Wei Ying | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wei Ying | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Ying | University of California, San Diego | United States

Dr. Wei Ying is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). A leading scientist in immunometabolism, she has made pioneering contributions to the understanding of how immune cells, particularly macrophages, regulate metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and liver fibrosis. Dr. Ying’s research bridges immunology and endocrinology, uncovering novel intercellular signaling pathways mediated by exosomes and miRNAs. With over 67 peer-reviewed publications and 6,000+ citations, she is widely recognized for her impactful research. She serves as co-corresponding author on several high-impact papers in Cell Metabolism, Science Immunology, and Nature Communications. Dr. Ying’s innovative work continues to shape therapeutic strategies targeting immune-metabolic diseases. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she is a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her leadership, mentorship, and continuous scientific productivity mark her as a standout in biomedical research.

Publication Profiles: 

Google Scholar
Orcid

Education:

Dr. Wei Ying earned her Ph.D. in Immunology and Endocrinology from Texas A&M University, under the mentorship of Drs. Fuller Bazer and Beiyan Zhou. During her Ph.D., she conducted breakthrough work on macrophage polarization and its effects on metabolic disorders, setting the foundation for her lifelong research focus. She received multiple academic honors during her doctoral studies, reflecting her scholarly excellence. Following her Ph.D., she pursued postdoctoral training at UC San Diego, mentored by the renowned Dr. Jerrold Olefsky. There, she expanded her expertise in diabetes and immunometabolism, focusing on novel signaling molecules like exosomal miRNAs in metabolic inflammation. Her educational path reflects a strong interdisciplinary background, integrating reproductive biology, immunology, and metabolic research. This robust academic training laid the groundwork for her current position as Associate Professor at UCSD, where she continues to lead cutting-edge research in metabolism and immune regulation.

Experience:

Dr. Ying’s research journey began as a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, where she studied immune-endocrine interactions. As a postdoctoral fellow at UC San Diego, she made pivotal discoveries regarding the role of macrophage-derived exosomal miRNAs in regulating systemic insulin sensitivity. She served as Assistant Professor at UCSD, establishing a successful independent lab investigating immune-metabolic crosstalk. She was promoted to Associate Professor, a testament to her scientific leadership and research impact. Over the years, she has mentored numerous trainees, contributed to 67+ publications, and led collaborative projects with top-tier labs. Her work frequently appears in prestigious journals like Cell Metabolism, Science Immunology, Hepatology, and Nature Communications. Her expertise spans immunology, metabolism, liver disease, and diabetes, and she continues to advance therapeutic research through mechanistic insights into macrophage function and intercellular communication.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wei Ying has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout her career. Early in her academic journey, she received the Larry Ewing Memorial Trainee Travel Fund and the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Reproductive Biology Trainee Travel Award, highlighting her academic promise. She earned second place at Texas A&M University Student Research Week, acknowledging her impactful Ph.D. research. Beyond early-career accolades, her ongoing research excellence is reflected in multiple invited publications in top-tier journals and co-authorship in high-impact collaborative projects. With a cumulative citation count of over 6,000 and rising, her work has earned wide recognition in the fields of immunometabolism and diabetes research. As a co-corresponding and co-first author on many significant papers, she plays a central role in shaping the current landscape of metabolic research. Dr. Ying’s accolades underscore her qualifications for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ying’s research lies at the nexus of immunology and metabolism, focusing on how immune cells, particularly macrophages, regulate metabolic inflammation, insulin resistance, liver fibrosis, and β-cell function. Her work has unveiled how exosomal microRNAs, bacterial DNA, and iron metabolism contribute to disease progression in obesity and diabetes. She employs multi-disciplinary approaches—ranging from transcriptomics and in vivo mouse models to high-resolution imaging and CRISPR editing—to explore the molecular underpinnings of metabolic disorders. Notably, her studies on macrophage-derived exosomes have opened up therapeutic possibilities for improving insulin sensitivity and combating systemic inflammation. Her ongoing investigations also include the role of Kupffer cells in liver health, microbial DNA in inflammation, and ATF4 in T-cell function, demonstrating a robust expansion of research scope. Dr. Ying’s research continues to drive translational innovations, making her an influential figure in metabolic disease research and a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. ATF4 drives regulatory T cell functional specification in homeostasis and obesity – Science Immunology

  2. Host metabolic inflammation fueled by bacterial DNA – Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

  3. Restoring SRSF3 in Kupffer cells attenuates obesity-related insulin resistance – Hepatology

  4. Aberrant iron distribution via hepatocyte-stellate cell axis drives liver lipogenesis and fibrosis – Cell Metabolism

  5. Accumulation of microbial DNAs promotes islet inflammation and β cell abnormalities – Nature Communications

  6. Immunosuppression of macrophages underlies the cardioprotective effects of Catestatin – Hypertension

  7. miR-690 from M2 macrophages improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice – Cell Metabolism

  8. CRIg+ macrophages prevent microbial DNA-induced tissue inflammation and insulin resistance – Gastroenterology

  9. Hepatocyte exosomes promote insulin sensitivity via miR-3075 – Nature Metabolism

  10. Expansion of islet-resident macrophages affects β cell function in obesity – Cell Metabolism

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Wei Ying is not only a prolific and highly cited researcher but also a scientific leader whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of immune-metabolic interactions in chronic disease. Her contributions are original, mechanistically insightful, and have meaningful implications for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and liver fibrosis. Her demonstrated ability to lead high-impact studies, publish consistently in elite journals, and maintain academic excellence through mentoring and innovation makes her highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. While opportunities exist for expansion into clinical application and broader leadership roles, her trajectory strongly suggests continued excellence and influence in the years ahead. Dr. Ying exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher and stands as a model for interdisciplinary biomedical science.

Salvatore Chirumbolo | Cellular Stress Response | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Salvatore Chirumbolo | Cellular Stress Response | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Salvatore Chirumbolo, Università di Verona, Italy

Dr. Salvatore Chirumbolo is a distinguished Clinical Biochemist and Senior Researcher at the University of Verona, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine. He has made pioneering contributions in oxidative stress, immunopharmacology, systems biology, and ozone therapy. Author of over 400 scientific papers and several books, he is among Italy’s most cited biomedical scientists with an h-index of 46. His innovative work includes developing models for chaotic modulation in redox biology and proposing the concept of Shannon dissipation as a thermodynamic foundation for life. Dr. Chirumbolo has extensive editorial experience, serving on the boards of renowned journals including Scientific Reports, International Immunopharmacology, and Molecules. He actively collaborates with international institutions across Europe and promotes integrative, transdisciplinary biomedical approaches. His dedication to biophysical complexity and system-based innovation continues to influence translational medicine, making him an ideal nominee for the Research for Innovative Research Award.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Scientific Contributions:
    Dr. Chirumbolo’s concept of Shannon dissipation as the thermodynamic foundation of life represents a paradigm shift in theoretical biology. His model bridges information theory with biogenesis, advancing the frontiers of systems immunology and biological epistemology.

  2. Translational Research in Ozone Therapy:
    His chaotic modulation model for medical ozone effects introduces a systems-level interpretation of therapeutic mechanisms, with significant implications for redox biology, regenerative medicine, and inflammation management.

  3. Prolific Academic Output:
    With over 400 publications indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, and an h-index of 46, Dr. Chirumbolo demonstrates sustained academic productivity, peer recognition, and impact in biomedical sciences.

  4. Editorial and Leadership Roles:
    He is actively involved with high-impact journals including Scientific Reports (Nature portfolio), International Immunopharmacology, and Molecules, contributing to global scientific discourse.

  5. Global Collaborations:
    His affiliations with institutions in Norway, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Italy reflect his commitment to cross-border scientific exchange and integrative research efforts.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Patent and Industry Translation:
    Despite deep theoretical and experimental knowledge, Dr. Chirumbolo’s portfolio currently lacks patents or industrial consultancy projects. Advancing translational aspects of his models into commercial or clinical applications would enhance real-world impact.

  2. Public Communication and Outreach:
    While academically prolific, wider dissemination of his findings to non-specialist or policy-making audiences could increase societal relevance and interdisciplinary uptake.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Chirumbolo earned his Medical Specialization in Biochemical Chemistry in 1995, marking the beginning of his journey in biomedical sciences. His academic roots are grounded in clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational medicine. He trained in Italy’s National Health System, where he directed various molecular biology laboratories, gaining firsthand experience in diagnostic innovation and experimental biochemistry. With a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology, his educational path laid the groundwork for his systems-level understanding of biological complexity. His commitment to continuous learning is evident in his interdisciplinary research spanning immunology, redox biology, information theory, and ozone therapy. He is actively engaged in scientific discourse through editorial appointments and international conferences, nurturing the next generation of systems biologists and medical scientists. His academic lineage blends traditional biochemical education with pioneering insights into biological epistemology and complex systems science.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Chirumbolo has over three decades of professional experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational research. Starting in Italy’s National Health System, he directed molecular labs focusing on clinical diagnostics and immunological assays. He later transitioned to academia, becoming a Senior Researcher at the University of Verona. He has led major research initiatives involving oxidative stress, basophil biology, and the use of phytochemicals in chronic diseases. As an editor for journals like Scientific Reports, International Immunopharmacology, and Molecules, he has shaped international scientific dialogue. His collaborations span Italy, Norway, Ukraine, Romania, and Poland, involving diverse domains such as chemical biology and clinical immunology. He also contributes to bioinformatic modeling of redox systems and life origin theories. With over 400 indexed publications, Dr. Chirumbolo’s multidisciplinary expertise bridges clinical and theoretical biosciences, driving innovative solutions in modern medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Chirumbolo’s research focuses on biomedical systems, oxidative stress, and the thermodynamic foundations of life. He developed the novel concept of Shannon dissipation, linking informational entropy to the emergence of biological life, aligning with thinkers like Varela and Maturana. His work in ozone therapy led to the formulation of chaotic modulation models that explain its redox-based medical efficacy. He also investigates bioinformatic modeling, basophil signaling, phytochemical impacts, and nutraceutical interventions in chronic inflammation, allergy, and metabolic disorders. His models propose mechanistic insights into cell signaling and antioxidant networks, enhancing therapeutic targeting. Recent contributions include exploring the microvascular effects of SARS-CoV-2, the interface of redox dynamics and cellular adaptation, and ozone’s systemic regulatory properties. Through extensive collaborations, he integrates cellular, chemical, and systems-level research to push the boundaries of personalized and integrative medicine.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧪 Ozone therapy addresses neuropathic pain in ulcerous wounds

  • 🍊 Something more about the role of flavonoids in aging

  • 🩸 Prolonged alterations in red blood cell rheology following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: Implications for microvascular health

  • 💉 Intravenous glutathione should not be mismatched with ozone as an antioxidant therapy

  • 🌬️ Sonic transdermal transfer of ozone and its use in oxygen-ozone therapy. Wheat and chaff

  • 🧬 Effect of SARS-CoV2 S protein on red blood cells parameters. Some comments

  • ⚠️ Adverse effects following some practices of ozone therapy for disc herniation. Critical comments

  • 🧠 Post-infective myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID as two puzzling faces of the same medal

  • 🦴 Synovial Fluid as a Crucial Component of the Joint Microenvironment in Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • ❤️ Aetiology and clinical manifestations of patients with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy. Some comments

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Salvatore Chirumbolo is highly suited for the Research for Innovative Research Award. His work exemplifies pioneering thought, multidisciplinary integration, and scientific originality. From foundational biological theory to clinically relevant applications like ozone therapy and oxidative stress modulation, his contributions address both the “why” and “how” of living systems. His influence is evident in his citation record, editorial appointments, and leadership in cutting-edge biomedical modeling.

 

Qasem Ramadan | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Qasem Ramadan | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Qasem Ramadan , Alfaisal University , Saudi Arabia

Dr. Qasem Ramadan is a distinguished researcher and educator, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Research at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a strong academic background in biomedical engineering and a passion for advancing alternative technologies in health care, he has significantly contributed to the development of organ-on-a-chip systems. Dr. Ramadan’s work promotes the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in biomedical research, aiming to replace animal testing with advanced microphysiological models. With fluency in Arabic, English, and intermediate proficiency in French, Malay, and Mandarin, he brings a global perspective to his research. He is known for his dedication to mentoring students, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

Dr. Qasem Ramadan is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive expertise in bio-medical engineering, specifically in the development of advanced in vitro models such as organs-on-a-chip. His research contributions are pioneering in areas such as pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and disease modeling. Dr. Ramadan’s dedication to reducing animal testing through the application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principles reflects his commitment to ethical scientific practices. His leadership in multidisciplinary research, combined with his commitment to mentoring students and fostering academic excellence, has had a profound impact on both academic and industry settings. Dr. Ramadan’s track record of high-impact publications, notable patents, and prestigious awards further supports his suitability for the award.

Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Ramadan’s accomplishments are commendable, there is room for enhancing the global visibility of his work. Engaging more actively in high-visibility international conferences and collaborations could further amplify the reach of his research. Expanding cross-disciplinary partnerships could also unlock new applications in biotechnology and healthcare, promoting more impactful translational research.

Education:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Medical Microsystems from Nanyang Technological University (2006), Singapore. His doctoral research focused on the development of magnetic micro-devices for the separation and manipulation of biological components, which forms the foundation for his ongoing work in microfluidics and biomedical technology. He also earned an MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Science in Malaysia in 1999, further enhancing his expertise in the application of physics to medicine. Dr. Ramadan completed his undergraduate studies in Physics at Yarmouk University, Jordan, in 1991. His multidisciplinary educational background has enabled him to bridge the gap between physics, engineering, and medicine, contributing to significant advancements in biomedical research, particularly in organ-on-a-chip technology and biosensors.

Experience:

Dr. Ramadan’s academic career spans over two decades, with extensive experience in both research and education. Currently an Assistant Professor of Research at Alfaisal University, he leads innovative projects in biomedical engineering, particularly focusing on microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems. Prior to this, he has worked on numerous groundbreaking projects in biomedical devices and systems, especially in the areas of biosensors, organ-on-a-chip technology, and magnetic bead-based applications. He has collaborated with a variety of international institutions, including Nanyang Technological University, where he completed his Ph.D. His experience in academia is complemented by his leadership in mentoring students and researchers, as well as his involvement in various international committees. Through his research and leadership, Dr. Ramadan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing biomedical technologies and improving healthcare applications, particularly in drug development, disease modeling, and toxicology.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan has been recognized for his contributions to the field of biomedical engineering through numerous prestigious awards. He received the Alfaisal University Faculty Award for Research Excellence in 2024, underscoring his impact on the research community. In 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for his work in the Journal of Lab-on-a-Chip. His early career was marked by the 1st Prize Research Award for his first-author publication at the Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore, in 2006. These awards reflect his exceptional contributions to advancing microfluidics and biomedical devices. Dr. Ramadan’s recognition also extends to his editorial work, with significant contributions to high-impact journals in the field. These honors highlight his continuous dedication to advancing biomedical research and his efforts to inspire innovation in both academic and industrial contexts.

Research Focus:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan’s research focuses on developing cutting-edge in vitro micro-physiological models for human organs, specifically organ-on-a-chip technology. His research interests include in vitro disease modeling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and the development of biosensors and medical devices. One of his key projects involves creating a micro-physiological model to explore the role of immune-metabolic interactions in insulin resistance and Type II diabetes. He is also pioneering advancements in creating immune-competent models of human skin to study chemical and skin sensitizers and their impact on immune activation. Dr. Ramadan’s work spans several areas, including magnetic bead-based applications, microfluidics, and the development of 3D bioprinting techniques for regenerative medicine. His research aims to replace animal testing with alternative technologies, promoting the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). His work has significant implications for advancing drug discovery, personalized medicine, and disease modeling.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. An Integrated and Modular Compartmentalized Microfluidic System for Organs-on-a-Chip 🧬🔬
  2. Hepatic Spheroid-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening 💊🧫
  3. NIR-FRET Imaging of MMP-2 in ALI/ARDS 📸🩺
  4. Emerging Tools Shaping Drug Discovery & Development 🔧💉
  5. Biosensing Platform for Biomarkers in ALI/ARDS 🧪🩸
  6. Innovative Approaches in Drug Discovery 💡💊
  7. Detection of Exosomal miR210 Using Carbon Nanomaterial-Coated Magnetic Beads 🧬⚙️
  8. Immunity-on-a-Chip: Integration of Immune Components 🛡️🔬
  9. Pre-concentration and Detection of Colorectal Cancer Exosomes 🧬🦠
  10. In Vitro Micro-Physiological Immune-Competent Model of the Human Skin 🌱🧪

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Qasem Ramadan’s extensive research in bio-medical microsystems, particularly his contributions to organ-on-a-chip technologies, his leadership in promoting ethical research alternatives, and his impressive academic and professional accomplishments make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to shape the future of biomedical research and healthcare technologies, and his dedication to advancing alternative methods in drug discovery and disease modeling is both innovative and invaluable.