Anming Meng | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award |

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Prof. Anming Meng | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Anming Meng  , School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University , China

Anming Meng (孟安明), born on July 22, 1963, in Dazhu County, Sichuan, China, is a renowned developmental biologist. With a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Southwest Agricultural University in 1983, he began his career in rice breeding before shifting focus to genetics. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Nottingham, UK. Meng’s groundbreaking research in zebrafish embryogenesis, initiated in 1996, led to significant advancements in developmental biology. A full professor at Tsinghua University since 1998, he has contributed immensely to understanding gene regulation, cell fate, and patterning in vertebrate embryos. Meng is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and TWAS, serving on various editorial boards and scientific societies. His influence is widespread, with many of his former trainees holding prominent positions in research institutions worldwide.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Research Contributions:

    • Anming Meng is a trailblazer in the field of developmental biology, particularly with his work on zebrafish embryogenesis. He has made groundbreaking discoveries, such as the identification of region-specific expression genes in zebrafish embryos and the functional roles of signaling pathways in early vertebrate development.
    • His discovery of the role of Huluwa in activating β-catenin signaling for embryonic organizer and body axis formation resolved a long-standing question in the field of developmental biology. This work has had a significant impact on our understanding of embryonic development in vertebrates.

  2. Innovative Use of Model Systems:

    • Dr. Meng’s lab was the first to establish a zebrafish lab in China, making significant contributions to the understanding of gene regulation, cell fate determination, and the mechanisms driving early embryonic development. His use of zebrafish as a model system to study these processes has been highly influential.

  3. Consistent Leadership in Research and Mentorship:

    • As a mentor, he has trained many successful researchers who now hold prominent academic and research positions worldwide. His commitment to fostering future scientific leaders is commendable, and his students have contributed significantly to developmental biology and related fields.

  4. High Impact Publications and Academic Service:

    • Dr. Meng has published numerous high-impact articles in prestigious journals, contributing to advancements in our understanding of developmental biology. Furthermore, he has played an active role in editorial boards and advisory positions, demonstrating leadership in the scientific community.
    • His role in academic societies, such as his presidency of the China Zoological Society and his contributions to the Genetics Society of China, further demonstrates his influence and commitment to advancing science in China and globally.

  5. Awards and Recognition:

    • Dr. Meng has received several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Young Scholar Award from the Hong Kong Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation and the Lifetime Accomplishment Award in Zebrafish Research. These accolades underscore the widespread recognition of his contributions to the field of developmental biology.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Collaborative Interdisciplinary Research:

    • While Anming Meng’s work is exceptional in the domain of developmental biology, there could be more collaborative efforts with researchers from other disciplines like bioinformatics, computational biology, and material science. This could accelerate the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and CRISPR/Cas9, into his research and broaden the scope of his investigations into complex biological systems.

  2. Expanding Global Research Impact:

    • While his lab has made significant strides in the field, increasing the global outreach of his work could further elevate his contributions. This could involve more international collaborations, especially in regions where zebrafish research is in the earlier stages, as well as increasing visibility at global conferences and through open-access publications.

  3. Public Engagement and Science Communication:

    • As a leader in the field, Anming Meng could expand his impact by focusing more on science communication to a broader audience. Engaging with the public through outreach programs, online platforms, or educational content could help translate complex research into more accessible knowledge for society at large.

Education:

Anming Meng completed his undergraduate studies in 1983 at Southwest Agricultural University (now part of Southwest University), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. His initial research focused on rice breeding. In 1987, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Nottingham, UK, under Dr. David T. Parkin, concentrating on genetic variation in wild birds using DNA fingerprinting. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991. Following this, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Beijing Agricultural University (now China Agricultural University), specializing in DNA fingerprinting of farm animals. Meng continued his academic journey in the U.S. as a visiting scholar at the Medical College of Georgia in 1996, working on zebrafish embryonic development in Dr. Shuo Lin’s lab. In 1998, he joined Tsinghua University as a full professor and later became a prominent figure in Chinese developmental biology.

Experience:

Anming Meng has an extensive career in both research and academia. He began as a research assistant at the National Rice Research Institute of China, before pursuing graduate studies in the UK under Dr. David T. Parkin. After earning his Ph.D. in 1991, he joined Beijing Agricultural University as a postdoctoral researcher, where he worked on DNA fingerprinting of farm animals. Meng’s pivotal shift toward zebrafish embryogenesis began in 1996 when he joined Dr. Shuo Lin’s lab at the Medical College of Georgia, USA, as a visiting scholar. In 1998, he was recruited as a full professor at Tsinghua University, where he established the first zebrafish lab in China. Over the years, Meng has led research on vertebrate embryonic development, with notable work on gene regulation and signaling pathways. He has mentored numerous successful graduates who have taken leading positions in research institutions across the globe.

Awards and Honors:

Anming Meng has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to developmental biology. In 2000, he was named an Outstanding Young Scholar by the Hong Kong Qiu Shi Science & Technologies Foundation and received the Teaching and Research Award for University Outstanding Young Teachers from the Ministry of Education of China. Meng also won the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2000. He was awarded the Cheung Kong Scholar title by the Ministry of Education of China and Li Ka Shing Foundation in 2001. In 2007, he received the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Science and Technology Advancement. Later awards include the Tan Jia Zhen Achievement Award in Life Sciences in 2012, the Outstanding Accomplishment Award from the Chinese Society of Cell Biology in 2020, and the Lifetime Accomplishment Award in Zebrafish Research in 2023, recognizing his remarkable impact on the field.

Research Focus:

Anming Meng’s research primarily focuses on developmental biology, with a special emphasis on zebrafish embryogenesis. His work has explored the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate and early vertebrate patterning. Notably, he and his team have made groundbreaking discoveries in gene regulation, identifying essential signaling pathways involved in mesendoderm induction, dorsoventral patterning, and left-right asymmetry during zebrafish development. Meng’s lab pioneered the use of GFP reporters for live imaging of gene expression, contributing significantly to the study of genetic regulation in living organisms. His team also uncovered a key role for the maternal protein Huluwa in activating β-catenin signaling during embryonic axis formation, solving a longstanding question in the field. Recently, his lab’s focus has expanded to the nuclear pore complex’s clock-like function in zygotic genome activation and the role of the second polar body in mouse embryo development. Meng’s work continues to drive significant advancements in developmental and molecular biology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Mapping the chromatin accessibility landscape of zebrafish embryogenesis at single-cell resolution by SPATAC-seq” 🧬🔬
  2. “Repression of MAPK/Erk signaling by Efnb2-Ephb4-Rasa1 is required for lymphatic valve formation” 💉🧪
  3. “A Golgi-derived vesicle potentiates PtdIns4P to PtdIns3P conversion for endosome fission” 📦🧫
  4. “TGFβ family signaling and development” 🧫🧬
  5. “Systematic genome editing of the genes on zebrafish Chromosome 1 by CRISPR/Cas9” 🧬🔧
  6. “Mini-III RNase-based dual-color system for in vivo mRNA tracking” 🧬💡
  7. “Sec14l3 potentiates VEGFR2 signaling to regulate zebrafish vasculogenesis” 🌱🧬
  8. “Migrasomes provide regional cues for organ morphogenesis during zebrafish gastrulation” 🧫🧠
  9. “RNA 5-Methylcytosine Facilitates the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition by Preventing Maternal mRNA Decay” 🧬💉

Conclusion:

Anming Meng is undoubtedly a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering research in developmental biology, particularly in the use of zebrafish as a model organism. His contributions have advanced our understanding of gene regulation, embryonic development, and the molecular mechanisms governing cell fate determination. As a leader, mentor, and active member of the scientific community, Dr. Meng has not only advanced the field but also nurtured the next generation of researchers. While there are areas for improvement, especially in terms of expanding collaborative efforts and public engagement, his exceptional body of work, recognition from prestigious institutions, and commitment to advancing science make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious award.

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.