Junfeng Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junfeng Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junfeng Zhang, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Junfeng Zhang is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Center for Medical Frontiers at the School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology. With a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, he has emerged as a leading figure in nanomedicine and cancer theranostics. His work integrates nanotechnology, molecular imaging, and drug delivery systems, particularly focusing on intelligent nanoformulations for tumor targeting and integrated diagnostics and therapy. Dr. Zhang is an active member of multiple national medical committees and has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research. His publications in prestigious journals like Advanced Materials, Small Methods, and Advanced Science reflect both scientific depth and translational potential. As a council and committee member of several medical and health associations, he actively promotes collaboration across academic and healthcare institutions. His dedication to innovation and public health positions him as a rising star in biomedical engineering and personalized cancer therapy.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Dr. Zhang has published in top-tier international journals such as Advanced Materials (IF: 32.086), Advanced Science (IF: 15.1), and Small Methods (IF: 15.367).

    • His work demonstrates interdisciplinary excellence—combining nanotechnology, oncology, and imaging science to address complex medical challenges.

  2. Innovative Scientific Focus

    • Focused on intelligent theranostic nanoformulations, his research targets both diagnostic imaging and cancer therapy in a single platform.

    • He has developed laser-free imaging systems, nucleus-targeted drug delivery platforms, and responsive nanosystems, which are highly relevant to personalized and precision medicine.

  3. Leadership & Recognition

    • Serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Medical Frontiers, showing strategic leadership.

    • Holds multiple national-level committee memberships, indicating peer recognition and influence in the field of nuclear medicine, digital health, and environmental mutagen studies.

  4. Collaborative & Global Research Impact

    • Frequently collaborates with international researchers like Prof. Rui L. Reis.

    • Demonstrates versatility in both experimental and translational research, addressing real-world medical and toxicological issues.

  5. Consistent Productivity

    • Maintains a consistent and strong publication record as first/corresponding author over the past five years, with multi-disciplinary themes.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Commercialization & Patent Activity

    • While his work is scientifically advanced, there is limited visible emphasis on patent filings, technology transfer, or startup ventures. Increasing focus here would enhance his profile for innovation-based awards.

  2. International Outreach

    • Although involved in collaborations, more visibility in international scientific conferences, editorial boards, or global awards could further strengthen his candidacy on the world stage.

  3. Public Health Engagement

    • As his work is deeply relevant to cancer management, more visible contributions to community awareness, patient education, or policy advisory roles could broaden the societal impact of his research.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Junfeng Zhang earned his doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in biomedical sciences, with a specialization in nanomedicine and molecular diagnostics. While the specific university name is not listed, the rigorous research output suggests training from a high-caliber institution. His education integrated core principles of pharmacology, biomedical engineering, and cancer biology, allowing him to build a strong foundation in interdisciplinary medical research. During his academic career, he focused on translational research that merges engineering, imaging technologies, and clinical applications. Through his doctoral training, Dr. Zhang acquired advanced techniques in nanoparticle synthesis, fluorescence imaging, and drug delivery. His education paved the way for impactful research in photoacoustic imaging and intelligent targeted therapies. Dr. Zhang’s academic background equipped him to lead cutting-edge research projects that align with global challenges in oncology. He continues to leverage his academic foundation to mentor graduate students and drive innovation in healthcare technology development.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Zhang currently serves as Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Center for Medical Frontiers at the School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology. He holds prominent roles including Council Member of the Anhui Provincial Society of Environmental Mutagens and committee memberships in nuclear medicine and digital health bodies. With over five years of experience in biomedical research and teaching, he has led numerous research projects at the interface of nanomedicine, cancer biology, and imaging diagnostics. His international collaborations and editorial contributions signify global recognition. As a mentor, he guides students and young researchers in clinical translation of nano-based therapies. His leadership at the Center for Medical Frontiers emphasizes high-impact innovation, collaborative research culture, and practical solutions to oncological diseases. His diverse experience in academic, clinical, and committee roles demonstrates his comprehensive influence in shaping future medical technologies and public health strategies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on the development of intelligent theranostic nanoformulations aimed at achieving both diagnosis and treatment of tumors in a single platform. His work emphasizes dual-mode imaging systems (photoacoustic/fluorescence), targeted drug delivery, and biocompatible nanocarriers capable of bypassing biological barriers. One of his key innovations involves creating gold- and carbon-based nanomaterials for laser-free imaging and mitochondrial apoptosis induction. He is particularly interested in nucleus-targeted therapies, precision drug delivery, and responsive nanosystems that adjust to tumor microenvironments. He also studies the toxicological aspects of nanomedicines under various physiological conditions, including magnetic field exposure and metabolic pathway disruptions. His research bridges disciplines like pharmacology, materials science, and medical imaging, contributing to the personalized medicine movement. With a strong publication record in high-impact journals, his research focus reflects a commitment to translating laboratory innovations into clinical applications to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment precision, and therapeutic outcomes.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 A Multifunctional Photoacoustic/Fluorescence Dual-Mode-Imaging Gold-Based Theranostic Nanoformulation without External Laser Limitations – Advanced Materials, 2022

  2. 💊 An Efficient Carbon-Based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapy through the Nucleus Targeting and Mitochondria Mediated Apoptotic Pathway – Small Methods, 2021

  3. 🧠 Humanistic Health Management and Cancer: Associations of Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise with Cancer Progression and Pathogenesis – Advanced Science, 2024

  4. 🌿 Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antitumor Effect of Kaempferol Nanosuspensions – Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2023

  5. 🐟 High Concentrations of Fluorescent Nanoprobes Delayed Oryzias Melastigma Embryo Hatching by Modulating Respiratory and Metabolic Pathways – VIEW, 2025

  6. 🧲 The Biokinetics and Toxicology of Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles Influenced by Magnetic Field and Protein – Nano, 2022

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Junfeng Zhang is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His cutting-edge work in nanomedicine, combined with consistent high-impact publications, academic leadership, and contributions to national scientific bodies, clearly mark him as a rising and influential scientist in the medical research community. With slight enhancements in technology translation and international public engagement, he holds potential to become a global leader in biomedical innovation.

Chen Huang | Cellular Bioenergetics Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Chen Huang | Cellular Bioenergetics Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chen Huang , Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) , China

Dr. Chen Huang is an Associate Researcher at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her primary research lies at the intersection of female reproductive endocrinology and metabolic diseases, focusing on how adverse intrauterine environments impact long-term offspring health. Dr. Huang has authored over 20 SCI-indexed papers and holds 18 published patents with one under review. She has played significant roles in national and regional projects funded by the NSFC and Shenzhen Innovation Commission. Her notable contributions include identifying novel peptides with therapeutic potential in NAFLD and TNBC, and exploring molecular mechanisms behind pregnancy complications. Her impactful work, especially on metabolitin (MTL) and chemerin/GPR1 signaling pathways, has earned recognition in high-impact journals like Journal of Hepatology. Dr. Huang’s commitment to translational research places her at the forefront of biomedical innovation in women’s health.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Chen Huang exemplifies academic and scientific excellence through her impactful research in the fields of female reproductive endocrinology and metabolic diseases. Her contributions have led to meaningful advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern maternal-fetal health and associated disorders such as NAFLD, pregnancy complications, and cancer.

Key strengths include:

  • Scientific Innovation: She has identified and characterized novel peptide hormones such as metabolitin (MTL) and explored their therapeutic roles, a groundbreaking approach in targeting metabolic and oncological diseases.

  • High-Quality Publications: With around 20 SCI-indexed journal articles, including those in high-impact journals like Journal of Hepatology and Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics, her work is widely recognized in the scientific community.

  • Patent Portfolio: Dr. Huang has published 18 patents, with another under review, demonstrating her strong translational focus and commitment to real-world biomedical applications.

  • Research Leadership: She has successfully led multiple competitive national and regional research projects funded by the NSFC and Shenzhen Innovation Commission.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Huang’s research output and contributions are impressive, certain enhancements could further elevate her global profile:

  • International Exposure: Engaging in more international collaborative projects or joint publications with global institutes could broaden the impact of her research.

  • Editorial and Professional Roles: Participation in editorial boards, peer review panels, or scientific committees would enhance her leadership presence in the scientific ecosystem.

  • Industry Engagement: Establishing collaborations with biotech or pharmaceutical industries could increase the translational value of her work and open pathways for clinical applications.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Chen Huang received her Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her interest in female reproductive endocrinology and metabolic disorders, combining clinical insight with molecular research. Throughout her academic training, she focused on identifying the mechanistic links between endocrine disruptions during pregnancy and their long-term effects on offspring health. She has continually built upon this expertise through advanced training and interdisciplinary collaborations. Her educational background provided her with a robust understanding of molecular biology, endocrine physiology, and metabolic pathways, which she has applied in various research contexts—from liver disease to cancer biology. Her academic excellence was further highlighted by her early co-first authorship in high-impact journals during her Ph.D., demonstrating her ability to lead and innovate in collaborative research projects even in early stages of her career.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Chen Huang is currently serving as an Associate Researcher at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Since completing her Ph.D. in 2018, she has led and contributed to several key research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission. Her experience spans both basic and translational science, with an emphasis on hormonal regulation and metabolic diseases during pregnancy. She has collaborated with renowned scientists like Dr. Teng and Dr. Enkui Duan, contributing to the discovery of new peptide hormones such as metabolitin (MTL). Her professional experience is enriched by her ability to translate complex molecular findings into therapeutic strategies, especially in contexts like NAFLD and triple-negative breast cancer. With over 20 peer-reviewed SCI publications, her work reflects a consistent commitment to advancing biomedical research with clinical relevance.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Chen Huang’s research focuses on the molecular underpinnings of female reproductive endocrinology and metabolic diseases, particularly within the context of pregnancy. She investigates how adverse intrauterine environments affect fetal development and contribute to long-term health issues in offspring. Her work explores key hormone-receptor interactions, such as the role of novel peptides (e.g., metabolitin) in liver disease and cancer. A major thread of her research also addresses the function of adipokines and their signaling pathways in pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preeclampsia. Using both in vivo and in vitro models, she studies the regulatory mechanisms of trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and immune cell interactions in the placenta. Her work integrates endocrinology, immunology, and developmental biology to identify new therapeutic targets. With an h-index of 12, she is recognized for her impactful publications and innovation in peptide-based treatments.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Metabolitin (MTL) as a GPRC6A ligand improves NAFLD – Journal of Hepatology, 2020 (Co-first author)

  2. 🧪 Peptide blocks chemerin/GPR1 signaling to inhibit TNBC growth – Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics, 2020 (First author)

  3. 🔍 Adipokine promotes placental trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling – Am J Physiol-Endocrinol Metab, 2019 (Co-first author)

  4. 🔬 mTOR hypoactivity causes trophectoderm failure via lysosomal activation – Cell and Bioscience, 2023

Conclusion:

Dr. Chen Huang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her research contributions stand out in both innovation and societal impact, especially in the crucial domains of reproductive health and metabolic diseases. With a consistent publication record, numerous patents, and demonstrated research leadership, she is poised to make even greater scientific contributions in the years ahead. Recognizing her with this a