Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

    • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

  2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

    • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

    • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

  3. 🌍 International Exposure

    • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

  4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

    • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

    • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

  5. 💡 Research Funding Success

    • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

  6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

    • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

    • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

  2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

    • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

  3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal mice – Phytomedicine, 2025

  2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regeneration – Genes & Diseases, 2025

  3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway – Phytomedicine, 2024

  4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells – Phytomedicine, 2024

  5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer – IJMS, 2024

  6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in mice – Inflammation and Regeneration, 2024

  7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

  8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review – Chinese Medicine, 2023

  9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugs – J. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

  10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical application – Molecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha , University of Gondra , Ethiopia

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha is a dedicated researcher specializing in pharmaceutical quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and veterinary pharmacy. With extensive experience in drug development, quality control, pharmacovigilance, and policy evaluation, he aims to optimize medication use, particularly in Ethiopia. Holding an MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs from Jimma University and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Pharmacy, he has published over 15 research papers and is an active peer reviewer for internationally indexed journals. He is currently an academic research advisor at the University of Gondar, focusing on pharmaceutical education, research, and quality assurance. Yesuneh’s work has earned him multiple awards, including a gold medal for academic excellence from the University of Gondar and recognition for his contributions to research and quality control testing.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background:
    Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha demonstrates an exceptional academic background with a Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Pharmacy. The researcher’s qualifications, including certificates in various pharmaceutical and quality assurance-related fields, highlight their commitment to professional growth.
  2. Prolific Research Output:
    Yesuneh has made significant contributions to the field with over 15 published articles, many of which focus on pharmaceutical quality, regulatory affairs, and the pharmacovigilance landscape in East Africa. Their research contributions are substantial and cover important issues, such as the interchangeability of drug brands, quality control testing, antimicrobial resistance, and herbal medicine legislation.
  3. Leadership and Mentorship:
    The researcher has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to education through their roles as a lecturer, academic research advisor, and mentor. They have actively contributed to shaping the future generation of researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical field, particularly by guiding students in their research and providing expertise in quality assurance.
  4. Research Focus on Public Health Issues:
    Yesuneh’s research is highly relevant to public health, especially in the context of improving the quality and safety of medicines in Ethiopia. They have examined the quality evaluation of commonly marketed pharmaceutical products, such as Azithromycin, and assessed issues such as counterfeit drugs and antimicrobial resistance, which are significant challenges in the Ethiopian healthcare system.
  5. Strong Analytical Skills:
    The researcher has a solid understanding of advanced analytical methods, such as HPLC, dissolution profile comparison, and the use of KinetDS software for pharmacokinetic modeling. This expertise is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical products.
  6. Awards and Recognition:
    Yesuneh has received multiple honors, including a gold medal from the University of Gondar and recognition for the best MSc thesis. Their work has been consistently recognized by peers, underscoring their impact in the field.
  7. International Collaboration and Peer Review Involvement:
    The researcher is involved in peer review for several internationally indexed journals and has collaborated with various academic institutions and pharmaceutical entities, highlighting their recognition in the global research community.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Wider Global Impact:
    While Yesuneh has made notable contributions within Ethiopia and East Africa, expanding the scope of their research to broader global contexts could strengthen their influence. Collaborations with international pharmaceutical bodies or larger-scale studies that address global drug safety and quality would enhance their international profile.
  2. Diversification of Research Focus:
    Yesuneh’s research has primarily focused on pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory affairs. Expanding research interests into other areas within pharmacy, such as drug discovery or clinical pharmacology, could provide a more well-rounded expertise.
  3. Increased Public Outreach:
    Although Yesuneh’s contributions to academic journals and teaching are commendable, engaging in more public outreach to communicate the importance of their research could have a greater societal impact. Hosting workshops, webinars, or community-driven research initiatives could promote greater public awareness of pharmaceutical quality issues.

Education:

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha completed his MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs from the University of Jimma in 2022, achieving a GPA of 3.91 out of 4.00. His thesis, “Quality evaluation of Azithromycin tablets,” earned an excellent grade. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Pharmacy from the University of Gondar (2018), where he achieved a GPA of 3.84 out of 4.00. Additionally, he has completed a Higher Diploma in Teaching Methodology and various certifications in health economics, chemical assessment, pharmaceutical quality assurance, and tropical dermatology. Yesuneh’s solid academic foundation is complemented by his ongoing professional development, including specialized training in pharmaceutical systems and supply chain management from organizations like WHO and USAID.

Experience:

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha’s career spans across academic, research, and industrial settings. He currently serves as an academic research advisor and faculty member at the University of Gondar, teaching courses in pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacoepidemiology, and supply chain management. He is also involved in postgraduate research and quality assurance projects, collaborating with Jimma University’s pharmaceutical quality assurance team. His previous experience includes quality control analysis at the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, where he developed standard operating procedures and tested pharmaceutical products for compliance with quality standards. Yesuneh has also worked on several research projects addressing drug quality issues in Ethiopia, particularly focusing on antimicrobial resistance and substandard medicines, and has been part of multiple international conferences and training programs.

Awards and Honors:

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his academic and professional career. In 2018, he was honored with a gold medal by the University of Gondar for being the top student in his class. He also earned recognition from an Ethiopian pharmaceutical company for his contributions to quality control testing during his postgraduate studies. Furthermore, Yesuneh received certificates of excellence for his involvement in research, including the “Outstanding Student Award” at the University of Jimma in 2019 for his excellent thesis on azithromycin quality evaluation. His continued success is marked by awards from global organizations, such as the People’s Republic of China for completing a short-term training program on social governance and capacity building.

Research Focus:

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha’s research primarily focuses on pharmaceutical quality assurance, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and antimicrobial stewardship. His work aims to address the challenges of substandard pharmaceutical products in Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on drug dissolution profiles and interchangeability in clinical practice. In his MSc thesis, Yesuneh evaluated the quality of Azithromycin tablets and modeled their dissolution profiles to determine clinical interchangeability. He is also committed to improving pharmaceutical policies and practices, with a specific focus on the regulation of veterinary medicines and antimicrobial resistance. Yesuneh’s research has been widely published and seeks to influence both local and global practices in pharmaceutical quality control and regulation.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Validation of an ultraviolate-visible spectrophotometric method for determination of fenbendazole in tablet dosage form 🧪
  2. Traditional Herbal Medicine Legislative and Regulatory framework: A cross-sectional quantitative study 🌿
  3. A narrative review of veterinary pharmacovigilance situations and prospects in East African countries 🐾
  4. Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Veterinary Professionals Regarding Antimicrobial Use 💉
  5. A Narrative Review on Medicine Quality, Regulatory System, and Quality by Design 📊
  6. Modeling and comparison of dissolution profiles for different brands of albendazole boluses 💊
  7. Quality evaluation of selected expired fluoroquinolones medicines obtained from hospitals in Jimma 🏥
  8. Assessment of veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse management practices in Ethiopia 📦
  9. Evaluating the Knowledge and Regulatory Situation of Veterinary Experts Regarding Counterfeit Veterinary Medications 🚫
  10. Dissolution profile evaluation of selected brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets 💉

Conclusion:

Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha has demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, a strong commitment to research, and significant contributions to the improvement of pharmaceutical practices in Ethiopia. Their work in pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory affairs has directly impacted public health and pharmaceutical policy, particularly through research on drug safety, quality control, and antimicrobial resistance.

Their leadership and mentorship have also been vital in fostering future generations of professionals in the field, contributing not only to academic growth but also to the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry in Ethiopia and beyond. Yesuneh’s qualifications, research productivity, and dedication to public health make them an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With minor improvements in global engagement and research diversification, they have the potential to further elevate their contributions to the field.