Charles Wang | Epigenomics | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Charles Wang | Epigenomics | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Charles Wang | Loma Linda University Center for Genomics | United States

Dr. Changhong Wang (now known as Dr. C. Wang), a U.S. citizen, is a distinguished molecular toxicologist and genomic scientist currently serving as Director and Tenured Professor at the Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University. Originally from China, Dr. Wang holds dual graduate degrees in Public Health and Toxicology from Tongji Medical University and the University of Washington, respectively. His early career laid the foundation for pivotal research into environmental toxicants and gene-environment interactions. Dr. Wang has significantly contributed to the understanding of xenobiotic metabolism, DNA methylation, and the transgenerational effects of toxins and epigenetics. His leadership in molecular genetics research is reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications and competitive grants. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Wang’s work bridges foundational science and clinical application, marking him as a strong contender for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award.

Publication Profile: 

Socpus

Education:

Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Washington, Seattle. His doctoral work focused on aflatoxin metabolism and liver glutathione S-transferases in nonhuman primates, mentored by Dr. David L. Eaton. Prior to that, he earned an MPH in Environmental Epidemiology from Tongji Medical University, China, where he developed a foundation in public health and environmental sciences. His dual training in toxicology and epidemiology provided a unique cross-disciplinary approach to health sciences. This strong academic background enables Dr. Wang to address critical questions regarding how environmental exposures affect human health, especially through epigenetic and genomic pathways. His educational path reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific excellence and translational impact, positioning him to bridge molecular discoveries with public health relevance—a crucial quality for a candidate of the Distinguished Scientist Award.

Experience:

Dr. Wang currently serves as Director and Tenured Professor at the Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University (LLU), where he has led translational and mechanistic genomic research. His responsibilities span academic leadership, mentorship, and collaborative research within the Division of Molecular Genetics. Prior to this, he held the role of Associate Professor-Adjunct in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at LLU. His earlier roles include postdoctoral and research scientist positions at institutions where he investigated environmental carcinogens, drug metabolism, and gene expression. Over three decades, Dr. Wang has built a multidisciplinary portfolio in toxicology, environmental health, and genomics. He is a leading voice in DNA methylation, epigenetic inheritance, and cancer biology. His integrative research style and administrative skills have allowed him to create impactful programs that foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration—an essential trait for any distinguished scientist.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wang’s academic journey has been decorated with prestigious accolades from the outset. He received the Excellent Medical Student Award  and Distinguished Graduate Student Award from Tongji Medical University. His pioneering research at the University of Washington earned him the First-Place Graduate Award for Research Excellence from the Society of Toxicology in New Orleans. He was awarded multiple Student Travel Awards from the University of Washington’s School of Public Health. These early recognitions underscore his long-standing commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. Dr. Wang’s later career has been marked by continuous success in publication, grant acquisition, and institutional leadership. These honors reflect both peer recognition and academic merit, reinforcing his status as a credible and outstanding candidate for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research focuses on environmental toxicology, genomics, and epigenetics, particularly in the context of transgenerational health effects. He investigates how toxicants such as cadmium, aflatoxin B1, and p,p’-DDE affect gene regulation through epigenetic reprogramming. His lab has pioneered work on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA signatures in diseases like cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and diabetes. Recent work has addressed the effects of e-cigarette exposure on neonatal brain methylomes and the epigenetic inheritance of addiction vulnerability. Dr. Wang also explores copy number variation and drug resistance mechanisms in oncology, using cutting-edge tools like single-cell RNA sequencing and patient-derived models. His integrative, multi-omics approach allows for deep mechanistic insights and clinical translation. His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in high-impact research areas demonstrates both visionary thinking and the technical prowess necessary for distinguished scientific leadership.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Cadmium-induced negative calcium balance in multiparous birth women

  2. Effect of cadmium on bone calcium in nonpregnant mice: Direct evidence on bone

  3. Cadmium’s impact on bone calcium in mouse dams: Itai-Itai-like syndrome model

  4. Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes by BHA, ethoxyquin, and oltipraz

  5. Diquat and ciprofibrate effects on hepatic enzyme expression

  6. Mu-class GSTs mediate aflatoxin B1 epoxide conjugation in Macaca liver

  7. CYP1B1 expression analyzed in human tissues via hybridization techniques

  8. Cloning and characterization of alpha-class GSTs from Macaca liver

  9. Proteomic comparison of hepatocyte preparation methods

  10.  CYP3A41B polymorphism linked to puberty onset and breast cancer risk*

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Wang’s long-standing academic excellence, innovative research in toxicogenomics, and his leadership in advancing our understanding of environmental and epigenetic factors in disease clearly distinguish him as an outstanding scientist. His achievements fulfill and surpass the expectations for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award. His profile reflects not only a deep commitment to rigorous science but also a visionary approach to public health and molecular research. With minor expansion in global engagement and translational outreach, Dr. Wang’s impact could be even more far-reaching. He is highly recommended for this honor.

Dmytro Maltsev | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Review Paper Award

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Mr. Dmytro Maltsev | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Dmytro Maltsev , O’Bogomolets National Medical University , Ukraine

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev is a Ukrainian neuroimmunologist, physician-scientist, and clinical researcher with a PhD in medicine. He serves as the head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology at the Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O’Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv. His extensive body of work spans neuroimmunology, autoimmune encephalitis, herpesvirus infections, and immune deficiencies. He is the author of 29 books and over 340 scientific papers, with 50 indexed in Scopus. His work has earned several prestigious awards, including recognition from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and international congresses. He actively collaborates with institutions like the Mayo Clinic (USA) and the Institute of Neurosurgery (Ukraine). Dr. Maltsev is a member of multiple professional societies, including the European Academy of Neurology. His groundbreaking GBINS protocol for autistic spectrum disorder highlights his contributions to precision medicine and multidisciplinary approaches in neuropsychiatric care.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Work:
    Dr. Maltsev’s systematic review on herpesviral encephalitis presents a groundbreaking clinic-radiological classification, offering a unifying framework that enhances clinical diagnostics and therapeutic planning.

  2. Depth and Breadth of Expertise:
    The review showcases deep neuroimmunological insight, drawing from over 340 publications, including 50 in SCOPUS, and extensive experience in both clinical and laboratory settings.

  3. Interdisciplinary Integration:
    He combines advanced techniques—PCR, ELISA, western blot, flow cytometry—with clinical observations, resulting in practical classifications and diagnostic pathways.

  4. Relevance and Timeliness:
    The review addresses a critical gap in understanding viral encephalitides, which are often misdiagnosed or under-reported, contributing to early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

  5. International Collaboration:
    Collaborative ties with the Mayo Clinic (USA) and leading Ukrainian research institutions add credibility and global relevance to his work.

  6. Proven Impact:
    Recognized for prior scientific excellence through national and international awards, including recognition from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the World Congress of Immunopathology.

🧭 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Editorial Involvement:
    Currently, Dr. Maltsev does not hold editorial roles, which could enhance his influence in shaping the field’s publication standards and peer-review frameworks.

  2. Digital Science Communication:
    Expanding public engagement via open-access formats, social media science explainers, or video summaries would amplify the reach of his reviews beyond academia.

  3. Visual Data Representation:
    While the review is methodically comprehensive, adding infographics, visual summaries, or interactive diagnostic flowcharts could enhance reader accessibility, particularly for multidisciplinary teams.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev pursued his medical education and PhD at O’Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine. Early in his academic career, he displayed an interest in immunopathology and clinical biology. His PhD focused on the clinical and immunological aspects of herpesvirus infections and their role in neuroinflammatory diseases. His educational path included specialization in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. His training also incorporated translational research and clinical diagnostics, equipping him with a multidisciplinary approach essential for modern neuroimmunology. With further professional development in clinical immunology and collaboration with international research groups, including the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Maltsev has refined his knowledge in personalized medicine. He actively mentors postgraduate students, and his research findings are frequently integrated into educational materials, including textbooks and monographs used in university-level instruction throughout Ukraine and abroad.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev has over 20 years of professional experience in neuroimmunology and molecular medicine. As the head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology at O’Bogomolets National Medical University, he leads research on immune system dysfunction, neurodevelopmental disorders, and viral neuropathology. His professional journey includes clinical consultancy, authorship of 29 medical books, and over 340 published studies. He has completed 8 major research projects and collaborated on 4 industry-funded studies. Dr. Maltsev also holds 16 patents and actively participates in international scientific communities. His work spans diagnostics, therapy innovation, and personalized medicine, including the creation of GBINS, a treatment framework for children with autism spectrum disorders. Recognized for pioneering work on minor immunodeficiencies and viral encephalitis classifications, he has received multiple national and international awards. Dr. Maltsev collaborates globally with neurologists and immunologists, contributing to consensus guidelines, systematic reviews, and cross-continental case studies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Maltsev’s research focuses on neuroimmunology, specifically immune-related neurological and psychiatric disorders. He investigates immunodeficiency syndromes, herpesvirus-induced encephalitis, autoimmune epilepsies, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) associated with folate cycle genetic deficiencies. His work emphasizes personalized, multidisciplinary treatments through laboratory diagnostics like PCR, ELISA, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. A core achievement is the GBINS protocol, offering a targeted therapy model for children with ASD. He also researches immunoglobulin E deficiency and alpha/beta-defensin involvement in oral cancer complications. His aim is to bridge immune dysfunction with neurological pathologies, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. By classifying new immune-related diseases and pioneering treatment options, Dr. Maltsev contributes significantly to immunotherapy and neurorehabilitation. He also explores how AI can enhance diagnosis and therapy across various disciplines. His dedication to translational research supports the development of individualized care protocols, with ongoing global collaborations in Europe, the USA, and beyond.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Clinic-radiological classification of herpesviral encephalitis in humans (Systematic review)

  2. 🧬 Integrative concept of pathogenesis and GBINS personalized multidisciplinary approach to ASD in children

  3. 💉 Risk factors for grade III radiation-induced mucositis in oral/oropharyngeal cancer therapy

  4. 🧫 Microbial infections in children with ASD and genetic folate cycle deficiency

  5. 🧪 Primary minor immunodeficiencies as a cause of immune-dependent pathology (Systematic review)

  6. 🌍 Global presence and penetrance of CSF1-related disorder

  7. 💊 Treatment of reactivated EBV, HHV-6, HHV-7 in children with ASD and folate cycle disruption

  8. 🤖 Trends in the use of AI in diagnosis and treatment

  9. 🛡️ Alpha/beta-defensins’ influence on immunity in oral/oropharyngeal cancer

  10. 🌐 Global presence of CSF1R-Related disorder: A multinational case series

🏁 Conclusion:

Dr. Dmytro Maltsev is highly deserving of the Best Review Paper Award for his exemplary scholarly contribution titled:
“Clinic-radiological classification of herpesviral encephalitis in humans (Systematic Review)”, published in the Journal of NeuroVirology (2025).

His work offers clinical utility, theoretical innovation, and a robust, evidence-based approach to a complex neuroinfectious condition. With continued emphasis on global engagement and editorial leadership, Dr. Maltsev is poised to remain a key thought leader in neuroimmunology.

Robert Crawford | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Epigenetics in Cell Biology Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Robert Crawford | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Epigenetics in Cell Biology Award

Dr. Robert Crawford, biomodal , United Kingdom

Dr. Robert Crawford, MEng, DPhil (Oxon), is a distinguished multi-disciplinary scientist and engineer with over 13 years of experience in the life sciences. His expertise spans the development, integration, and verification of DNA sequencing technologies, with a strong focus on genomic and epigenomic applications. He currently serves as Associate Director of Collaborations and Applications at biomodal, where he leads scientific and informatics teams to drive innovation and strategic partnerships. Previously, he played a key role at Illumina in integrating whole-genome sequencing solutions for in vitro diagnostics. Dr. Crawford’s academic journey began at the University of Oxford, where he earned a DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics and contributed to the foundational IP of Oxford Nanoimaging. His research has led to multiple high-impact publications, patents, and conference presentations. Passionate about scientific discovery and translational research, he continues to shape the future of epigenetics and molecular diagnostics.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

✅ Expertise in Epigenetics & Genomics – Dr. Robert Crawford has extensive experience in genomic and epigenomic sequencing, particularly in integrating DNA modifications like 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine as biomarkers. His recent publications in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology demonstrate his contributions to the field.

✅ Industry & Academic Impact – His transition from academia to industry has resulted in high-impact research, patents, and product development. At biomodal, he leads teams working on sequencing applications relevant to cell biology and epigenetics.

✅ Innovation & Translational Research – He co-invented a single-molecule microscope (now a spin-out, Oxford Nanoimaging), showcasing his ability to translate fundamental research into real-world applications.

✅ Collaborative Leadership – His role at biomodal involves leading collaborations with academic and commercial partners, demonstrating his ability to foster research in epigenetics and molecular diagnostics.

Areas for Improvement:

🔹 Further Independent Research – While his collaborative research is significant, leading an independent research program in epigenetics would further strengthen his case for this award.
🔹 Expanded Focus on Cell Biology Applications – While his work heavily focuses on DNA modifications, a deeper exploration into how these modifications impact broader cellular mechanisms could enhance his profile.

Education:

Dr. Robert Crawford obtained his DPhil (Oxon) in Condensed Matter Physics from St John’s College, University of Oxford, where he investigated single-molecule DNA sensors and transcription factor dynamics. His research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Achilles Kapanidis in the Gene Machines Group. Prior to his doctorate, he completed interdisciplinary training at Oxford’s Life Sciences Interface Doctoral Training Centre, covering computational biology, medical imaging, biophysics, and bioinformatics. His undergraduate education culminated in an MEng in a related field, equipping him with strong analytical and engineering skills. Dr. Crawford’s academic foundation has been instrumental in his contributions to DNA sequencing technologies, super-resolution imaging, and epigenetics. His work at Oxford also led to the invention of a compact single-molecule microscope, which later became the basis for the spin-out Oxford Nanoimaging. His rigorous scientific background enables him to bridge fundamental research and commercial biotechnology applications.

Experience:

Dr. Robert Crawford’s professional career has spanned academia and industry, with a focus on genomics, epigenetics, and molecular diagnostics. At biomodal, he serves as Associate Director of Collaborations and Applications, leading teams in commercial and academic partnerships, technology demonstrations, and strategic initiatives. Previously, he spent nearly a decade at Illumina, where he played a key role in integrating end-to-end in vitro diagnostic whole-genome sequencing solutions. His expertise in troubleshooting, large-scale data analysis, and verification test planning has contributed to the successful deployment of cutting-edge sequencing platforms. In academia, he was a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, pioneering single-molecule imaging techniques and co-inventing a compact microscope for biosensing. This work laid the groundwork for Oxford Nanoimaging, now a leading biotech company. Dr. Crawford’s blend of research innovation and industry execution has made him a driving force in the advancement of sequencing technologies.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Robert Crawford has received several prestigious awards and research grants in recognition of his contributions to life sciences and engineering. In 2013, he was awarded a Junior Research Fellowship at Linacre College, University of Oxford, supporting his groundbreaking work in single-molecule microscopy. His postdoctoral research attracted over £160,000 in funding, including a £120,000 DSTL grant from the UK Ministry of Defence, a £10,000 BBSRC Sparking Impact award, and an EPSRC PhD Plus Scholarship worth £24,000. Additionally, he secured BBSRC Follow-on Funding through the Pathfinder scheme (£10,000) to advance the commercialization of his research. His patented work on compact microscopy led to the founding of Oxford Nanoimaging, which has raised over $109.4 million in funding. Through these achievements, Dr. Crawford has demonstrated a consistent ability to translate high-impact research into real-world applications, making him a strong contender for the Research for Epigenetics in Cell Biology Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Robert Crawford’s research centers on the intersection of genomics, epigenetics, and molecular diagnostics, with a particular emphasis on developing and optimizing sequencing technologies. His work at biomodal explores the synergistic role of DNA modifications, such as 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, as biomarkers for early cancer detection. His recent studies highlight the critical regulatory function of OGT in global DNA methylation and transposable element suppression, advancing the understanding of epigenomic stability. During his time at Oxford, he developed a single-molecule fluorescence microscope for studying intracellular transcription factors, leading to significant breakthroughs in live-cell imaging. His research has been widely published in top-tier journals and has contributed to the development of cutting-edge sequencing workflows. With a strong commitment to translational science, Dr. Crawford’s work continues to push the boundaries of epigenetic research, making impactful contributions to early disease detection and precision medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

📌 2025 – 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine are synergistic biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer – Nat Struct Mol Biol
🧬 2025 – OGT is a key regulator of global DNA methylation – Nat Struct Mol Biol
🧬 2025 – OGT prevents DNA demethylation and suppresses transposable elements in heterochromatin – Nat Struct Mol Biol (Accepted)
🔬 2015 – Compact Microscope – WO 2015059682 A1 (Founding IP for Oxford Nanoimaging)
💡 2013 – Long Lived Intracellular Single-molecule Fluorescence Using Electroporated Molecules – Biophys. J.
🧬 2013 – Non-covalent Single Transcription Factor Encapsulation Inside a DNA Cage – Angew Chem.

Conclusion:

Dr. Robert Crawford is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Epigenetics in Cell Biology Award due to his extensive expertise in genomic and epigenomic sequencing, strong research track record, and ability to bridge fundamental science with commercial applications. With his leadership in sequencing technology development and impactful publications, he is well-positioned to make continued contributions to epigenetics and cell biology. 🚀