By continuing to broaden the scope of his research and fostering international partnerships, he has the potential to further elevate his impact on both the scientific community and the agricultural sector.

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.