Weili Miao | RNA biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Weili Miao | RNA biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Weili Miao, Stanford University, United States

Dr. Weili Miao is an accomplished molecular biologist with a focus on RNA biology, biomolecule interactions, and translational control. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Riverside, and currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. Her work has uncovered novel functions of biomolecule interactions in gene expression, with implications for tissue differentiation and disease. Dr. Miao’s high-impact publications in Cell, Nature Communications, and Nucleic Acids Research reflect her technical rigor and creativity. She is a recipient of the prestigious NIH K01 Award and has developed state-of-the-art techniques like irCLIP-RNP and PROBER. Her interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, biology, and medicine, making significant strides in understanding gene regulation mechanisms. Dr. Miao is an emerging leader in her field and continues to inspire with her meticulous research and impactful discoveries.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1.  Outstanding Publication Record:
    Dr. Miao is first or co-first author on multiple high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Cell, Nature Communications, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, and Nucleic Acids Research. These reflect cutting-edge research on RNA-protein interactions and gene regulation.

  2.  Innovative Method Development:
    She has contributed to the development and application of innovative molecular tools including easy-CLIP, irCLIP-RNP, PROBER, and MST—advancing the technical landscape for RNA/DNA-protein interaction studies.

  3.  Novel Biological Discoveries:
    Her discoveries, particularly regarding glucose’s unexpected regulatory role in RNA-binding proteins such as DDX21, DDX50, and NSUN2, have significantly advanced our understanding of metabolic-epigenetic regulation in tissue differentiation.

  4.  Prestigious Funding:
    Recipient of the NIH K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (2024–2029), highlighting her potential for becoming an independent research leader.

  5.  Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
    Extensive collaborations across structural biology, biochemistry, and systems biology with prominent labs at Stanford, showcasing her integrative approach and strong team science credentials.

Areas for Improvement:

  1.  Global Science Communication:
    Greater involvement in public science engagement, outreach, or policy translation could expand the societal impact of her work.

  2.  Independent Research Leadership:
    While she has secured the NIH K01 award, leading a research group or mentoring postdoctoral scholars would further elevate her academic stature.

  3.  Translational Impact:
    Strengthening clinical or translational applications of her findings—particularly in cancer or metabolic disease—could increase her visibility in applied biomedical research.

Education:

Dr. Weili Miao completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Riverside in May 2019, where she specialized in proteomics and biomolecular interactions. During her doctoral studies, she developed quantitative proteomic techniques to study kinase activity and m6A modifications, contributing significantly to our understanding of stress responses and cancer biology. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the prestigious Fudan University, China, in June 2014. Her educational background blends a strong foundation in chemistry with advanced molecular biology, enabling her to approach scientific questions with precision and innovation. Her academic training has been instrumental in driving her postdoctoral research in RNA-protein interaction networks and biomolecule regulation. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her high-impact contributions to biomedical science and continue to support her trajectory as an independent investigator.

Research Experience:

Since September 2019, Dr. Weili Miao has been a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University, where she explores how biomolecules such as glucose regulate RNA- and DNA-binding proteins. Her pioneering discoveries revealed that glucose binds DDX21, DDX50, and NSUN2, influencing mRNA splicing and epidermal differentiation. She has expertly incorporated advanced methodologies like irCLIP-RNP, easy-CLIP, PROBER, and MST, contributing to a deeper understanding of RNA biology and epigenetics. Prior to this, her Ph.D. work at UC Riverside involved proteome-wide characterization of kinase activity and m6A RNA modifications in stress and cancer contexts. Her work stands out for both technical innovation and biological relevance. Dr. Miao’s interdisciplinary background in proteomics, RNA biology, and structural biochemistry positions her at the forefront of biomedical discovery. She collaborates with leaders in the field and contributes to major scientific consortia, demonstrating a trajectory of excellence and leadership in research.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Weili Miao has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing her scientific excellence and research promise. In 2024, she was awarded the NIH K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (2024–2029), affirming her potential as a future independent investigator. During her Ph.D. at UC Riverside, she earned the Dissertation Year Program Fellowship (2018–2019), recognizing her outstanding doctoral research. In 2019, she received the Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, a highly competitive honor granted by the Chinese government to top-performing international scholars. These accolades reflect her consistent high-impact research and innovation in RNA biology, proteomics, and biomolecule interaction networks. Her ability to secure national-level funding and recognition at every stage of her career demonstrates a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic research vision. Dr. Miao’s honors not only validate her achievements but also highlight her rising influence in the field of molecular and cellular biology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Weili Miao’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which small biomolecules regulate RNA-, DNA-, and protein-binding factors, with implications for gene expression, tissue development, and disease. At Stanford, she investigates how metabolites like glucose modulate RNA-binding proteins (e.g., DDX21, NSUN2), using integrative methods such as mass spectrometry, RNA-protein crosslinking, and structural analysis. Her work has uncovered how these interactions affect mRNA splicing, RNA stability, and translation—pivotal processes in differentiation and disease progression. Dr. Miao also advances novel tools for mapping protein interactions (e.g., PROBER, irCLIP-RNP), enabling more precise interrogation of functional biomolecular networks. Her long-term goal is to unravel the interplay between metabolism and gene regulation in health and disease. Through cutting-edge research, she bridges proteomics, RNA biology, and cell signaling, delivering insights that are both mechanistically profound and clinically relevant.

Publications Top Notes:

  1.  Regulation of RNA-binding proteins by small biomolecules, Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 2025, in press

  2.  DDX50 cooperates with STAU1 to effect stabilization of pro-differentiation RNAs, Cell Rep., 2025

  3.  Disease-Linked Regulatory DNA Variants and Homeostatic Transcription Factors in Epidermis, Nat. Commun., 2025

  4.  Glucose binds and activates NSUN2 to promote translation and epidermal differentiation, Nucleic Acids Res., 2024

  5.  Glucose dissociates DDX21 dimers to regulate mRNA splicing and tissue differentiation, Cell, 2023

  6.  Targeted Proteomic Approaches for AMP-binding Capacities of Kinases, J. Proteome Res., 2022

  7.  Roles of N6-Methyladenosine in Heat Shock Response, J. Proteome Res., 2021

  8.  Kinome Reprogramming During Radiation Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells, J. Proteome Res., 2021

  9.  SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants Bind Human ACE2 with Increased Affinity, Lancet Infect. Dis., 2021

  10.  Kinome Reprogramming During Melanoma Metastasis, Sci. Rep., 2020

Conclusion:

Dr. Weili Miao is a highly accomplished early-career scientist whose contributions to RNA biology and biomolecule interaction networks are both profound and innovative. Her ability to integrate quantitative proteomics, molecular biology, and structural techniques positions her uniquely within the biomedical research landscape. With an exceptional record of first-author publications, advanced technical skills, and independent funding secured, Dr. Miao not only meets but exceeds the standards for the Best Researcher Award. While expanding her translational footprint and leadership responsibilities could further solidify her trajectory, she is unequivocally a top-tier candidate deserving of recognition.

Jacques Demongeot | RNA Biology Function | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Jacques Demongeot | RNA Biology Function | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Jacques Demongeot, University Grenoble Alpes, France

Prof. Jacques Demongeot is a renowned French academic with an exceptional career blending applied mathematics and medical science. As an Honorary Member of the Institut Universitaire de France, he has held influential positions including President of the European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology and the Société Francophone de Biologie Théorique. He is affiliated with University Joseph Fourier in Grenoble and the AGEIS Laboratory, focusing on biomedical informatics, theoretical biology, and smart healthcare technologies. Prof. Demongeot’s work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging mathematics, biology, and clinical applications. Over the decades, he has significantly contributed to areas such as health smart homes, predictive modeling, and Boolean networks, with a prolific record of peer-reviewed publications and international collaborations. His research is not only deeply theoretical but also highly impactful for public health systems and patient care. His influence spans across generations of researchers and across continents, cementing his legacy as a transformative scholar.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 🎓 Interdisciplinary Excellence:
    Prof. Demongeot uniquely holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and an M.D. in Medicine, positioning him as a rare and influential figure in computational medicine and mathematical biology.

  2. 📚 Outstanding Publication Record:
    With hundreds of peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, his research spans from health informatics to genetic modeling and non-linear systems—highlighting both depth and breadth.

  3. 🌍 International Recognition and Collaboration:
    Former President of major scientific boards such as the European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology, his leadership has shaped research agendas globally.

  4. 🏥 Innovation in Smart Health & Telemedicine:
    He has contributed significantly to the development of smart home technologies and e-health systems for elderly care—translating science into societal impact.

  5. 🧠 Theoretical Contributions with Practical Value:
    His work integrates modeling, biological systems theory, and real-world medical applications, especially in chronic disease management and health monitoring systems.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. 📢 Broader Public Engagement:
    While his academic influence is undisputed, increasing visibility through public science communication and media outreach could expand the societal resonance of his work.

  2. 👨‍🏫 Mentorship Visibility:
    More explicit focus on his role as a mentor and research supervisor (e.g., Ph.D. students trained, junior faculty supported) would highlight his contribution to academic continuity.

  3. 🌐 Centralized Digital Presence:
    A consolidated digital portfolio (website or research repository) could enhance accessibility to his full body of work for interdisciplinary audiences and policy-makers.

🎓 Education:

Jacques Demongeot’s educational background reflects his deep-rooted expertise in both mathematical theory and clinical science. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics in 1975 from the University Joseph Fourier of Grenoble, where he specialized in mathematical modeling and systems theory. Demonstrating his dual commitment to both scientific rigor and human health, he completed his Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.) in 1978 from the same institution. This rare combination of qualifications provided him with the analytical tools of a mathematician and the practical understanding of a medical doctor. It positioned him uniquely to pioneer interdisciplinary approaches in systems biology, bioinformatics, and smart health systems. His educational achievements laid the foundation for a long and impactful career bridging numerical theory and real-world healthcare challenges. This dual expertise has enabled him to lead innovative research in diverse domains, from wound healing modeling to the design of telemedicine tools and aging-related medical support technologies.

💼 Experience:

Prof. Jacques Demongeot’s professional career spans over four decades of academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. As a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University J. Fourier of Grenoble, he has led pioneering research in mathematical biology and biomedical engineering. He served as President of CIMES (1994–1998), President of the French CNU 46-04 (1994–2000), and President of the European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology (1998–2000). Additionally, he was President of the Société Francophone de Biologie Théorique from 2006 to 2014. He has played pivotal roles in establishing research programs in smart homes for elderly care, medical imaging technologies, and non-linear biological systems modeling. Prof. Demongeot has also contributed to international journals, research boards, and multi-national scientific initiatives. His career combines deep theoretical insight with hands-on application and societal impact, marking him as a rare blend of thought leader, mentor, and innovator.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jacques Demongeot’s research focuses on mathematical and theoretical biology, with extensive work in functional statistics, telemedicine, health smart homes, genetic code modeling, and Boolean automata networks. His work bridges the gap between abstract modeling and applied biomedical engineering. He has designed predictive models for chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity, and has contributed to understanding biological regulation, cell differentiation, and wound healing through discrete mesh and morphogenetic modeling. He also investigates social and network-based approaches to frailty and aging. Additionally, Prof. Demongeot has led the development of sensor networks and telemedicine platforms for home-based patient monitoring. His research often uses non-linear systems, stochastic modeling, and functional data analysis, making significant contributions to both clinical and public health informatics. His integrative approach connects human physiology, healthcare infrastructure, and computational biology—enabling a holistic understanding of health across biological, social, and technological domains.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

1️⃣ 📊 Relative-Error Prediction in Nonparametric Functional Statistics: Theory and Practice
2️⃣ 📉 Estimation locale linéaire de la fonction de régression pour des variables hilbertiennes
3️⃣ 🧠 Global Regulation of Individual Decision Making
4️⃣ 🖼️ Comparison of the Evolution and Entropy of Responses on an Absurdum Questionnaire
5️⃣ 🏠 Smart homes: data fusion for preventive and therapy education at home
6️⃣ 🧬 Poitiers school of mathematical and theoretical biology: RNA structures and genetic code
7️⃣ 🦓 Wound healing modelling in Zebrafish
8️⃣ 🌱 Discrete mesh approach in morphogenesis: the example of gastrulation
9️⃣ 📈 Local linear regression modelization when all variables are curves
🔟 👴 Estimation of life expectancy of cancer patients in Valparaiso Region

🏁 Conclusion:

Prof. Jacques Demongeot is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary achievements, pioneering contributions to biomedical engineering and mathematical biology, and global academic leadership make him a model candidate. His body of work demonstrates a seamless blend of theoretical innovation and real-world medical application—impacting both science and society. With enhanced visibility and strategic outreach, his influence could become even more profound across generations and disciplines.