Wen Li | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wen Li | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wen Li , State key laboratory of supramolecular structure and materials, college of chemistry, Jilin University , China

Professor Wen Li is a leading scientist at the College of Chemistry, Jilin University, recognized for his contributions to peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials. Earning his Ph.D. from Jilin University in 2006, he rapidly advanced through academic ranks—from lecturer to full professor by 2013. His academic journey also includes postdoctoral research at Seoul National University, South Korea. Professor Li’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, positioning him as a pioneering figure in supramolecular chemistry and bioinspired adhesives. With numerous high-impact publications and innovations in antimicrobial peptides, tissue sealants, and soft electronics, he has significantly contributed to both scientific knowledge and real-world biomedical applications. His commitment to translating fundamental research into functional materials continues to drive breakthroughs in sustainable, degradable, and biocompatible materials.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Progression

    • From Ph.D. completion in 2006 to full professorship by 2013, Professor Wen Li has shown rapid and consistent academic advancement.

    • He has international research exposure through his postdoctoral work at Seoul National University.

  2. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Published extensively in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Biomaterials, Advanced Healthcare Materials, Langmuir, and Journal of Materials Chemistry.

    • His research is highly interdisciplinary, linking peptide self-assembly, biomaterials, antimicrobial systems, and energy devices.

  3. Real-World Impact & Innovation

    • Developed cutting-edge bioadhesives, nano-antimicrobial systems, and biodegradable materials with significant medical and environmental relevance.

    • Strong emphasis on sustainability, biocompatibility, and smart responsive materials like redox or photo-controlled systems.

  4. Leadership and Collaboration

    • Leads a productive research group, mentoring young scientists and collaborating across multiple institutions.

    • His publications include a large network of co-authors, showing evidence of team science and academic collaboration.

  5. Diverse Research Outputs

    • Contributions span various formats: fundamental studies, applied innovations, material designs, and medical applications.

    • From self-healing hydrogels to stretchable supercapacitors, his portfolio is both deep and diverse.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Commercial and Clinical Translation

    • While the foundational work is strong, more efforts toward industrial partnerships and clinical trials would increase real-world adoption.

    • Filing patents or working with biotech/medical device companies could help scale his research outcomes.

  2. Global Visibility

    • Greater involvement in international conferences, editorial boards, or global initiatives can further enhance his global academic footprint.

    • Collaborative projects with top labs outside Asia could diversify perspectives and increase influence.

📘 Education:

Wen Li received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jilin University in 2006, a prestigious institution known for its advanced research in materials and chemical sciences. His doctoral studies focused on supramolecular structures, laying the foundation for his career in peptide and polymer-based materials. The rigorous academic environment at Jilin University equipped him with deep insights into molecular interactions, material fabrication, and biomedical chemistry. After completing his Ph.D., he expanded his academic perspective by pursuing postdoctoral research at Seoul National University (2010–2011), one of South Korea’s top-tier research universities. There, he collaborated on interdisciplinary projects that fused chemistry with nanotechnology and biomaterials. This international experience enriched his scientific worldview and further refined his expertise in designing functional peptide-based assemblies. His academic training bridges the gap between molecular chemistry and real-world applications, particularly in the biomedical and environmental sectors.

👨‍🔬 Experience:

Professor Wen Li began his academic career as a lecturer at the State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structures and Materials, Jilin University, immediately after receiving his Ph.D. in 2006. By 2008, he was promoted to Associate Professor due to his early contributions to peptide-based material science. Between 2010 and 2011, he broadened his research capabilities as a postdoctoral fellow at Seoul National University, where he engaged in collaborative research on supramolecular assemblies and nano-biotechnology. Returning to Jilin University, he became a full professor in September 2013, leading a dynamic research group dedicated to cutting-edge biomaterials and soft electronics. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Professor Li has mentored numerous graduate students, secured significant research grants, and maintained a strong publication record. His career trajectory reflects continuous advancement in leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in bioinspired materials.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Wen Li’s research centers on the design and fabrication of peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials with applications in healthcare and sustainability. His work explores self-assembling nano-antimicrobial peptides, biomimetic underwater adhesives, tissue sealants, and flexible hydrogel electronics, integrating supramolecular chemistry with biomedical engineering. A notable strength of his research lies in creating multifunctional materials that are not only biocompatible and degradable but also smart and responsive, such as photo-switchable or redox-reactive assemblies. His group develops materials that perform complex biological tasks—like sealing tissues, healing wounds, or delivering antimicrobial activity—while maintaining eco-friendly characteristics. Recent efforts also include bio-plastics and adhesive tapes for surgical and environmental use. Professor Li’s innovations address pressing challenges in medical technology and sustainability, aiming for materials that are both high-performing and environmentally conscious. His work bridges disciplines and has wide-ranging impact across chemistry, medicine, and green materials science.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Polyoxometalate-Driven Self-Assembly of Short Peptides into Multivalent Nanofibers with Enhanced Antibacterial ActivityAngew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2016)

  2. 🔦 Host–Guest Interaction Driven Peptide Assembly into Photoresponsive 2D Nanosheets with Switchable Antibacterial ActivityCCS Chem. (2021)

  3. 🧪 Nano-Antimicrobial Peptides Based on Constitutional Isomerism-Dictated Self-AssemblyBiomacromolecules (2022)

  4. 🧲 Exploiting Redox-Complementary Peptide/Polyoxometalate Coacervates for Spontaneously Curing into Antimicrobial AdhesivesBiomacromolecules (2022)

  5. 💧 Wet and Functional Adhesives from One-Step Self-Assembly of Amino Acids and PolyoxometalatesAngew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2017)

  6. 🩹 Peptide/Glycyrrhizic Acid Supramolecular Polymer: A Medical Adhesive for Dural SealingBiomaterials (2023)

  7. 🌿 Plant Protein-Peptide Supramolecular Polymers for Surgical SealingAdv. Healthcare Mater. (2023)

  8. ⚙️ Protein-Based Supramolecular Adhesive with On-Demand Adhesion for Preventing Tissue AdhesionChem. Eng. J. (2025)

  9. 🔋 Embedding Hydrogel Electrodes for Stretchable High-Performance SupercapacitorsChem. Eng. J. (2024)

  10. 🧼 Advances in Peptide/Polymer Antimicrobial AssembliesJ. Mater. Chem. B (2025)

🧾 Conclusion:

Professor Wen Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research addresses critical scientific and societal challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, surgical innovation, and eco-friendly material development. He combines rigorous chemistry with creative engineering, producing solutions that are both scientifically novel and practically viable.

Fei Yu | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Fei Yu | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Fei Yu , Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital , China

Dr. Yu Fei, a 36-year-old attending doctor in Spine Surgery at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, is a highly skilled medical researcher and clinician. Currently based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, he holds a Ph.D. in Orthopedics from Peking University, where he also conducted pioneering research on nerve injury regeneration. His work has garnered significant attention in the medical community, particularly in the fields of nerve repair and cartilage defect treatments. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Yu is a master tutor at Shantou University and Anhui Medical University and an expert committee member of the Osteoporosis Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Healthcare. His research contributions are backed by funding from prestigious organizations like the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His commitment to advancing medical science continues to position him as a thought leader in his field.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Yu Fei demonstrates exceptional research capabilities, particularly in the areas of nerve regeneration, orthopedic innovations, and the repair of tissue damage. His work has led to innovative findings, such as the use of Neutrophil Peptide 1 (NP1) for sciatic nerve injury repair and the exploration of novel bioactive scaffolds for cartilage defect repair. His research is highly impactful, with multiple publications in reputable journals, including Nutritional Neuroscience, Neural Regeneration Research, and International Journal of Nanomedicine. He has secured significant research funding, including from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, further solidifying his standing in the scientific community. Additionally, his roles as a Master Tutor and an Expert Committee Member highlight his leadership in both academic and clinical settings. Dr. Yu’s ability to bridge laboratory research with clinical practice enhances the real-world applications of his findings.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Yu’s research is comprehensive and impactful, further expansion into clinical trials and broader multi-center collaborations could enhance the applicability and validation of his work. Given his clinical experience, a stronger integration of real-world patient outcomes in his studies would provide valuable insights. Additionally, more cross-disciplinary collaborations with fields such as biomedical engineering or regenerative medicine could push the boundaries of his research even further. Broadening the scope of his international collaborations could also improve the global impact of his work.

Education:

Dr. Yu Fei’s academic journey is distinguished by excellence in the medical field. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Orthopedics from Peking University in 2019, where his groundbreaking research focused on the “Effect and Mechanism Research of Neutrophil Peptide 1 (NP1) on Repairing and Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats.” Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Yu expanded his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 2022 to 2024. His education also includes standardized training as a resident physician at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. This solid foundation in both clinical and research settings allows him to bridge the gap between laboratory science and patient care, contributing significantly to his areas of specialization, including nerve regeneration and orthopedic research.

Experience:

Dr. Yu Fei’s professional experience includes diverse roles in both clinical and academic settings. He is currently an attending doctor in the Department of Spine Surgery at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, where he has been practicing since October 2024. Before that, Dr. Yu served as a resident physician at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 2019 to 2022. His time as a resident involved rigorous clinical training, which laid the groundwork for his current practice in spine surgery. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Yu is a mentor for graduate students as a Master Tutor at Shantou University and Anhui Medical University. His leadership extends to being an expert committee member for the Osteoporosis Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Healthcare. His vast experience allows him to integrate clinical care with cutting-edge research, fostering advances in both medical practice and academic inquiry.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Yu Fei has been recognized with several prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of medical research. He won the second prize at the Binzhou Natural Science Excellent Academic Achievement Award in 2010 for his research on the treatment of local tissue damage caused by Fluorouracil drugs. In addition, his work on the importance of trace elements in children’s growth earned him the Third Prize for Excellent Achievements in Shandong Soft Science (2012). Dr. Yu also received the third prize for his research on maternal and infant nursing courses in higher vocational education at the Shandong Soft Science Excellent Achievement Award (2012). These accolades highlight his multifaceted expertise and ability to make a lasting impact on various aspects of medical science and education.

Research Focus:

Dr. Yu Fei’s research focuses primarily on nerve regeneration, orthopedic innovations, and the mechanisms involved in repairing tissue damage. His work on Neutrophil Peptide 1 (NP1) has revealed its potential in sciatic nerve injury repair, leading to significant advancements in regenerative medicine. Dr. Yu is also deeply invested in studying cartilage defects and exploring novel bioactive scaffolds, such as resveratrol-PLA-Gelatin, to promote cartilage repair. His research has received substantial funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, where he leads studies on the SIRT1/BMSCs/porous magnesium alloy scaffold system for cartilage repair via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, his work on small molecule polypeptides and the NF-κB signaling pathway for sciatic nerve regeneration showcases his commitment to advancing clinical treatments for nerve and tissue injuries. His interdisciplinary approach blends molecular biology, materials science, and clinical applications to address complex medical challenges.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Neutrophil peptide-1 promotes the repair of sciatic nerve injury through the expression of proteins related to nerve regeneration 🧠🔬

  2. Repair of long segmental ulnar nerve defects in rats by several different kinds of nerve transposition 🐾🦴

  3. Mechanism Research on a Bioactive Resveratrol-PLA-Gelatin Porous Nano-scaffold in Promoting the Repair of Cartilage Defect 🧬💡

  4. The Effect of Lentivirus-mediated SIRT1 Gene Knockdown in the ATDC5 Cell Line via inhibition of the Wnt Signaling Pathway 🧪🔬

  5. Wnt5a affects Schwann cell proliferation and regeneration via Wnt/c-Jun and PTEN signaling pathway ⚙️🧠

  6. Effects of SIRT1 Gene Knock-Out via the Activation of SREBP2 Protein Mediated PI3K/AKT Signal Pathway on Osteoarthritis in Mice 🐭🦴

  7. Changes in proteins related to early nerve repair in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury 🐾🧠

  8. Effects of NP-1 on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of Schwann cell line RSC96 through the NF-κB signaling pathway ⚡🔬

  9. Microfluidic-based screening of resveratrol and drug-loading PLA/Gelatine nano-scaffold for the repair of cartilage defect 🧬💉

  10. Combining CUBIC optical clearing and Thy1-YFP-16 mice to observe morphological axon changes during Wallerian degeneration 🧠🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Yu Fei is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to medical research, particularly in nerve regeneration and orthopedic treatments. His expertise in both clinical and research settings, coupled with his leadership roles and significant funding, make him a strong contender. With continued focus on expanding his clinical applications and collaborations, Dr. Yu is poised to make even greater advancements in the medical field, making his candidacy for the award an excellent choice.