Yingying Cao | Meat Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Yingying Cao | Meat Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Yingying Cao | Lanzhou University of Technology | China

Mrs. Yingying Cao is a dedicated researcher and educator at Lanzhou University of Technology, China. With a strong foundation in food science and biochemistry, she has specialized in the processing and quality control of agricultural and livestock products. Over the years, Mrs. Cao has undertaken several prestigious research projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation project and multiple provincial-level initiatives in Gansu. Her contributions span over 30 scientific publications and several patents, reflecting her commitment to innovation in food safety and processing. Her research focuses on oxidative modifications of myosin, the structural properties of proteins, and enhancing food quality through novel techniques such as high-pressure processing. In addition to her academic output, she plays an instrumental role in teaching and mentoring within the university. Her dedication, leadership, and scientific contributions make her a strong candidate for recognition under the Best Researcher Award category.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Mrs. Yingying Cao pursued her education in food science and technology, laying a strong academic foundation for her research career. Her academic training focused on food biochemistry, protein chemistry, and modern analytical techniques for food quality assessment. During her postgraduate studies, she developed a deep interest in protein oxidation mechanisms and functional food properties, which later became central themes in her research. She received specialized training in livestock product processing and food safety protocols, equipping her with practical and theoretical knowledge to handle interdisciplinary challenges. She has also actively participated in academic exchange programs, collaborating with top researchers and contributing to the academic growth of her institution. Her educational background has directly informed her research and teaching, enabling her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and applied science in food analysis, safety, and packaging.

Experience:

Mrs. Yingying Cao currently serves at Lanzhou University of Technology, where she is involved in both research and teaching. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in food analysis, food packaging and logistics, and biochemical research techniques. With over a decade of professional experience, she has led and participated in multiple key research initiatives at national and provincial levels. She is the principal investigator of a National Natural Science Foundation project and has successfully completed projects funded by the Gansu Youth Science Fund and Gansu Natural Science Foundation. In parallel, she has guided numerous horizontal research collaborations with industry partners. Her research experience includes hands-on protein structural analysis, oxidative stress on meat proteins, and functional food development. She is also experienced in mentoring students, contributing to curriculum development, and managing interdisciplinary research teams, making her a multifaceted professional in the food science domain.

Research Focus:

Mrs. Yingying Cao’s research focuses on the structural and functional properties of muscle proteins in livestock products, particularly under oxidative stress and processing conditions. Her current work examines the effects of thiol oxidation on the gelation characteristics of sheep myosin, with broader implications for meat quality and shelf life. She also investigates the impact of high-pressure processing, natural extracts, and protein additives on food safety and texture. Her goal is to optimize food processing methods while preserving nutritional value and enhancing product safety. Her interdisciplinary approach blends food chemistry, biophysics, and biotechnology, and she has made valuable contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein oxidation and its role in food spoilage and safety. Her innovative use of natural antioxidants and protein modifiers reflects her commitment to sustainable and health-conscious food production. Mrs. Cao’s research continues to provide scientific solutions to practical challenges in food quality control and processing.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Effects of hydroxyl radical oxidation on the structural and functional properties of mutton myosin – Czech J. Food Sci.,

  2. Effects of Combining High Pressure Processing Treatments and Konjac Glucomannan and Sodium Caseinate on Gel Properties of Myosin Protein – FOODS

  3. Effect of Oxidation on Physicochemical Properties and Structure of Mutton Myosin – Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy

  4. Effects of Extracts of Allium mongolicum on Safety and Quality of Pork Dry-Cured Sausage During Ripening – Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy

  5. Antioxidant mechanism of yam saponin, Hesperidin, ginger extract on oxidative chicken myofibrillar protein – Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, 2021The mechanism of high pressure-induced gels of rabbit myosin – Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies

  6. Effects of chicken myofibrillar protein concentration on protein oxidation and water holding capacity of its heat-induced gels – Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization

  7.  Effects of ethanol fumigation on inhibiting fresh-cut yam enzymatic browning and microbial growth – Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

Conclusion:

Based on the available data, Mrs. Yingying Cao is a highly competent researcher with a focused academic trajectory, consistent output, and strong leadership in both research and teaching. Her contribution to food science—particularly in understanding protein oxidation, developing antioxidant strategies, and improving food processing techniques—is commendable and well-aligned with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. With a proven track record of scientific rigor, innovation, and commitment to academic excellence, she is a deserving candidate for this recognition. Her continued contributions promise to drive meaningful advancements in food quality, safety, and technology.

 

 

Wei Zhang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang | Central South University | China

Dr. Wei Zhang, born on December 29, 1977, is a leading expert in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, China. With over two decades of dedication to personalized medicine and drug-gene interaction research, Dr. Zhang has advanced the fields of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and gut microbiome-pharmacology interactions. His global experience includes a research stint at the University of Maryland, USA. As a professor, scientific secretary, and associate dean, he contributes significantly to clinical research, translational pharmacogenomics, and academic leadership. Dr. Zhang has led multiple national research grants and published in top-tier journals like The Lancet, Nature Communications, and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. His research bridges clinical pharmacology and precision medicine, with a particular focus on diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and microbiome-drug interactions.

Publication profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Leadership
    Dr. Wei Zhang has served as a principal investigator for over 7 nationally funded projects, including China’s prestigious 863 Program and multiple NSFC grants. These projects span pharmacogenomics, clinical pharmacology, and personalized medicine, highlighting his leadership in cutting-edge translational research.

  2. Pioneering Work in Pharmacogenomics & Microbiome
    He has contributed significantly to the drug-gene-microbiota interaction field, especially in type 2 diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and nephrotoxicity. His discoveries on SLCO1B1, TRIB3, OATP1B1, and CYP2A6 variations have direct implications for individualized therapy.

  3. Global Research Recognition
    His work is published in high-impact journals such as The Lancet, Nature Communications, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, and Advanced Science. These publications attest to both quality and international relevance.

  4. Interdisciplinary Innovation
    Dr. Zhang bridges clinical pharmacology, bioinformatics, and microbial science, addressing unmet needs in precision medicine. His focus on gut microbiota’s role in drug efficacy and toxicity represents a visionary, interdisciplinary approach.

  5. Academic Mentorship & Leadership
    He has held senior academic roles (Professor, Associate Dean, Scientific Secretary), contributing to the development of academic programs and mentoring the next generation of clinical pharmacologists.

  6. Award-Winning Profile
    With over 9 prestigious national awards, including the New Century Talent Award, Henry Fok Young Teacher Award, and honors from the Chinese Ministry of Education, his contributions are officially recognized at the national level.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Collaboration Expansion
    While Dr. Zhang has completed a visiting scholar stint in the U.S., expanding ongoing multi-national clinical collaborations (e.g., with EU or U.S. precision medicine centers) would further globalize his impact.

  2. Public Communication & Outreach
    His work is academically impactful but could benefit from greater visibility in public health or policymaking arenas, translating research findings into clinical guidelines or patient-accessible formats.

  3. Patents & Industry Translation
    While his academic output is prolific, increased technology transfer—e.g., pharmacogenetic diagnostics or drug screening tools—would further boost his profile as a translational scientist.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Wei Zhang obtained his entire academic education from Central South University in Changsha, Hunan, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology (2003–2006) under the mentorship of Professor Hong-Hao Zhou, a member of the China Engineering Academy. His doctoral work centered on clinical pharmacology, with strong emphasis on drug assays and clinical trials. Prior to this, he received his M.A. in Pharmacology (2001–2003), focusing on pharmacogenomics and drug metabolism, gaining hands-on expertise in pyrosequencing and human DNA analysis. Dr. Zhang began his academic journey with a B.A. in Clinical Medicine (1996–2001) from XiangYa Medical School, where he built a solid foundation in pharmacology, physiology, and clinical medicine. This comprehensive academic trajectory laid the groundwork for his research in personalized therapy, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacokinetics, making him a key contributor in China’s pharmacological landscape.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Wei Zhang currently serves as Professor at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, since 2013. Since 2009, he has also held the post of Associate Dean at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology. Previously, he was an Associate Professor (2008–2013), Head of the Genetic Testing Laboratory (2007–2013), and Lecturer (2006–2008). He also contributes administratively as the Scientific Secretary of the National Key Discipline of Pharmacology since 2005. Dr. Zhang gained international experience as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Maryland, USA (2012–2013), further broadening his research expertise. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in pharmacogenomic translation, clinical trials, and precision medicine development, mentoring students and managing large research teams. His leadership and administrative skills have contributed to elevating China’s presence in global pharmacology research.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wei Zhang’s distinguished career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As a student, he received the “Class I Scholarship” and “Outstanding Postgraduate Student” awards in 2004 and 2005, followed by the “Excellent Report Award” from the Chinese Pharmacological Society in 2005. In 2006, he was named an Outstanding Graduate by Central South University. His research excellence earned him the “New Century Excellent Talents” award from the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2010 and the Science and Technology Prize of the Chinese Society of Pharmacy. He received international recognition in 2012 with a foreign fund from the China Scholarship Council. He was also honored as an “Outstanding Young Talent” by the Organization Department of China in 2013, and in 2014 received the esteemed “Henry Fok Young Teacher Award.” These accolades underscore his influential contributions to pharmacogenomics and clinical research in China.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wei Zhang’s research is centered around clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, and drug-microbiome interactions, with a mission to enable personalized medicine. His work investigates the genetic and microbial determinants of drug efficacy, toxicity, and metabolism, especially in type 2 diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and nephrotoxic drugs like cisplatin. He has led major national projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the 863 Program, exploring the pharmacogenomic landscape and the gut microbiota’s impact on drug response. Dr. Zhang’s translational focus bridges laboratory findings to clinical application, utilizing genomic tools and bioinformatics to optimize therapy. His innovative research has unveiled how bacterial metabolites and transporters influence drug absorption and immune modulation, contributing significantly to the understanding of precision pharmacology. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, his work pushes boundaries in oncology, endocrinology, and microbiome science.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 SLCO1B1 variants and enalapril-induced coughThe Lancet (2015)

  2. 💉 TRIB3 Gln84Arg and vascular complications in T2DMLancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2016)

  3. 🧠 Pharmacogenomics of hERG potassium channelsTrends in Molecular Medicine (2013)

  4. 🌱 Eubacterium rectale enhances anti-PD1 immunotherapyResearch (2023)

  5. 💊 Bacteroides ovatus and metformin-induced B12 deficiencyNPJ Biofilms Microbiomes (2023)

  6. 🧨 Cancer nanobombs enhancing PD-L1 expressionAdvanced Science (2024)

  7. 🌿 Regulatory effects of herbal compounds on gut bacteriaPharmacological Research (2023)

  8. 🔄 Drug–microbiota interactions in precision medicineSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2023)

  9. 🧫 Microbiota variation and ICI responseNature Communications (2023)

  10. 🔬 Peptides from Sutterella potentiate PD-1 blockadeGut (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Recommendation: Highly Suitable for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Zhang exemplifies the ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His robust scientific portfolio, pioneering work in pharmacogenomics and drug–microbiota interaction, along with his leadership in both academia and national projects, demonstrate excellence, innovation, and long-term impact. While further expansion into international policy or industry translation could enhance his reach, his current achievements already position him at the forefront of clinical pharmacology and personalized medicine in China and globally.